Most roofing disputes come from what the quote left out. This is the checklist we would want a member of our own family to hold a quote against.
The eleven things it should name
A quote you can rely on states the scope in plain terms and names the materials. Anything vague in the quote will be resolved in the contractor's favour on site, not yours.
The tile or slate manufacturer and model, not just the word tile. The membrane brand and type, because breathable and non breathable behave completely differently in a loft. The lead code at each detail. Whether battens are new and treated to British Standard, and their size.
On flat roofs, the membrane system and its thickness, the insulation type and depth, the deck material if it is being replaced, and the trim specification.
Scope, access and the unknowns
The quote should say which elevations are included, whether scaffolding is included and for how long, who removes the waste, and what the daily start and finish arrangements are.
Crucially it should state what happens if rotten timber, damaged brickwork or an unexpected defect is found once the covering is off. A rate per metre for rafter end repair written down in advance turns a nasty surprise into a line item.
Money, guarantees and paperwork
Payment terms should be staged against progress, never a large deposit up front. A modest materials deposit is normal on a big job. Full payment before work starts is not.
The quote should name the workmanship guarantee period, state separately any manufacturer guarantee on the membrane or tiles, confirm public liability insurance, and give the company registration and address. Ask for the guarantee wording, not just the number of years.
A single figure with no breakdown. Pressure to decide today. A discount that depends on signing immediately. A demand for cash. No written address. Work offered because they happen to have materials left over from another job nearby.
Also be wary of a quote that is dramatically cheaper than the others for the same described work. It usually means something has been left out, and it is normally the battens, the scaffolding or the lead.
How many quotes should I get for a new roof?
Three is sensible. Fewer gives you no benchmark, more tends to produce confusion rather than clarity, especially if the specifications differ.
Is a deposit normal for roofing work?
A materials deposit on a large job is reasonable, typically ten to twenty five per cent. Anything approaching half up front on a domestic job should be questioned.
What guarantee should I expect on a new roof?
A written workmanship guarantee of at least ten years is common on a full re roof, alongside the manufacturer's product guarantee. Get both in writing with the terms attached.
Should a quote include VAT?
It should state clearly whether VAT is included or excluded and give the VAT number if the business is registered. An unclear VAT position can change the final bill by a fifth.
Can a quote change once work has started?
Only for genuine variations such as hidden timber damage, and only with your agreement. That is exactly why the quote should set out the rate for those variations in advance.
Evans Roofing & Maintenance Ltd, Witney, Oxfordshire. Call 07960 482233 for a free written quote.