Costs & quotations

Should I pay a roofer a deposit?

Short answer: Be cautious with large unsecured deposits. J&L Welch does not require a deposit: payment is due on completion within seven days. On longer contracts, any staged payments should be proportionate, traceable and tied to completed milestones.

What this means in practice

Compare quotations line by line, including VAT, scaffold, waste, exact products, insulation, ventilation, leadwork, timber allowances, Building Control, payment terms and guarantees. A low total created by missing essential work is not a saving—it is an unpriced variation waiting to happen.

What to check next

  • Never pay a large cash deposit to secure an ordinary domestic job
  • Use the contracting business’s named account
  • Keep the signed quotation, invoices and receipts

When should you ask a roofer to inspect it?

Get a measured, written quotation before committing to substantial work. Ask questions wherever wording is vague, and insist that hidden defects are photographed and priced for approval before extra work proceeds, except where immediate safety action is unavoidable.

Safety first: do not climb onto a roof without suitable access, training and protection. Keep clear of loose coverings, unstable ceilings and water near electrical fittings.

Technical content reviewJ & L Welch Roofing & Paving Services Ltd · Over 20 years of combined roofing experienceReviewed 28 August 2026 · How our answers are produced

Would you like a property-specific answer?

Request an inspection and written quotation from J&L Welch.

No deposit is required. Payment is due on completion within seven days, with the agreed scope and price confirmed in writing.

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