To compare roofing quotes, first check that they cover the same work. A lower price may leave out scaffolding, disposal, insulation or repairs around chimneys and roof edges. We'll explain what to send us and which details to check before agreeing a price.
You don't need to diagnose your roof before contacting us. Tell us what you've noticed and what you want to achieve. We'll discuss what needs checking and explain the proposed work. The checklist below will help you prepare and compare quotes.
Start with the Property and the Problem
Send your address and tell us whether the work is on a house, flat, garage, extension or commercial building. If you know the roof type, include that too, along with any chimney, valley or roof window near the problem.
Tell us what's changed and when. Does a leak appear during heavy rain, windy weather or even when it hasn't rained? If you're planning improvements, explain what you'd like to achieve.
It's fine if you aren't sure what's wrong. “Water appears beside the chimney after rain” gives us a useful starting point without guessing which repair is needed. Our leak-detection guide shows how to record symptoms without attempting unsafe investigation.
Send Photographs Safely
Photos from ground level and pictures of any damage inside help us understand the problem. Older photos can also show what's changed.
Do not climb onto a roof, lean out of a window, enter an unsafe loft or disturb suspected asbestos to take pictures. HSE's guidance makes clear that roof work and fragile surfaces require appropriate precautions even for brief tasks. [1] [2] [3]
Photos help us prepare, but they can't show every hidden problem. We'll explain when a visit or further checks are needed before we can give you a firm quote.
Use This Enquiry Checklist
Use this checklist when you get in touch. Include what you know and leave anything you're unsure about for us to discuss.
| Information | What to provide |
|---|---|
| Contact and location | Name, telephone number, postcode and property address |
| Building | House, flat, extension, garage or other premises; approximate height |
| Roof | Pitched or flat, material if known, approximate age and relevant junction |
| Symptoms | What is happening, when it started and whether it is active now |
| Previous work | Dates, invoices, photographs and any known guarantees |
| Objective | Repair, assessment, replacement or a planned alteration |
| Access | Side passages, gates, conservatories, shared areas and restrictions |
| Timing | How urgent the work is, preferred dates and any other work it depends on |
| Permissions | Known listed status, approvals, leaseholder restrictions or design documents |
| Attachments | Safe photographs and relevant existing reports |
On small screens, scroll the table sideways to view every column.
If there's an immediate danger from falling material, water near electrics or a bulging ceiling, seek urgent help. Please don't rely on an enquiry form for an emergency response.
Is It an Estimate, a Quote or an Inspection?
Check whether you've received an estimate, a quote for agreed work or a price for further investigation. We'll make clear which we're providing and what still needs confirming.
Some damage only becomes visible when the roof is opened up. Ask us what we can check beforehand and how any extra work would be discussed and priced before you approve it.
Citizens Advice recommends written quotes and clear agreements before building work starts. You should be able to understand the work and payment terms without having to guess what “complete roof” includes. [4]
Compare the Same Work Across Contractors
Put the quotes side by side and check the differences before comparing totals. Scaffolding, waste removal and work around roof junctions can change the price even where the covering is the same.
| Quote item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Area and elevations | Are the same roof sections included? |
| Removal and disposal | What is stripped, retained and taken away? |
| Support and preparation | Are battens, deck, underlay or other layers included where relevant? |
| Covering | Is the named product and system clear? |
| Roof details | Are ridges, verges, valleys, flashings and outlets addressed? |
| Thermal and moisture design | What insulation, ventilation or vapour-control work is included? |
| Access and protection | Is the required equipment and property protection included? |
| Making-good | Are internal finishes, gutter adjustments or adjacent repairs included? |
| Tax and allowances | Is VAT stated, and are provisional items identified? |
| Handover | Which guarantees, instructions and approval documents will be provided? |
On small screens, scroll the table sideways to view every column.
A quote can be short and still be clear. What matters is that you can see the work included and ask about anything that isn't explained.
Why the Lowest Starting Price May Cost More
Here's an example using made-up prices, not our rates. Quote A is £8,000 but excludes £1,500 for access and £700 for waste removal. That brings it to £10,200 before tax. Quote B is £10,000 including those items.
Quote A's lower starting price doesn't make it cheaper overall. You still need to compare materials, checks, exclusions and the company doing the work before deciding which offers better value.
For national budgeting context, see our new-roof cost guide. The national estimates can help with budgeting, but you'll need a quote for your own property.
Clarify VAT and Payment Terms
Your quote should say whether VAT is included, added separately or not charged. The standard rate is 20%, but some qualifying work is treated differently. Adding insulation doesn't automatically make the whole roofing job zero-rated. [5] [6]
Agree any deposit, payment stages and how extra work will be approved. Keep the agreement in writing, particularly where hidden damage may be found after the old covering is removed.
Check your cancellation rights before agreeing the work. Citizens Advice explains how they depend on the way the contract is made and any exceptions, including some emergency work. [7]
Agree Who Is Responsible for Each Part
Confirm who is arranging any planning checks, building-control work, structural advice and inspections. The requirements depend on your property and the actual work proposed. [8] [9]
Ask which related jobs need arranging separately. For example, a roof-window quote may exclude electrical connections, internal lining or decorating.
Tell us early about suspected asbestos, protected species or difficult access. These can affect how the work is planned and need addressing before it starts. [10] [11] [12]
Check the Contractor and the Guarantee
Check the business details, relevant insurance and experience of anyone you're considering. Look at reviews and examples of work in context, and ask us the same questions. Citizens Advice has a useful checklist for choosing a trader. [4]
Read the guarantee itself. Product warranties, workmanship guarantees and insurance-backed cover are different. Check what's covered, who provides it, any registration or maintenance requirements and how to report a problem.
Our choosing-a-roofer checklist explains what else to check when choosing a company for your roof.
What to Keep After the Work
Keep your quote, agreed changes, invoices, product details, guarantees, care instructions and any approval documents. If photos of concealed work are provided, keep those too.
If you're concerned about work we've carried out, contact us with the details so we can discuss it. For general advice on problems with home improvements, Citizens Advice explains the steps you can take. Immediate safety concerns need urgent attention. [13]
Use our quote page to send your property details and photos. We work in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and across the North East. Peter or Robert can talk through the problem and discuss what needs checking. Asking for a quote doesn't commit you to a new roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know the exact roof defect before enquiring?
No. Tell us what you've noticed and when it happens. We'll discuss the checks needed to find the cause; you don't need to diagnose it or choose a repair product first.
Can photographs produce a fixed quote?
Sometimes we can quote for limited work from photos, but they won't show every hidden issue or access requirement. We'll explain whether a figure is an estimate or a quote and what still needs checking.
How many quotations should I compare?
Several written quotes can help, especially for a larger job. Make sure they cover the same work; extra prices won't tell you much if each company is quoting for something different.
Is the cheapest quotation the best value?
Not necessarily. Check access, materials, junctions, disposal, tax, exclusions and guarantees. A lower starting figure can exclude work that another contractor has already included.
What happens if rotten timber is found after stripping?
We'll agree how unexpected damage will be handled before work starts. Any extra work and changes to the price need explaining before you authorise them. Structural concerns may also need specialist advice.
Are roofing quotes always VAT-inclusive?
No, so check what the quote says. The VAT treatment depends on the supplier and the work. Don't assume that insulation changes the rate for the whole job.
Is the quote form suitable for an immediate emergency?
If anyone is in danger or the building may be unsafe, seek urgent help. For an active roofing problem, call us and explain the hazards; sending a form doesn't confirm an emergency visit.
References & Sources
We have linked to the sources used in this guide so you can read more. They were checked on 27 September 2026. Manufacturer guidance applies to its own products, and published prices are examples rather than our quotes. Check the requirements for your project before arranging work. Links open in a new tab.
- Health and Safety Executive Construction: Roof Work ↗ HSE advice on safe access and protection during roof work. Keep your own observations to safe positions, such as from the ground, and leave roof access to professionals.
- Health and Safety Executive Fragile Surfaces ↗ HSE explains why roofs and rooflights may be fragile, and why precautions are needed even for a short maintenance job.
- Health and Safety Executive Identifying Asbestos and Its Condition ↗ HSE advice on suspected asbestos. Get a competent assessment before disturbing materials you are concerned about.
- Citizens Advice Before You Get Work Done on Your Home ↗ Citizens Advice guidance for England on choosing a trader, getting written quotes, checking insurance and agreeing permissions.
- HMRC / GOV.UK VAT Rates ↗ HMRC guidance on VAT rates. The standard rate is 20%, while reduced and zero rates depend on the supply. Check which treatment applies to your work rather than relying on the examples in our guide.
- HMRC / GOV.UK Energy-Saving Materials and Heating Equipment: VAT Notice 708/6 ↗ HMRC guidance on qualifying energy-saving installations and mixed supplies. Adding insulation does not automatically make an entire reroofing job zero-rated.
- Citizens Advice Cancelling Building or Decorating Work ↗ An explanation of cancellation rights and the exceptions that may apply. Your rights depend on how the contract was agreed and when work starts.
- Planning Portal Building Regulations: Work to an Existing Roof ↗ Guidance for England on building-control applications, including roof area, structural changes, fire performance and covering weight. Check how it applies to your proposed work.
- Planning Portal Roof: Planning Permission and Building Regulations ↗ Planning guidance for roof work in England. The requirements depend on your property, the changes proposed and any restrictions at your address.
- Natural England / GOV.UK Bats: Protection, Surveys and Licences ↗ Guidance on bats and their roosts. If roof work may disturb them, arrange appropriate ecological advice before it begins.
- Natural England / GOV.UK Wild Birds: Protection and Licences ↗ Guidance on protecting active bird nests. Check what is needed before work that could disturb nesting birds, whatever the time of year.
- Health and Safety Executive Where Can You Find Asbestos? ↗ Information about materials that may contain asbestos, including some older roofing and roofline products. Appearance alone cannot confirm whether it is present.
- Citizens Advice Problems with Building Work or Home Improvements ↗ Citizens Advice guidance for England on raising problems with a trader and keeping records of agreed work. It also explains what to do about dangerous structures.