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The checklist
What to check in your roof quote
Each point lights up on the quote as you read.
- Whether building regulations approval is needed, and who handles it
Small repairs can be exempt, but the amount of roof affected is only part of the test. Structural changes, fire performance and covering weight can also require approval.
- Any insulation work included in the roof replacement
Ask whether insulation needs upgrading as part of re-covering the roof, and what the quote includes.
Source: Planning Portal: re-roofing
- Whether the new covering is heavier than the old one
A covering that increases the roof covering’s weight by 15% or more needs building regulations approval. Ask how any extra weight will be dealt with.
- The quote is in writing
Citizens Advice says not to rely on a verbal quote and to get it in writing.
- A fixed price, not an estimate
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Ask which you’ve been given.
- When each payment is due
Citizens Advice suggests agreeing payment stages, with a chance to put problems right before the final payment.
- When the work will start and finish
If no time is agreed, the law only says the work must be done within a reasonable time.
- The insurance the business holds
Ask what insurance the business holds and to see the policies. Citizens Advice includes public liability insurance among the cover to check.
- Who takes away the waste
You must take reasonable steps to make sure waste from your home only goes to someone authorised to take it, such as a registered waste carrier.
- Cancellation information, if you agree the job at home
For a contract agreed in your home, the business must give you set information and a cancellation form, on paper or another lasting form.
Before you agree
Registrations and certificates to ask for
- Check the roofer’s scheme registration
If the roofer will self-certify the work, check their registration covers roof coverings and agree what paperwork you’ll receive. NAPIT and CompetentRoofer are authorised schemes for this work.
Source: GOV.UK: competent person schemes
- Planning permission
Re-roofing a house usually does not need planning permission if it does not materially change how the roof looks. Conditions and exceptions apply, and this guidance does not cover flats.
The money
Know what you’ll pay and when
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
NI Direct advises avoiding large deposits and never paying the whole amount up front.
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
If you asked for work to start within those 14 days and then cancel, you pay for the part already done.
Ask the business
Questions to ask before you agree
- Does this job need building regulations approval, and who will arrange it? Planning Portal: re-roofing
- If you will self-certify this work, which competent person scheme are you registered with? GOV.UK: building work, replacements and repairs to your home
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- What insurance do you have, and can I see the policy? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Can I pay in stages, with the last payment once the work is finished? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Who will take the waste away, and are they a registered waste carrier? GOV.UK: waste duty of care code of practice
- If we agree this at my home, will you give me the cancellation information in writing? Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 10
Common questions
Questions people ask
Do I need building regulations approval for a new roof?
It depends on the extent and nature of the work. The area affected is only part of the test: structural changes, fire performance and covering weight can also require approval. Agree what applies before work starts.
Do I need planning permission to re-roof my house?
Re-roofing a house usually does not need planning permission if it does not materially change how the roof looks. Conditions and exceptions apply, and this guidance does not cover flats.
How much deposit should I pay a roofer?
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
Should a quote be a fixed price?
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Citizens Advice recommends getting the quote in writing.
Can I cancel building work I agreed to at home?
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
This guide covers England. Rules for building work differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not say whether a price is fair.