In this guide
A useful reroof quote describes the complete proposed work and its boundaries. Ask what is retained, what is replaced, what happens if hidden defects are found and which approvals are needed.
Start with the reason for replacement
Ask why reroofing is being recommended and whether a targeted repair remains practical. A proposal should connect the observed condition with the suggested scope. “The roof is old” does not explain which components have failed, while a single leaking junction does not automatically demonstrate that every slope needs stripping.
Get the inspected areas and access limitations recorded. If a contractor could only view the roof from the ground, ask whether a closer assessment is needed before committing to a final specification. You are looking for an understandable reason for the work, not a longer list of roofing terms.
List the layers, edges and junctions
For a pitched roof, ask the quote to identify the covering, underlay, battens, fixings, ridge, hips, verges, valleys and eaves work that it includes. Identify which chimney or rooflight details are retained and which are renewed. If the specification allows a choice of tile, confirm the actual product before comparing prices.
For a flat roof, ask about the deck, falls, waterproofing system, outlets, upstands, edge trims and insulation arrangement. A quote for a new covering alone is different from a replacement build-up. Neither is automatically the correct choice without knowing the condition beneath the visible surface.
Make access, waste and household disruption explicit
Scaffolding, material delivery, skip placement and waste removal can change both the price and how the house is used during work. Ask whether these are included and what access the contractor needs. Discuss gardens, conservatories, shared paths and parked vehicles before the start date.
Ask who to contact during the work and how progress will be explained. Photographs at agreed stages can make the supporting layers easier to understand before the covering hides them. If the household works from home or needs a particular entrance kept usable, put that practical requirement into the conversation early.
Check approvals and insulation with the actual scope
Planning Portal explains that work to an existing roof may require building control approval depending on its extent, structural changes, fire performance and changes in covering weight. It also notes that thermal insulation may need consideration. Confirm the applicable route with the contractor and building control before starting.
[1]Ask who is arranging the required notification, inspection and completion documents. If planning restrictions or listed status may apply, establish that separately. Do not assume that a short quote saying “all regulations included” identifies which paperwork you will receive.
Set a process for hidden defects and changes
Opening an existing roof can reveal conditions that were not visible at quotation stage. Ask how unexpected timber or deck defects will be documented, how the additional cost will be calculated and when you will be asked to approve it. A clear process matters more than an unrealistic promise that nothing unexpected can ever happen.
Discuss temporary protection and the treatment of weather delays. For moisture-sensitive roofing products, manufacturers such as Bauder set application and substrate requirements. A programme should allow those instructions to be followed rather than treating every working day as interchangeable.
[2]Know what the handover gives you
Ask for a final invoice, the agreed specification, relevant product information, photographs and the applicable completion paperwork. Clarify the written workmanship cover and any separate manufacturer warranty: who provides each, what it applies to and how a concern is reported. Keep maintenance advice with the same record.
AP Roofing’s replacement roof service in Crawley can explain the proposed scope and whether repair is still a sensible option. If you are not yet sure why the roof is failing, begin with a roof inspection. A usable quotation should make the next decision easier, not leave you trying to infer the important details from the total at the bottom.
Your questions
Is the cheapest reroof quote the best value?
Compare the specified work, retained components, access, approvals and change process. Different scopes cannot be compared by total alone.
Should replacement quotes include insulation?
The quote should state what insulation work is proposed and how any relevant requirements will be addressed. The correct scope depends on the roof.
What if damaged timbers are found?
Agree beforehand how hidden defects will be photographed, priced and authorised before additional work proceeds.
Let’s look at your roof
Tell us what you have noticed and the property postcode. We will discuss access, the next step and a free estimate for the roofing work.
General homeowner guidance. Arrange an assessment of your own roof before choosing repairs or changing its insulation.
