What should a roof repair quote include?
Quick answer
A roof repair quote should say what the roofer found, which part of the roof they’ll work on, and exactly what the price includes. Ask for labour, materials, access, waste removal and any VAT to be clear. The quote should also explain what happens if the roofer finds more damage once the roof is opened up.
Jump to Quote checklist · Compare quotes · Questions to ask
What should a roof repair quote include?
Two quotes can both say ‘fix roof leak’ and cover very different jobs. Use this checklist to see what you’re being asked to pay for.
Look for | What to check |
|---|---|
The fault and its location | Which slope, roof junction or section is affected? What has the roofer seen and what still needs checking? |
The proposed repair | Which tiles, slates, flashings or other materials will be reused, repaired or replaced? |
Access and waste | Who arranges scaffolding or other access? Does the price include clearing away old materials? |
The total and payment terms | Are labour, materials, access and any VAT included? When is payment due? |
Extra work and cover | How will hidden damage be priced and agreed? Is there a workmanship or materials guarantee, and what does it cover? |
Ask what the roofer found
A damp patch inside tells you where the water showed up. Water can travel before it becomes visible, so ask where the roofer thinks it’s getting in and what points to that cause. If they’ve taken photos, ask them to show you which parts of the roof they’re talking about.
For example, a quote that says ‘replace the cracked tiles on the rear slope and check the adjoining fixings’ gives you something specific to compare. If the cause can only be confirmed once tiles are lifted, ask what that first visit covers and when you’ll get a price for the rest.
For a straightforward fault, start with our roof repair service. If you need findings documented for a purchase or a wider condition check, ask what’s included in a roof survey or inspection.
How to compare two roof repair quotes
Put the quotes side by side and check whether they cover the same section and repair method. One might include replacing failed flashing, access and disposal. The other might cover a smaller repair with access priced separately. Ask each roofer to clarify anything that’s missing before comparing the totals.
Ask one simple question: ‘What would need to change on site for this price to change?’ A clear answer makes it easier to budget for the parts of the roof the roofer can’t see yet.
If a roofer recommends replacing a much larger section, ask what they found that makes a local repair unsuitable. Our guide to roof repair versus full roof replacement explains the difference in scope.
For general advice on comparing written quotes, see Citizens Advice’s guide to getting work done on your home.
Temporary weather protection and permanent repairs
If a roofer comes out during bad weather, the first visit may be to make the roof safe or limit water getting in. Ask whether the price covers that first visit, a permanent repair or both, and how any follow-up will be priced. For urgent help, see our emergency roof repairs page.
Questions to ask before accepting a roof repair quote
Should I ask for the quote in writing?
Yes. Ask for the scope, price, exclusions and payment terms in writing. That gives you something to refer back to if the work changes.
What’s the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote sets out a price for the work described. An estimate is an indication of the likely cost. If the roofer needs to lift part of the covering first, ask which part of the job is priced now and when they’ll be able to confirm the rest.
What if the roofer finds damaged timber underneath?
Ask them to show you what they’ve found, explain the extra work and give you the revised price before you agree to it. Photos can help you see why the scope has changed.
Ask Daniel for a roof repair quote
We carry out roof repairs in Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley and across Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Tell us where the problem is and when you first noticed it. If you can take a photo safely from ground level, send it over with your message.
Call 07922 564912 or message Daniel on WhatsApp.
