34-second explainer
How to compare roofing quotes
A 34-second guide to comparing roofing quotations: total payable, VAT treatment, included work and written approval of extras.
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General guidance. A property-specific inspection may be needed.
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The cheapest roofing quote? The lowest headline price is not always the lowest final bill. Compare the full proposal before choosing.
Check the total payable. Make sure every quote states its VAT treatment. A price excluding VAT is not directly comparable with one including VAT.
Check what is included. Compare materials, scaffold, waste, insulation and ventilation. A blank is an unknown. It is not an inclusion.
Control the extras. Ask how hidden defects will be photographed, priced and approved. Get missing details in writing before accepting.
Compare like for like. Use our roofing quote comparison tool at northeastroofanswers.co.uk. Send J&L Welch your roof details for a written quotation. General guidance; property-specific assessment needed.
The physical work
- Areas to be stripped and whether old layers are removed
- Exact tiles or slates, colour and manufacturer
- Underlay, graded battens, headlap and fixing method
- Ridge, hip, verge, eaves and ventilation details
- Lead code and treatment of chimneys, valleys and abutments
- Insulation build-up and treatment of thermal bridges
Access, protection and waste
- Scaffold elevations, edge protection and any pavement licence
- Protection for windows, paving, conservatories and neighbours
- Controlled stripping and temporary weathering
- Waste carrier responsibility and disposal
- Daily clean-down and final gutter/window clean where agreed
Commercial protections
- Price excluding VAT, VAT amount and total payable
- Start assumptions and estimated programme
- Payment milestones linked to progress
- Rates or allowances for hidden timber repairs
- Written approval process for variations
- Guarantees, Building Control route and completion pack
Red flags
- Large cash deposit
- No company name or address
- No product names
- No scaffold or waste detail
- Unlimited hidden-work extras
- Guarantee promised verbally
- Pressure to accept immediately
What your quotation should confirm
- Exact roof covering, underlay, battens and fixing specification
- Scaffolding, waste removal and protection of the property
- Leadwork, ventilation, insulation and Building Regulations route
- How hidden timber defects and other variations will be evidenced and priced
- Workmanship guarantee, product cover, payment terms and completion documents
What to check next
- Reject vague one-line scopes
- Check exclusions and provisional allowances
- Make sure product names and colours are stated
When should you ask a roofer to inspect it?
Ask for a full roof survey when defects are widespread, repairs keep moving from one area to another, the underlay is failing or the cost of repeated access is becoming uneconomic. The roofer should show why replacement is justified and separate confirmed work from hidden-work allowances.
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.
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.