Roofing advice for homeowners
What Should a Roofing Quotation Include?
A homeowner’s checklist for comparing roofing quotations: scope, materials, access, roof details, exclusions and warranties.
Before accepting a roofing quote
Compare the work behind the price.
A useful quotation tells you which roof is being worked on, what will be done and what the price includes. Use this checklist alongside each contractor’s written proposal.
Go through the checklist ↓By Avent Roofing · Homeowner guidance · Updated 27 September 2026
Make sure the same roof is being priced
Identify the roof area and the actual problem or planned improvement. A main house roof, rear extension and porch can each have different coverings and access needs. If a survey lists several defects, ask which items are included in the quote and which will remain outstanding. A clear scope makes comparison easier.
Materials and preparation
For a replacement, look for the proposed covering and the work beneath it. For a flat roof, ask about the base, preparation and waterproofing system. For pitched roofing, ask whether the work includes underlay, battens, ridges and relevant ventilation details. If an overlay is proposed, ask how the existing roof has been assessed as suitable.
Access, waste and roof junctions
Scaffolding and waste disposal can be significant parts of the job. Check whether these are included and whether access crosses a neighbouring area. Valleys, chimneys, rooflights, gutters and perimeter details should be addressed where relevant. An attractive headline price means little if essential work appears later as an unexpected extra.
Price, exclusions and changes
Check the stated price and VAT treatment, payment arrangements and exclusions. Ask how unforeseen concealed defects will be reported and priced. A written agreement on changes helps both sides understand when additional work has been authorised. Keep copies of the quotation and any later amendments.
Warranties and the finished work
A workmanship promise and a manufacturer’s system warranty are different things. Ask who provides each warranty, what is covered, its duration and any conditions. Product names alone do not establish eligibility. Agree the expected handover information and discuss care or inspection requirements for the completed roof.
Free quotation or paid roof survey?
A quotation prices proposed roofing work. A commissioned roof survey provides a report on condition within an agreed scope. They serve different purposes. Avent provides free quotations for roofing work, while formal surveys are separate paid services. Tell us if you need a document for a house purchase, insurer or managing agent.
Your roofing quotation checklist
- Roof area and scope: the exact section of roof, defects addressed and work that is excluded.
- Preparation and covering: the proposed materials, removal or overlay, and what happens to the layers underneath.
- Roof details: the relevant flashings, rooflights, edges, outlets and gutters included in the work.
- Access and protection: scaffolding, access through or around the property, and arrangements for occupied rooms or shared buildings.
- Waste and completion: removal of old materials, clearing the work area and the information supplied at handover.
- Total price and payment: VAT treatment, payment stages and the period for which the quotation is valid.
- Unexpected findings: how concealed defects and additional costs will be explained and agreed before extra work proceeds.
- Guarantees: who provides the cover, its scope, duration, exclusions and any maintenance requirements. If insurance-backed cover is offered, request the policy details.
Why two flat-roof quotations can differ
One proposal might retain the existing roof covering and apply an overlay; another might include stripping the roof and replacing damaged layers. These are different scopes. Ask why each approach is suitable, what evidence supports it and what happens if concealed problems are found.
The same applies to access: a quote that includes scaffolding cannot be compared directly with one that excludes it. If you are still deciding how much work is needed, read our repair or replacement guide.
What to send Avent for a quotation
Start with your London postcode, the roof area involved and a description of the problem. Mention shared access, tenants, roof terraces or an existing survey report. We can then discuss the assessment needed to quote the work. Photographs are useful where they can be taken safely.
How Avent can help
Start with a conversation
Get a free quotation for your roofing work.
Tell us what needs attention, where the property is and how we can reach you. We’ll discuss the right next step.
Tell us about your roof
Your postcode and a few details are all we need to start.