Costs & quotations

Why can a hipped roof cost more than a simple roof?

Short answer: Hips add cutting, battens, fixings, ridge components, waste and labour. Multiple slopes also increase setting-out and scaffold complexity.

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

  • Count hips, valleys and roof planes
  • Include dry-fix components where specified
  • Allow for higher cutting waste

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

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