Fitting a new roof involves preparation, safe access, checks beneath the covering and careful finishing around edges, chimneys and windows. Knowing the stages helps you prepare your property and understand the quote. We explain what to discuss before work starts and what to check at handover.
We explain the stages so you know what to expect when your roof is fitted. Removing coverings, altering timbers and working at height need skilled professionals, suitable design and safe access.
Are You Roofing a New Building or Replacing an Old Roof?
A new building or extension needs a roof planned with its structure. A replacement starts with an existing roof, some parts of which may be kept. Removing the old covering can reveal damage that wasn't visible beforehand.
We'll agree which areas are included, from the main roof to any extension, porch, bay or garage. The quote should explain the covering and any structural or supporting work included.
Compare the new roof installation and roof replacement pages for more about each. Don't worry if you're unsure which describes your job; tell us what you have and we can talk it through.
What Happens at Each Stage
| Stage | What We'll Discuss with You | Records to Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment | The problem, proposed roof and inspection limitations | Agreed findings and proposed work |
| Design and permissions | How the roof is built, its connections and any approvals | Drawings, materials and agreed responsibilities |
| Quotation | The work included and how the price is calculated | Written quote and process for agreeing changes |
| Preparation | Access, protection, deliveries and use of the building | Agreed site arrangements |
| Opening or construction | What becomes visible and needs checking | Details of any extra work you've approved |
| Covering and details | How the roof meets edges, walls and openings | Product names and any relevant photos |
| Completion | What has been checked and what remains | Completion records and any outstanding items |
| Handover | Care, guarantees and future contact | Documents retained with the property records |
On small screens, scroll the table sideways to view every column.
Some stages overlap. Agreeing who is responsible for each part helps the work run smoothly and gives you a clear point of contact.
Planning the Roof Before Work Starts
The roof needs to suit the structure, pitch, exposure and use of the building. We consider the covering alongside chimneys, walls, windows and drainage, so those connections are planned from the start.
Planning permission and building regulations address different questions. Work to an existing roof can require building-control approval because of the extent of work or structural, fire-performance and material changes. A familiar roof shape does not automatically make every replacement exempt. [1] [2]
Agree who will check approvals and provide any calculations or design details. For an extension, this may be your project designer. For a replacement, the existing roof may need further assessment before all the work can be confirmed.
Understanding What's Included in Your Quote
We'll explain the covering and the work beneath and around it. Check removal, retained materials, battens or decking, insulation, flashing, drainage, access and waste so you understand the complete job.
We'll also make clear what can't be confirmed until the roof is opened. Before starting, agree how any hidden damage and additional cost would be explained and approved.
Citizens Advice recommends obtaining clear written quotations and understanding price, materials, VAT and changes before agreeing work. Our quote-preparation guide helps you prepare the details and compare quotes. [3]
Prepare the Property and Agree Access
Tell us about parking, deliveries, conservatories, shared entrances, delicate surfaces, pets and any access restrictions. We'll discuss scaffolding or other equipment and any power or welfare arrangements needed.
We'll talk through noise, areas that need keeping clear and any access inside the loft. Let us know who should receive updates and who can approve changes, especially for a rented or managed property.
Suitable access and protection are part of the work. HSE identifies risks from roof edges, openings and fragile surfaces. Please respect agreed exclusion areas and leave checks at roof level to the people equipped to carry them out. [4]
What Happens When Existing Coverings Are Removed?
Once the old covering is removed, previously hidden layers can be checked. We'll distinguish normal work already included in the quote from unexpected damage that needs discussing with you.
If extra work is needed, we'll explain the location and problem, with photos where practical. Any change to the price or timing needs agreeing before that work goes ahead.
Some traditional slates or tiles may be worth reusing if their condition and the proposed work allow it. Historic England supports suitable repairs and retention of sound materials rather than discarding them simply because they're old. [5]
Covering, Junctions and Weather Protection
We'll explain how the covering meets your roof edges, ridges, valleys, chimneys, windows and walls. The quote needs to identify the details relevant to your building.
On flat roofs, the deck, insulation, slope, outlets and raised edges need to work together. On pitched roofs, the covering and fixings must suit the roof and the product instructions. Those details matter as much as the visible finish.
Weather can affect safe access and fitting conditions. We'll discuss protection if work pauses and keep you informed about changes to the schedule.
Roof Windows, Solar Equipment and Other Trades
Tell us about roof windows, solar panels, aerials and planned equipment before we quote. Removal, refitting or connections may need another specialist and could affect existing warranties. We'll make clear what is included.
A roof window needs its opening, flashing, insulation and inside connection planned together. VELUX's guidance explains how those parts work with the surrounding roof covering. [6]
Agree who will handle each connection and which records you'll receive. That helps ensure work shared between trades is properly finished.
Final Checks and Handover
At completion, review the agreed work with us and record any outstanding items. Discuss the condition the site should be left in. Please use the photos and explanations available rather than climb onto the roof yourself.
Keep the materials and product details, relevant photos, any required completion documents, guarantee terms and care instructions. Ask who to contact if a concern appears and which later changes could affect the guarantee.
One folder for the quote, agreed changes, invoices and handover information is enough. It makes the records easier to find if the roof is checked or repaired in future.
We install and replace roofs in Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham and across the North East. Tell us about your property and plans through our quote page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a New Roof Take to Install?
It depends on size, construction, access, weather and what is found beneath an old covering. Once we understand the job, we'll discuss the likely stages and timing, along with protection if work pauses.
Can I Stay in the House During Reroofing?
That depends on the work. Tell us how the building is used so we can discuss noise, access, protection and any areas that need to stay clear. Confirm the arrangements before work starts.
Should the Quote Include Every Possible Hidden Defect?
Some concealed damage can't be confirmed beforehand. The quote should explain what's known, any allowances and how extra work would be agreed with you if needed.
Are New Gutters Automatically Included?
No. We'll list the guttering and roofline work included. A new covering doesn't automatically mean replacing all gutters, fascia boards or downpipes.
Do New Roof Tiles Mean New Roof Timbers?
No. The supports need to suit the proposed roof, but sound timber may be kept. We'll explain what's checked, retained or replaced and why.
What Documents Should I Receive at Handover?
Keep your quote, agreed changes, product information, guarantee and care instructions, plus any relevant approval or completion records and photos provided. The documents needed depend on the work.
Can Roof Windows Be Added Later?
It may be possible, but tell us now if you're considering it. Planning the opening, flashing and insulation with the roof can avoid disturbing finished work later.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Historic England Maintaining and Repairing Roofs ↗ Advice on traditional roof coverings, fixings and repairs. It explains why the condition of the whole roof matters when considering whether slates can be retained.
- VELUX VELUX Installation Product System ↗ VELUX information on matching the window, flashing and roof, including underlay, insulation and internal connections. The reference explains the products and does not confirm approved-installer status.