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Home ServicesConsensus Index

AI CONSENSUS INDEX/

Best Budget Roof Replacement Companies for Cost-Conscious Homeowners (2026)

OpenbooQ leads this 7-platform AI study of budget roof replacement companies, followed by Budget Roof, Erie Home, Epic Roof Replacement, and DirectCrews. Each serves a distinct buyer, from Ohio and Texas homeowners wanting flat-rate online pricing to California buyers seeking a published per-square-foot rate.

Multiple AI perspectivesEvidence-led comparisonsOur editorial independence

The research in brief

OpenbooQ is the consensus leader for budget-friendly roof replacement in this 7-platform AI study, named by 3 of 7 platforms (42.9%) at an average listed position of 3.0 and a best position of 1. Budget Roof ranks second (2 mentions, average 1.0), Erie Home third (2 mentions, average 2.5), Epic Roof Replacement fourth (2 mentions, average 3.5), and DirectCrews fifth (2 mentions, average 5.5). Each finalist serves a distinct buyer: OpenbooQ for Ohio and Texas homeowners wanting online flat-rate pricing with no deposit, Budget Roof for Colorado homeowners accepting two shingle colors, Erie Home for buyers who need third-party financing, Epic for California homeowners wanting a published per-square-foot rate, and DirectCrews for New Jersey and Pennsylvania buyers testing a 15% direct-crew markup model. The principal limitation: this study sent one standardized prompt once to each platform, and company-owned citations materially outnumber independent ones, so several pricing and warranty claims remain unverified.

Research Snapshot

  • Topic: Best budget roof replacement companies for cost-conscious homeowners
  • Target buyer: A homeowner who needs a functional roof replacement but has limited funds and is prioritizing the lowest reasonable total cost
  • Use case: Budget friendly roof replacement
  • Geography: United States
  • Research date: 2026-09-30
  • Platforms included (7): ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Grok, Perplexity, Kimi, Gemini
  • Unique entities named across platforms: 38
  • Qualifying entities: 5
  • Eligibility rule: Named by at least two platforms during ranking discovery
  • Ranking authority: The final ranking table, ordered by platform mentions, then average listed rank, then best listed rank
  • Fit evidence authority: Entity evidence bundles

Platform mentions count only ranking-discovery mentions. They do not equal the number of platforms that later completed a fit assessment. For example, Epic Roof Replacement was named by 2 platforms during ranking discovery, but 6 of 7 platforms returned a usable fit assessment for it.

The Consensus Ranking

Questions explored

  • What are the best roof replacement companies for budget friendly roof replacement in 2026?
  • Which budget roof replacement company was named by the most AI platforms?

OpenbooQ leads on breadth of platform mentions, while Budget Roof holds the strongest average listed position (1.0) among the two platforms that named it. The ranking rule resolves this in OpenbooQ's favor because platform mentions are weighted first.

RankEntityPlatform mentionsAverage listed positionBest positionBest considered for
1
OpenbooQ
3
3.0
1
Homeowners in OpenbooQ service areas, especially Ohio and Texas, seeking an itemized online estimate without sales pressure.; Buyers who can compare OpenbooQ's quote against at least two local written bids and value no deposit until final inspection.; Homeowners wanting a complete manufacturer-branded asphalt-shingle system rather than the absolute lowest-grade roofing material.
2
Budget Roof
2
1.0
1
Colorado homeowners in the Denver Metro area, Vail, Eagle, or Summit counties needing a complete asphalt-roof replacement.; Homeowners prioritizing a fast, simplified process over broad material, color, or service selection.; Homeowners with ACV, high-deductible, or roof-payment-schedule insurance situations who do not need the contractor to negotiate the claim.
3
Erie Home
2
2.5
1
Homeowners who value a large, national sales and installation organization more than the lowest installed price.; Buyers who need third-party financing and qualify for terms that remain acceptable after calculating total repayment.; Homeowners who specifically want Erie Home's offered asphalt or stone-coated steel systems and are willing to pay a premium for the package.
4
Epic Roof Replacement
2
3.5
3
California homeowners in Epic’s stated service area seeking an asphalt-shingle replacement.; Buyers prioritizing a published per-square-foot starting price and a basic package with tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and limited wood replacement.; Homeowners willing to obtain a site-specific quote and verify all exclusions before signing.
5
DirectCrews
2
5.5
5
Homeowners in DirectCrews's verified service area seeking an asphalt-shingle replacement with a fast preliminary price.; Buyers who value itemized pricing, direct crew communication, and a stated price-lock policy.; Homeowners willing to compare the quote against at least two established local contractors.

Which provider fits your needs?

Questions explored

  • Which budget roof replacement company should a homeowner choose if they need transparent flat pricing and no upfront deposit?
  • Is OpenbooQ or Budget Roof better for budget roof replacement when service-area coverage matters?
  • Which roof replacement company should a cost-conscious buyer choose if they need financing?
Buyer situationBest-fit entityWhy, per platform evidence
Wants an online flat-rate quote with no sales visit and no deposit
OpenbooQ
Advertised address-based pricing, no sales commissions, and $0 down until installation approval [26]
Lives in Ohio or Texas and wants a complete branded shingle system
OpenbooQ
Publicly identifies Ohio and Texas service areas and a complete GAF roof system [30]
Lives in Colorado and accepts limited color choice for a lower price
Budget Roof
Aerial-measured online quoting, full-roof-only scope, and two shingle colors [2]
Has an ACV or high-deductible policy and does not need claim negotiation
Budget Roof
States it does not negotiate with insurance companies and refers buyers to partner companies [2]
Needs third-party financing and a national organization
Erie Home
Advertises same-day financing approval and terms from 12 to 180 months [21]
Lives in California and wants a published per-square-foot rate
Epic Roof Replacement
Economy package advertised at $6.15–$6.85 per square foot depending on displayed market [9]
Wants to test a direct-crew model with a stated 15% fee
DirectCrews
Advertises a 15% fee versus claimed 40%–50% traditional markups, plus price-lock and escrow [55]
Wants the lowest absolute verified bid
None of the five, on current evidence
No platform verified a lowest-cost guarantee for any finalist; multiple platforms recommend collecting two or three local written bids

1. OpenbooQ

Questions explored

  • Is OpenbooQ worth it for budget roof replacement, and what are its main drawbacks?
  • Which budget roof replacement company has the lowest published per-square-foot rate, and what fees apply?
  • What should a buyer check before choosing OpenbooQ for a budget roof replacement?

Verdict. OpenbooQ is the consensus leader and the only finalist named by three platforms, but its fit ratings split sharply: Claude rated it strong, Gemini and Perplexity rated it good, ChatGPT rated it mixed, and DeepSeek and Kimi rated it uncertain [115]. The company markets a direct-to-homeowner model with no commissioned sales team, online flat-rate pricing, and a complete GAF roof system [26].

Why it ranked here. OpenbooQ was named by Claude, Grok, and Kimi during ranking discovery, giving it 3 platform mentions and a 42.9% share of platform responses. Its average listed position is 3.0, with a best position of 1. The wider mention count is what places it first despite a weaker average position than Budget Roof.

Best suited for. Homeowners in OpenbooQ service areas, especially Ohio and Texas, seeking an itemized online estimate without sales pressure; buyers who can compare the quote against at least two local written bids and value no deposit until final inspection; and homeowners wanting a complete manufacturer-branded asphalt-shingle system rather than the absolute lowest-grade material [26].

Main strengths for this use case. Multiple platforms report transparent, itemized pricing. Anthropic describes line-item pricing with materials at 0% markup, standardized labor, and a 10% platform fee [115]. Google reports a flat $4.59 per square foot for GAF Timberline HDZ including materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, site cleanup, and sales tax, with $4.79 for UHDZ and $4.99 for AS II [40]. Grok reports $4.59–$4.99 per square foot all-in for GAF Timberline shingles [40]. Perplexity reports a project service fee of $0.99 per square foot already included in the listed rate [40]. The company states no deposit is required and payment occurs after installation and homeowner approval [26]. Financing is advertised through Enhancify, with loan amounts from $500 to $200,000, terms up to 15 years, and 0% promotional APR options for qualified customers [60].

Main limitations. Service coverage is limited. OpenbooQ publicly identifies Ohio and Texas as its service areas, with expansion planned but not confirmed [30]. The absolute price advantage rests mainly on company-provided examples against unnamed competitors [26]. A currently available 3-tab shingle option was not verified [35]. Financing economics are insufficiently disclosed: APR, loan term, origination fees, eligibility requirements, and total repayment were not stated in the reviewed sources [41]. Aerial quoting may not identify hidden decking, flashing, ventilation, structural, or access conditions before work begins [35]. Deepseek could not retrieve the official website during its research window and rated the fit uncertain as a result [26]. Kimi found no independent sources mentioning OpenbooQ in a roofing context and rated the fit uncertain [26].

Pricing or cost summary. No universal price list was verified. OpenbooQ claims a transparent address-based quote and, on a Columbus page, describes illustrative architectural-shingle pricing of approximately $7,000–$9,250 for a typical home, labeled methodology-derived rather than transaction data [41]. Anthropic reports regional examples: Dayton $6,750–$9,000, Plano, TX $7,750–$10,000, and Austin $8,000–$10,250 [37]. Google reports a $0.99 per square foot project service fee plus $125 per skylight, $250 per chimney, and $5 per square per story above the first floor [40]. Pricing confidence across platforms is mixed: Claude and Gemini report high confidence, ChatGPT, Perplexity, DeepSeek, and Kimi report low confidence.

Where platforms disagreed. Warranty terms conflict. OpenbooQ's homepage states a 25-year workmanship warranty, while the support page contains inconsistent references to a 5-year and a 3-year warranty [44]. Perplexity reports the same conflict between 25-year and 5-year workmanship language and between 50-year, lifetime, and GAF System Plus material warranty wording [47]. Fee structure also conflicts: some pages describe a 10% platform fee, others a $0.99 per square foot project service fee, and others a ~20% service and warranty fee [116]. Payment structure conflicts as well: most pages say no payment until after install, while one terms page says a small deposit is typically required [47]. Fit ratings ranged from strong to uncertain across the seven platforms.

2. Budget Roof

Questions explored

  • Is Budget Roof worth it for budget roof replacement in Colorado, and what are its main drawbacks?
  • Which budget roof replacement company should a buyer choose if they want only two shingle colors and a fast quote?
  • What should a buyer verify before choosing Budget Roof for a budget roof replacement?

Verdict. Budget Roof holds the strongest average listed position of any finalist (1.0) but carries the widest fit-rating spread: Grok rated it good, Gemini and ChatGPT rated it mixed, and Claude, DeepSeek, Perplexity, and Kimi rated it uncertain [2]. The company markets a streamlined full-roof-only model using aerial measurements to keep prices low [2].

Why it ranked here. Budget Roof was named by Claude and Kimi during ranking discovery, giving it 2 platform mentions and a 28.6% share. Its average listed position is 1.0 with a best position of 1. It ranks second because platform mentions are weighted first, and OpenbooQ was named by three platforms.

Best suited for. Colorado homeowners in the Denver Metro area, Vail, Eagle, or Summit counties needing a complete asphalt-roof replacement; homeowners prioritizing a fast, simplified process over broad material, color, or service selection; and homeowners with ACV, high-deductible, or roof-payment-schedule insurance situations who do not need the contractor to negotiate the claim [2].

Main strengths for this use case. The company states its streamlined system keeps prices low and that it can quote quickly and build within a week [2]. It advertises an online quote using aerial measurements that avoids multiple site visits and hand measurements [2]. It limits its catalog to full roofs and full gutter replacements, which the company says reduces scope-driven upselling [2]. It offers only two shingle colors, Charcoal and Weathered Wood, attributing the restriction to bulk purchasing and lower inventory costs [2]. Google reports the company uses qualified GAF Master Elite installers despite the budget model [2]. Grok reports 0% financing is available via a partner link [2].

Main limitations. No verified current price or publicly available sample estimate allows a reliable lowest-cost comparison [2]. The service area is regional rather than nationwide [4]. The company does not publicly disclose enough technical detail to compare roof-system value or safety against established competitors [2]. Only full roofs and full gutter replacements are offered, so repair or partial-work needs may not fit [2]. Insurance negotiation and broader restoration work are excluded from the core model [2]. Financing terms and eligibility are unclear; the linked financing portal returned a 403 response during ChatGPT's review [126]. Warranty, licensing, insurance, permit, and subcontractor information are not sufficiently disclosed on the reviewed pages [2]. Anthropic notes that multiple unrelated companies operate as "Budget Roofing" nationwide, making identity verification difficult [53].

Pricing or cost summary. No current project-specific price is publicly posted. Budget Roof publishes a historical Colorado estimate of approximately $4–$7 per roof square foot for a basic asphalt roof and approximately $6,000–$15,000 for some Colorado homes, but that article is dated May 14, 2023 and should not be treated as a current quote [3]. A deposit is collected at the jobsite contract-signing meeting, but the amount is not publicly specified [2]. Financing is advertised as 0%, subject to undisclosed terms and approval [126]. Pricing confidence is low across ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Grok, Perplexity, and Kimi; Gemini reports moderate confidence [2].

Where platforms disagreed. Fit ratings ranged from good to uncertain. Grok rated the fit good, citing streamlined operations and 0% financing [2]. Google rated it mixed, citing Colorado-only coverage and no insurance negotiation [2]. Openai rated it mixed, citing insufficient public evidence on installed pricing and warranties [2]. Anthropic, DeepSeek, Perplexity, and Kimi all rated it uncertain, citing missing verifiable pricing, service areas, financing, materials, warranties, and customer outcomes [2]. Deepseek and Kimi both reported that Budget Roof did not appear in their search results at all [66]. The website also uses both "Budget Roof" and "Budget Roofing" branding, and the homepage lists a Monument, Colorado address while the service-area page describes the business as based in Englewood [2].

3. Erie Home

Questions explored

  • Is Erie Home worth it for budget roof replacement, and what are its main drawbacks?
  • Which budget roof replacement company should a buyer choose if they need financing but want the lowest total cost?
  • What should a buyer verify before signing an Erie Home roof replacement contract?

Verdict. Erie Home is the weakest-rated finalist for this specific use case. Six of seven platforms rated the fit weak, and one rated it mixed: Claude, Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT, and Perplexity rated it weak; DeepSeek rated it mixed; Kimi rated it uncertain [96]. It ranks third because it was named by two platforms, DeepSeek and ChatGPT, at an average listed position of 2.5.

Why it ranked here. Erie Home received 2 platform mentions and a 28.6% share, with an average listed position of 2.5 and a best position of 1. Its higher average position than Epic and DirectCrews places it third.

Best suited for. Homeowners who value a large, national sales and installation organization more than the lowest installed price; buyers who need third-party financing and qualify for terms that remain acceptable after calculating total repayment; and homeowners who specifically want Erie Home's offered asphalt or stone-coated steel systems and are willing to pay a premium for the package [17].

Main strengths for this use case. Erie Home offers a conventional architectural asphalt-shingle option positioned as its more affordable roofing system [17]. It advertises a free in-home inspection, measurements, planning, and a project quote [17]. It advertises same-day financing approval and terms from 12 to 180 months, with a $0-down offer subject to financing approval and third-party lender terms [21]. It operates in 34 states with 93 locations, which is broader coverage than any other finalist [96]. It markets a limited lifetime warranty with full repair or replacement for water leaks from manufacturer defect in the first 10 years at no labor or material cost, and materials coverage in years 11–30 with the customer paying labor [96].

Main limitations. No publicly verifiable standard price or online estimator was found [17]. The company is marketed as a premium roofing provider rather than a clearly low-price contractor [17]. Public complaint and review records contain recurring allegations relevant to budget buyers: high prices, same-day signing pressure, financing misunderstandings, and warranty or leak disputes [92]. BBB complaint records include allegations of several-hour in-home sales meetings, discounts conditioned on signing the same day, unexpectedly high prices, and financing terms that differed from what consumers say they were told [92]. Anthropic reports documented quotes of $82,000 later negotiated to $36,000, and $209,000 instantly discounted to $150,000 while competitors quoted $88,000 and $66,000 [81]. Google reports typical project pricing of $14,000 to $28,000, significantly higher than the local average for basic asphalt shingle installations [85]. Grok reports an average Erie project cost of around $38,496 [77]. The advertised $0-down financing offer is conditional and does not mean the project is inexpensive [21]. The complete asphalt warranty, exclusions, workmanship coverage, and transfer rules were not verified from public materials [17].

Pricing or cost summary. No standard installed price was publicly verified. Independent coverage reports commonly reported prices of approximately $12,000 to $27,000, but that figure is not an Erie-published price [86]. Anthropic cites a published asphalt range of $5,800–$12,700 from Consumer Affairs, alongside customer examples of $26,500, $35,000, and $31,000 reduced to $8,500 [96]. Google reports premium stone-coated metal roofs at $18,000 to $45,000, or $900 to $1,400 per square [85]. Financing terms run 12 to 180 months, with one customer citing a 13% rate [96]. Pricing confidence is low across ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Perplexity, Gemini, and Kimi; Grok reports moderate confidence.

Where platforms disagreed. Deepseek rated the fit mixed, noting that Erie's advertised flat-rate quote and financing support cost transparency, while acknowledging that nothing reviewed confirms it is the lowest-cost asphalt-shingle installer [13]. Kimi rated the fit uncertain, reporting that no verifiable 2026 pricing, quote methodology, or independent cost comparison was found [6]. The other five platforms rated it weak. There is also a documented disconnect between curated review scores and open-platform ratings: Google notes an A+ BBB rating alongside poor Yelp and industry blacklist ratings [121]. Anthropic notes that Erie Home's own website reportedly shows 100% five-star reviews while independent review sites show predominantly negative reviews [96].

4. Epic Roof Replacement

Questions explored

  • Is Epic Roof Replacement worth it for budget roof replacement in California, and what are its main drawbacks?
  • Which budget roof replacement company has the lowest published per-square-foot starting price, and what permit fees apply?
  • Is Epic Roof Replacement or OpenbooQ better for budget roof replacement when published pricing matters?

Verdict. Epic Roof Replacement is the only finalist with a published per-square-foot starting price, and its fit ratings lean positive: Grok rated it strong, Claude and Gemini rated it good, and ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Kimi rated it mixed [9]. Six of seven platforms returned a usable fit assessment, though only two named it during ranking discovery.

Why it ranked here. Epic Roof Replacement was named by Claude and Kimi during ranking discovery, giving it 2 platform mentions and a 28.6% share. Its average listed position is 3.5 with a best position of 3, placing it fourth behind Erie Home's 2.5 average.

Best suited for. California homeowners in Epic's stated service area seeking an asphalt-shingle replacement; buyers prioritizing a published per-square-foot starting price and a basic package with tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and limited wood replacement; and homeowners willing to obtain a site-specific quote and verify all exclusions before signing [9].

Main strengths for this use case. The Economy package is advertised at $6.85 per square foot in one displayed pricing section and $6.15 per square foot in another, both labeled "Best Value for Budget-Conscious Homeowners" [9]. The package includes complete tear-off, partial wood replacement, synthetic underlayment, starter shingles, Malarkey Highlander Cool architectural shingles, perimeter edge metal flashing, low-profile attic vents, plumbing flashing, and hip-and-ridge caps [9]. Anthropic reports the company claims a 30% cost reduction via a manufacturer direct-to-consumer approach and satellite quotes that eliminate salesperson overhead [106]. Google reports the company relies on satellite technology to deliver instant online quotes, bypassing traditional sales agents [52]. Anthropic reports 100% financing with $0 down and low monthly payments, with one customer reporting less than five minutes to apply [103]. Multi-platform ratings are consistently above 4.4: 4.4 on GuildQuality with 78 reviews, 4.8 on Houzz with 16 reviews, 5.0 on BuildZoom with 10 reviews, and 4.6 on GAF with 79 reviews [104]. The company is California licensed and GAF certified, with a BuildZoom score of 133 ranking in the top 1% of California contractors [95].

Main limitations. Pricing is displayed inconsistently across the same official pricing page [9]. Published rates are subject to inspection and possible add-ons, including extra roofing layers, damaged decking, city requirements, steep pitch, limited access, structural materials, labor, or equipment [9]. Only partial wood replacement is included; extensive decking damage may cost extra [9]. Economy workmanship coverage is 10 years, shorter than the 25-year workmanship coverage advertised for upgraded GAF Golden Pledge packages [9]. Financing details are insufficient to compare the true financed cost: APR, lender, term, credit requirements, deferred-interest conditions, and origination fees are not specified [9]. The company appears focused on California rather than nationwide availability [9]. Anthropic reports at least one customer stating the quote was significantly less than the final project cost, describing it as feeling like bait and switch [104]. Communication quality is inconsistent across reviews, with some customers reporting abysmal communication and frustration at each step [104]. Kimi notes the 10-year workmanship warranty is shorter than some competitors and that financing availability is not disclosed on the pricing page [9].

Pricing or cost summary. The Economy package is advertised at $6.85 per square foot for Northern California and $6.15 per square foot under a different property-type selection [9]. A $250 permit-processing fee applies when permits are required, plus the actual city permit cost [9]. Anthropic reports typical project costs of $5,000–$20,000 based on permit data, with a typical project size of approximately $5,600 [95]. Google reports high pricing confidence; ChatGPT reports moderate; Claude reports moderate; Perplexity and Kimi report low.

Where platforms disagreed. Grok rated the fit strong, citing the lowest-priced Economy package explicitly marketed for budget-conscious homeowners [9]. Anthropic and Gemini rated it good [9]. Openai, Perplexity, and Kimi rated it mixed [9]. Perplexity reported that the exact Economy package with Malarkey Highlander Cool shingles could not be independently verified from accessible source material [9]. Kimi reported that the exact Economy package dollar price is not published and that financing availability is unconfirmed, unlike most competitors [9]. Anthropic and Kimi also note identity complexity: separate "Epic" entities operate in Florida, Texas, and Alberta with distinct websites, and the evaluation covers only the California entity [99].

5. DirectCrews

Questions explored

  • Is DirectCrews worth it for budget roof replacement, and what are its main drawbacks?
  • Which budget roof replacement company should a buyer choose if they want a price-lock guarantee and escrow payment protection?
  • What should a buyer verify before choosing DirectCrews for a budget roof replacement?

Verdict. DirectCrews is the most contested finalist. Grok rated the fit good, Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity rated it mixed, and Claude, DeepSeek, and Kimi rated it uncertain [55]. Anthropic's research concluded that the domain directcrews.com resolves to a maritime staffing agency headquartered in Germany, not a residential roofing contractor [97].

Why it ranked here. DirectCrews was named by Claude and Kimi during ranking discovery, giving it 2 platform mentions and a 28.6% share. Its average listed position is 5.5 with a best position of 5, placing it fifth.

Best suited for. Homeowners in DirectCrews's verified service area seeking an asphalt-shingle replacement with a fast preliminary price; buyers who value itemized pricing, direct crew communication, and a stated price-lock policy; and homeowners willing to compare the quote against at least two established local contractors [55].

Main strengths for this use case. DirectCrews advertises a 15% fee compared with claimed traditional contractor markups of 40%–50%, plus example savings of $3,000–$6,000 [55]. Google reports a sample online quote of $13,500 for a 4,000 square foot roof inclusive of materials, labor, and warranty [55]. The company advertises satellite-measured roof sizing, package selection, itemized pricing, and quotes that include materials, labor, warranty, permits, and cleanup [55]. It advertises a price-lock guarantee and says additional work will be discussed before charging [55]. It advertises escrow handling for deposits and final payments, with release after materials are ordered or the job is verified complete [55]. It says installers are license-checked, insured, background-screened, manufacturer-certified, and required to have at least 10 years of experience [56]. Google reports explicit credentials for New Jersey (NJ HIC License #13VH13076900) and Pennsylvania (PA HIC License #PA201002) [55]. The terms page states cancellation before materials are ordered qualifies for a full deposit refund [55].

Main limitations. Savings and markup comparisons are company claims rather than independent evidence [55]. No public, standardized national price sheet was identified [55]. Financing costs and terms are not disclosed on the reviewed pages [55]. Warranty language is inconsistent: the website uses both lifetime-workmanship language and a more specific five-year workmanship-warranty statement [55]. The exact assigned contractor, local license status, insurance certificate, and permit responsibility must be verified for each project [55]. Satellite measurement may not identify all concealed conditions or code requirements [55]. The terms page states that DirectCrews acts as a coordinator between homeowners and independent installation crews, is not a roofing contractor, and does not directly employ the crews performing installation work [e5:official:C2]. The terms page also states that online quotes are estimates based on satellite measurements and standard conditions, and that final pricing may vary based on on-site inspection findings, roof condition and complexity not visible via satellite, and additional layers requiring tear-off [e5:official:C2]. The price lock applies only once a quote is confirmed after on-site inspection, and is locked for 30 days [e5:official:C2]. Cancellation after materials are ordered but before installation is subject to material restocking fees typically 15–25%, and cancellation within 48 hours of scheduled installation is subject to a fee up to 25% of project total [e5:official:C2]. Anthropic found no evidence that DirectCrews offers residential roofing services at all [54]. Kimi found no public web pages, press coverage, review profiles, or directory listings for DirectCrews [102]. Deepseek found no independent review, licensing-board, or BBB records [55].

Pricing or cost summary. Published pricing is quote-based rather than a fixed national rate. DirectCrews advertises a 15% fee, example roof prices of $13,500 and $15,100, and claimed savings of $3,000–$6,000 [55]. Google reports a flat 15% markup over crew costs and a sample quote of $13,500 for a 4,000 square foot roof [55]. Permit fees are typically separate depending on municipality rules [55]. Pricing confidence is low across ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Perplexity, and Kimi; Grok and Gemini report moderate confidence.

Where platforms disagreed. Grok rated the fit good, citing satellite measurement, no middleman markup, and claimed savings [55]. Google rated it mixed, noting that active licensing appears limited to New Jersey and Pennsylvania despite promotional text claiming nationwide availability [55]. Openai and Perplexity rated it mixed, citing company-claim reliance and unverified coverage [55]. Anthropic, DeepSeek, and Kimi rated it uncertain [54]. The most material disagreement is entity identity: Claude concluded the domain belongs to a maritime staffing agency, while ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Perplexity, and DeepSeek all retrieved roofing content from the same domain [97]. The website also conflicts internally, claiming nationwide service while the footer states service across New Jersey [55].

What this study reveals

Questions explored

  • What does the cross-platform AI study reveal about budget roof replacement companies in 2026?
  • Which budget roof replacement companies publish per-square-foot pricing, and which do not?

Three patterns define this market as the platforms described it.

First, published pricing is rare. Only Epic Roof Replacement publishes a per-square-foot starting rate on its own pricing page [9]. OpenbooQ publishes per-square-foot rates through platform-reported evidence from Gemini and Grok, but its own pages describe illustrative rather than transactional figures [40]. Budget Roof, Erie Home, and DirectCrews do not publish standard installed prices [2].

Second, the direct-to-consumer model is the dominant cost-reduction narrative. OpenbooQ, Budget Roof, Epic, and DirectCrews all market the elimination of commissioned sales or general-contractor overhead as the mechanism for lower prices [26]. Erie Home is the outlier, operating a national in-home sales model [17].

Third, geographic coverage is narrow for every finalist except Erie Home. OpenbooQ serves Ohio and Texas [30]. Budget Roof serves Colorado's Denver Metro, Vail, Eagle, and Summit counties [4]. Epic serves Northern and Southern California [9]. DirectCrews lists New Jersey and Pennsylvania licenses [55]. Erie Home operates in 34 states [96].

A fourth pattern is evident in the evidence itself: company-owned citations materially outnumber independent citations for OpenbooQ, Budget Roof, Epic, and DirectCrews, while Erie Home's evidence base is weighted toward independent complaint and review sources [92]. Buyers should treat company claims as claims, not verified facts.

Where the AI Platforms Agreed

Questions explored

  • Which budget roof replacement claims did all AI platforms agree on?

Platforms converged on several points.

  • No finalist is a verified lowest-cost option. No platform confirmed that any of the five entities delivers the lowest reasonable total cost in its market [26].
  • Multiple written bids are the standard safeguard. Openai, DeepSeek, Perplexity, Kimi, and Gemini all recommended comparing quotes against at least two local written bids [26].
  • Financing terms are under-disclosed across the board. For OpenbooQ, Budget Roof, Epic, and DirectCrews, platforms reported that APR, term, fees, and total repayment were not publicly specified [41].
  • Warranty language is inconsistent for at least two finalists. OpenbooQ's workmanship warranty is described as 25 years on some pages and 5 or 3 years on others [44]. DirectCrews uses both lifetime and five-year workmanship language [55].
  • Satellite or aerial measurement is the shared quoting mechanism. OpenbooQ, Budget Roof, Epic, and DirectCrews all use aerial or satellite measurement for initial estimates [35].
  • Erie Home's sales process is a recurring concern. Five platforms independently reported high-pressure or multi-hour in-home sales presentations [92].

Where the AI Platforms Disagreed

Questions explored

  • Where did the AI platforms disagree about the best budget roof replacement companies?

Disagreements were material and are preserved here rather than smoothed into false consensus.

  • OpenbooQ's overall fit. Anthropic rated it strong, Gemini and Perplexity rated it good, ChatGPT rated it mixed, and DeepSeek and Kimi rated it uncertain [115]. Deepseek could not retrieve the official website during its research window [26].
  • OpenbooQ's fee structure. Google reports a flat $0.99 per square foot project service fee, Claude reports a 10% platform fee, and Perplexity reports a ~20% service and warranty fee [40].
  • Budget Roof's verifiability. Grok rated it good, Gemini and ChatGPT rated it mixed, and four platforms rated it uncertain [2]. Deepseek and Kimi both reported the entity did not appear in their search results [66].
  • Erie Home's fit. Deepseek rated it mixed and Kimi rated it uncertain, while five platforms rated it weak [13].
  • Epic's Economy package verification. Perplexity could not verify the exact Economy package with Malarkey Highlander Cool shingles from accessible sources, while ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Kimi, and Gemini all retrieved it from the official pricing page [9].
  • DirectCrews's entity identity. Anthropic concluded the domain belongs to a maritime staffing agency, while five other platforms retrieved roofing content from the same domain [97].
  • DirectCrews's service area. Google reports licensing only in New Jersey and Pennsylvania despite nationwide claims, and Perplexity reports the service-area page verifies only 21 New Jersey counties [55].

How to compare your options

Questions explored

  • How should a cost-conscious homeowner choose among OpenbooQ, Budget Roof, Erie Home, Epic Roof Replacement, and DirectCrews?
  • What should a buyer check before choosing a budget roof replacement company?

Start with geography, because it eliminates most options immediately. OpenbooQ serves Ohio and Texas [30]. Budget Roof serves Colorado's Denver Metro, Vail, Eagle, and Summit counties [4]. Epic serves Northern and Southern California [9]. DirectCrews lists New Jersey and Pennsylvania licenses [55]. Erie Home operates in 34 states [96].

Then match the pricing model to your tolerance for uncertainty. If you want a published per-square-foot rate before contacting anyone, Epic is the only finalist that provides one [9]. If you want an online quote with no sales visit and no deposit, OpenbooQ is the consensus leader [26]. If you want a fast quote and accept two shingle colors, Budget Roof fits [2]. If you need financing and a national organization, Erie Home offers it, but five platforms rated the fit weak for budget buyers [21]. If you want to test a direct-crew model with escrow and a price lock, DirectCrews advertises it, but verify the contracting entity first [55][e5:official:C2].

Finally, apply the same verification checklist to whichever finalist you shortlist: confirm the exact shingle brand and model, the itemized scope including tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, decking allowances, permits, and disposal; the conditions that trigger a change order; the workmanship warranty term and who backs it; the financing APR, term, and total repayment; and the licensing and insurance of the crew that will actually perform the work [26].

For a broader view of the category beyond this budget-focused index, see the roofing services directory.

Methodology

This study sent one standardized prompt once to each of seven included AI platforms: ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Grok, Perplexity, Kimi, and Gemini. The prompt asked which providers would be recommended for a homeowner who needs a roof replacement on a tight budget, wants clear flat pricing upfront, honest material options at a reasonable price point, some payment flexibility, and no pressure into unnecessary upgrades.

The study date is 2026-09-30, the authoritative run research date. Platform-reported research dates are provenance metadata and do not independently prove freshness. Deepseek reported a research date of 2026-01-15 for OpenbooQ, 2026-09-30 for Budget Roof, 2026-06-11 for Erie Home, 2026-09-30 for Epic Roof Replacement, and 2026-06-11 for DirectCrews. These differ from the authoritative run date and are disclosed as a limitation.

Entities qualified for the final ranking if they were named by at least two platforms during ranking discovery. Thirty-eight unique entities were named across platforms; five qualified. The final ranking table is the sole authority for rank, platform mentions, platform share, average listed position, and best listed rank. Platform mentions count only ranking-discovery mentions and do not equal the number of platforms that later completed a fit assessment.

Fit evidence comes from entity evidence bundles. Citations are platform-reported evidence, not independently verified facts. The supplied URLs were collected from platform responses and were not independently validated by the writer stage. Company-owned citations materially outnumber independent citations for most finalists, and company claims are described as claims throughout this report.

Research limitations

  • One standardized prompt was sent once to each platform. AI answers can vary by date, wording, location, account state, model, interface, browsing configuration, and the sources retrieved.
  • Platform recommendations are market intelligence, not independent customer reviews or proof of quality.
  • Platform-reported research dates differ from the authoritative run date for DeepSeek and, for some entities, other platforms. This is provenance metadata and does not independently prove freshness.
  • Company-owned citations materially outnumber independent citations for OpenbooQ, Budget Roof, Epic Roof Replacement, and DirectCrews. Company claims are not described as independently verified anywhere in this report.
  • The supplied URLs were collected from platform responses and were not independently validated by the writer stage.
  • Six of seven included platforms returned a usable fit assessment for Epic Roof Replacement. Fit findings for that entity are not unanimous across all seven platforms.
  • Deepseek operated without search enabled for this run, and its OpenbooQ assessment reflects an inability to retrieve the official website during its research window.
  • Anthropic's DirectCrews assessment concluded the domain belongs to a maritime staffing agency, which conflicts with five other platforms' retrieval of roofing content from the same domain. This conflict is unresolved and disclosed rather than resolved by guessing.
  • No platform verified a lowest-cost guarantee for any finalist. The ranking reflects platform mentions, not verified price leadership.

The consensus assessment

OpenbooQ is the consensus leader for budget-friendly roof replacement in this 7-platform study, named by 3 of 7 platforms at an average listed position of 3.0. It is the strongest fit for Ohio and Texas homeowners who want an itemized online estimate, no sales visit, and no deposit until final inspection, provided they verify the exact shingle tier, financing total cost, hidden-condition pricing, contractor credentials, and governing warranty before signing.

Budget Roof is the strongest alternative for Colorado homeowners who accept two shingle colors and a full-roof-only scope in exchange for a fast, streamlined process. Epic Roof Replacement is the only finalist with a published per-square-foot starting price and is the best fit for California homeowners who want that transparency. Erie Home is the weakest fit for this specific use case despite offering financing and national coverage, because five platforms rated it weak for budget buyers. DirectCrews is the most contested finalist and should be treated as a candidate to benchmark rather than a confirmed low-cost option.

No finalist should be selected without at least two competing written bids using the same scope, materials, warranty, and insurance terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which company is the best budget roof replacement provider in 2026?

OpenbooQ ranks first in this 7-platform study with 3 platform mentions and a 42.9% share of platform responses. It is the consensus leader, not a verified lowest-cost provider.

How many platforms were studied?

Seven: ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Grok, Perplexity, Kimi, and Gemini. One standardized prompt was sent once to each.

How many companies qualified for the final ranking?

Five of 38 unique entities named across platforms. The eligibility rule required at least two platform mentions during ranking discovery.

Does OpenbooQ serve the whole United States?

No. OpenbooQ publicly identifies Ohio and Texas as its service areas, with expansion planned but not confirmed [30].

Which finalist publishes a per-square-foot price?

Epic Roof Replacement publishes an Economy package at $6.85 per square foot in one displayed pricing section and $6.15 per square foot in another [9].

Is Erie Home a good choice for a budget roof replacement?

Five of seven platforms rated Erie Home weak for this use case, citing premium positioning, lack of published pricing, and complaint records involving high quotes and same-day signing pressure [96].

Does DirectCrews actually install roofs?

DirectCrews's terms page states it acts as a coordinator between homeowners and independent installation crews, is not a roofing contractor, and does not directly employ the crews performing installation work [e5:official:C2]. Anthropic's research concluded the domain belongs to a maritime staffing agency, a conflict that remains unresolved [97].

What should a buyer verify before signing any of these contracts?

The exact shingle brand and model, the itemized scope including tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, decking allowances, permits, and disposal, the change-order triggers, the workmanship warranty term and backer, the financing APR and total repayment, and the licensing and insurance of the crew performing the work [26].

Why do platform fit ratings differ so much for the same company?

Platforms retrieved different sources, and some could not retrieve official websites at all. Deepseek and Kimi could not verify OpenbooQ or Budget Roof from their search results, while Claude concluded DirectCrews was a maritime staffing agency [26].

Are these rankings based on customer reviews?

No. They are based on platform mentions during ranking discovery, then average listed rank, then best listed rank. Platform recommendations are market intelligence, not independent customer reviews.

Sources used in this study

Company-Owned Sources

  1. Homepage - Budget Roof: https://budgetroof.com/
  2. Service Area - Budget Roof: https://budgetroof.com/service-area/
  3. Roof Replacement in Northern Virginia and Maryland | Owens Corning Platinum | DreamHome: https://dhremodeling.com/roofing/replacement/
  4. Roof Replacement in Modesto & Merced | Econo Roofing: https://econo-roofing.com/services/roof-replacement/
  5. Epic Roof Replacement: https://epicroofreplacement.com/
  6. Latest Projects - Epic Roofing: https://epicroofreplacement.com/latest-projects/
  7. Pricing | Epic Roof Replacement: https://epicroofreplacement.com/pricing/
  8. Official pricing and terms source: https://epicroofreplacement.com/pricing/#
  9. Official pricing and terms source: https://epicroofreplacement.com/pricing/#content
  10. Shingle Roof Replacement | Epic Roof Replacement: https://epicroofreplacement.com/shingle-roof-replacement/
  11. Erie Home Official Website - Roof Replacement Services: https://eriehome.com/
  12. Erie Home - About / Company Information: https://eriehome.com/about-us/
  13. Reviews | Erie Home: https://eriehome.com/reviews/
  14. Residential Roofing Services Contractor | Erie Home: https://eriehome.com/roofing/
  15. Asphalt Shingle Roofing Contractor - Erie Home: https://eriehome.com/roofing/asphalt-shingle-roofs/
  16. Official pricing and terms source: https://eriehome.com/terms-of-use/
  17. Why You Should Choose Erie Home: https://eriehome.com/why-erie/
  18. Affordable Roof Financing Plans: https://garciadidmyroof.com/financing/
  19. Atlanta Roof Replacement – Free Estimate | LB Roofing & Construction: https://lbroof.com/free-estimate/
  20. HomeHero Roofing Company Information: https://linkedin.com/company/homehero-roofing
  21. Roof Replacement in Durham, NC | Mabrey Roofing: https://mabreyroofing.com/services/roof-replacement
  22. OpenbooQ | Transparent Roofing Made Simple: https://openbooq.com/
  23. About OpenbooQ - Transparent Roofing Done Right: https://openbooq.com/about
  24. OpenbooQ - canonical facts: https://openbooq.com/ai
  25. Roofing Gallery - Before & After Projects | OpenbooQ: https://openbooq.com/gallery
  26. From Address to New Roof in 7 Days: https://openbooq.com/how-it-works
  27. Transparent Roofing Made Simple: https://openbooq.com/instant-estimate/
  28. Top Rated Dayton Roofing Companies | Instant Online Roof Estimates - OpenbooQ: https://openbooq.com/oh/dayton
  29. Reviews - Coming Soon: https://openbooq.com/reviews
  30. Roof Replacement Cost in Columbus, OH (2026) - Transparent Ranges: https://openbooq.com/roof-prices/ohio/columbus/
  31. Roof Replacement Cost in Austin, TX (2026) - Transparent Ranges: https://openbooq.com/roof-prices/texas/austin/
  32. Roof Replacement Cost in Plano, TX (2026) - Transparent Ranges: https://openbooq.com/roof-prices/texas/plano/
  33. Roof Replacement Cost in San Antonio, TX (2026) - Transparent Ranges: https://openbooq.com/roof-prices/texas/san-antonio/
  34. OpenbooQ Roofing Service Areas - Ohio & Texas (Live): https://openbooq.com/roofing/
  35. OpenbooQ Service Areas | Instant Online Roofing Estimates in OH: https://openbooq.com/service-areas
  36. Top Rated Cincinnati Roofing Companies | Instant Online Roof Prices: https://openbooq.com/service-areas/ohio/cincinnati
  37. Top Rated Dayton Roofing Companies | Exact Online Roof Prices: https://openbooq.com/service-areas/ohio/dayton/
  38. Roofing Shingles - Styles, Colors & Durability | OpenbooQ: https://openbooq.com/shingles
  39. Support Center - OpenbooQ | 24/7 Roofing Help & Expert Guidance: https://openbooq.com/support/
  40. Official pricing and terms source: https://openbooq.com/terms-of-service
  41. Roofing Warranty Coverage: https://openbooq.com/warranty
  42. Rapid City SD Roof Replacement Experts | Wegner Roofing: https://rapid-city.wegnerroofing.com/roof-replacement/
  43. Roof Replacement | All Materials, 10-Year Warranty | RoofRepair.co: https://roofrepair.co/services/roof-replacement/
  44. Residential Roof Replacement | Roofs Made Easy: https://roofsmadeeasy.com/roof-replacement/
  45. Flexible Financing Options for Your Roofing Needs: https://roofteam.com/financing-options
  46. Epic Roof Replacement Instant Quote: https://satellite.epicroofreplacements.com/
  47. Job at sea, job on land - job board for maritime jobs: https://www.directcrewing.com/
  48. Official pricing and terms source: https://www.directcrews.com/terms-and-conditions
  49. Key Aspects of Enhancify Financing - Enhancify.com: https://www.enhancify.com/blog/key-aspects-of-enhancify-financing
  50. Roof Warranty Comparison Guide for GAF Shingles: https://www.gaf.com/en-us/resources/warranties/residential
  51. Illinois roof payment plans & affordable financing: https://www.infinityroofing.com/il/financing
  52. OpenbooQ Officially Goes Live in Dayton; Announces Patrick Salyers as Co-CEO and Reports Homeowner Savings of Over 40%: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/openbooq-officially-goes-live-in-dayton-announces-patrick-salyers-as-co-ceo-and-reports-homeowner-savings-of-over-40-302733184.html
  53. 2026 Roof Replacement Cost Index | SquareDash Research: https://www.squaredash.com/research/roof-replacement-cost-index-2026/
  54. Residential Roof Replacement | Colorado & Nebraska | CRC: https://www.yourcommercialroofer.com/residential/roof-replacement/

Independent Sources

  1. FTC Consumer Advice: Home Improvement Scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/home-improvement-scams
  2. My Dispute With Erie Home Roofing – Louisville Reviews & Complaints: https://disputevoice.com/erie-home-roofing-louisville-reviews-complaints/
  3. EPIC ROOF REPLACEMENT - Wheree Reviews: https://epic-roof-replacement.wheree.com/
  4. OpenbooQ Officially Goes Live in Dayton; Announces Patrick Salyers as Co-CEO and Reports Homeowner Savings of Over 40%: https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/technology/articles/openbooq-officially-goes-live-dayton-190200080.html
  5. OpenbooQ Launch: Roofing Disruption Reduces Costs By Up To 50%: https://investorshangout.com/post/view?id=6691475
  6. Erie Home review: How to tell if this top national roofer is...: https://local.yahoo.com/roofing/review/erie-home-review-171755347.html
  7. How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?: https://modernize.com/roof
  8. Erie Home Review: 2026 Costs, Projects, Competitors &...: https://modernize.com/roof/best-roofing-companies/erie-home
  9. Erie Home Review: 2026 Costs, Projects, Competitors & Benefits: https://modernize.com/roof/contractors/erie-home-review
  10. How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?: https://modernize.com/roof/cost-calculator
  11. Roof Replacement Cost by Location, Roof Type & Material: https://roofingcalculator.com/
  12. Erie Home vs. RoofSmart: Which Roofer Is Right for Me?: https://roofsmartsnoco.com/erie-home-vs-roofsmart/
  13. Erie Home Review and Buying Guide (2026): https://todayshomeowner.com/roofing/reviews/erie-roofing/
  14. roof replacement san antonio roof direct san antonio marks 16 years offering instant satellite pricing: https://www.barchart.com/story/news/419591/roof-replacement-san-antonio-roof-direct-san-antonio-marks-16-years-offering-instant-satellite-pricing
  15. Erie Home Reviews: Written By Customers: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/erie-home.html
  16. Direct Crewing - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/direct-crewing
  17. EPIC ROOF REPLACEMENT | Diamond Certified: https://www.diamondcertified.org/
  18. EPIC ROOF REPLACEMENT - Diamond Certified: https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/epic-roof-replacement/
  19. Malarkey Roofing Products: Complete Shingle Guide: https://www.excelroofing.com/blog/malarkey-roofing-products-guide
  20. GAF Residential Roofing Warranties: https://www.gaf.com/en-us/warranties
  21. Epic Roof Replacement - GuildQuality: https://www.guildquality.com/pro/epic-roof-replacement-3
  22. Epic Roof Replacement - Los Angeles, CA 91505 (GuildQuality): https://www.guildquality.com/profile/epic-roof-replacement-3
  23. Budget Roofing Reviews - New Market, AL: https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.BUDGETROOFING.9941033.html
  24. Cost to Replace Roof - 2026 Average Prices - Inch Calculator: https://www.inchcalculator.com/roof-replacement-cost/
  25. Epic Roofing & Restoration Atlanta, GA, 30349 | Networx: https://www.networx.com/c.epic-roofing1
  26. Parent's just got talked into an Erie roofing contract for $70k...: https://www.reddit.com/r/Roofing/comments/1kidhjt/parents_just_got_talked_into_an_erie_roofing/
  27. 2023 Malarkey Highlander Shingles Installation, Costs, Reviews: https://www.roofcalc.org/highlander-malarkey-shingles/
  28. Roofing Scout | Remi Roofing Review & Guaranteed-Price Roofer 2026: https://www.roofingscout.com/remi-roofing-review/
  29. Erie Home Roofing Review (2026 Guide) - This Old House: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/erie-roofing-review
  30. New Roof Cost Guide (2026) - This Old House: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/new-roof-cost
  31. Erie Home Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of eriemetalroofs.com: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/eriemetalroofs.com
  32. ERIE HOME - Updated September 2026 - 62 Photos & 395 Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/erie-home-rochester

Other Sources

  1. Budget Roof financing application link: https://apply.svcfin.com/
  2. Enrolled PACE Solicitor Agents Search: https://dfpi.ca.gov/
  3. DirectCrews | Technology, Information and Internet: https://www.linkedin.com/company/direct-crews

TRANSPARENCY BY DESIGN

The evidence behind this study

Research is a dated snapshot of AI recommendations and their supporting sources. Use the original evidence and methodology to understand what these findings can and cannot tell you.

Independent source records
58
Provider-owned source records
67
Direct support records
88

AI platforms in the study

ChatGPTClaudeDeepSeekGrokPerplexityKimiGemini

Study limitations

  • Recommendation counts measure mentions during the ranking stage. Later fit assessments do not increase those counts.
  • Some evidence identifiers refer to individual platform responses rather than independently verified sources.
  • Source URLs came from AI platform responses and were not independently validated during report preparation.

Affiliate & commercial disclosure

We may receive compensation when you follow certain links, request service quotes, or take another qualifying action through a commercial partner. These relationships create a potential financial conflict, but do not influence recorded AI recommendations or ranking calculations. Partner coverage, pricing, project terms, and service availability can vary.

Read the full Affiliate Disclosure for compensation, tracking, partner availability, and research independence details, or contact us with a disclosure question.

Verify the source snapshot

SHA-256: 1c92a15d45298c1b2af19977cb5ffb4f17ff473e36adb2b42678d69148cf73e1

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