What should a roof inspection cost?

A standalone roof inspection from a licensed roofing contractor typically runs $150–$400 for a standard single-family home, depending on roof size, pitch, and accessibility. Inspections that include a written report with photos tend to sit at the higher end of that range.

Many roofers waive the inspection fee entirely if you move forward with a repair or replacement quote from them, or if the inspection is tied to a real estate transaction and the roofer is hoping to win the resulting work. Some now offer free drone inspections as a differentiator — worth asking about directly.

Be cautious of any 'free inspection' that comes with high-pressure, same-visit sales tactics, especially after a storm. A legitimate inspection should produce a clear written summary of the roof's condition regardless of whether you hire that company for the repair.

If a quote for repair work seems to come out of nowhere without an actual inspection, that's a red flag — ask to see photos of the specific damage referenced in any estimate.