Two roof replacement quotations can have similar totals and cover different work. A useful quote makes the scope clear enough that you can understand what will be replaced, what will remain, and how changes will be handled.
1. Identify the roof areas included
Check whether the quote covers the main pitched roof only, or also an extension, dormer, porch or bay. Clarify which chimneys, valleys and roof windows are included. For example, our Sunbury project combined clay tiling with chimney work and a GRP dormer roof; those are distinct parts of the scope.
2. Specify the roof system
Look for the tile manufacturer, product and colour, together with membrane, battens and the proposed ridge and verge details. Ask how ventilation and junctions will be addressed. “New tiled roof” on its own does not tell you which materials or finishing details you are buying.
3. Check access, stripping and waste
Confirm what scaffold is included and whether access constraints have been considered. Ask about removing the existing covering, disposal, protection of adjacent areas and clearing up. Discuss where the scaffold, delivery vehicles and waste container will go before the start date is agreed.
4. Separate known work from allowances
Some timber is concealed until the covering is removed. Ask what repairs are included, what is an allowance and what would require a separate price. Agree that findings and proposed extra work will be explained before approval. A quote should make uncertainty visible, rather than leaving you to discover what was excluded later.
5. Clarify insulation, approvals and handover
Ask what insulation and ventilation work is proposed. Where building control or another approval is required, agree who will arrange it, who pays the fees and what documents will be provided. Keep material details and any applicable certificates with the final paperwork.
6. Compare the total including VAT
Check whether VAT is included, which items are provisional and whether any exclusions could affect your budget. Agree the payment stages and what each stage relates to in writing. Our roof cost guide shows confirmed VAT-inclusive ranges for four completed projects, with their different scopes explained.
7. Understand timing and guarantees
Ask for the expected sequence, a proposed start window and how weather or additional work would affect the schedule. Check the workmanship guarantee separately from manufacturer warranties and any insurance-backed cover. Ask who you contact if something needs attention after handover.
The NFRC's homeowner guidance on choosing a contractor is a useful independent reference for written quotations and guarantee questions.
Before you accept
Put the quotes side by side and mark any items that are unclear. Ask each contractor to clarify them before comparing the final totals. You do not need to become a roofing expert; you should be able to understand the proposed work and the price.
Still exploring your budget? The roofing cost calculator shows a guide without contact details. If you want a property-specific quotation, request a survey directly.