Roof repairs: questions to ask before you agree a price

A roofer has walked around your property, pointed out a problem, and named a price. Before you agree, it pays to ask a few direct questions. Roofing work is often urgent, but the right answers can make the difference between a lasting repair and a recurring issue. Here’s how to check what you’re really getting, what could change, and what you should see in writing.

Clarify exactly what the problem is

Start by getting a clear explanation of what the roofer has found. The more specific their answer, the better your chance of understanding what you're paying for.

• Ask for a plain-language description of the fault. If the roofer says you need “repointing” or “replacement flashing”, ask them to explain what that means and where it is on your roof.
• Request photos or videos, especially of any areas you can’t see from the ground. Most roofers can take these on a phone while up the ladder. Seeing the damage yourself makes it much easier to decide what to do.
• Find out whether the job is a repair or a replacement. For example, are they replacing a few tiles, fixing a small leak, or suggesting a whole new section of roof? This affects cost, timescale and disruption.
• Ask what happens if they find more damage once work starts. It’s not uncommon for a simple job to uncover hidden problems once tiles or slates are lifted. A reputable roofer should agree to contact you, show photos, and quote for any extra work before going ahead.

A written quote should include the fault, the repair method and the materials. A price given on a ladder, without anything in writing, is not a quote.

Check how the repair will match your existing roof

Roofs are rarely uniform, especially on older houses. Matching the new repair to the existing materials matters for both function and appearance.

• Ask what materials will be used. Are they new tiles, slates or felt, or will the roofer try to salvage and reuse what’s already there?
• If new materials are needed, check whether they will match the colour, size and type of your existing roof. This is especially relevant if the roof is visible from the street or if your home is in a conservation area.
• Ask whether the roofer can source reclaimed or salvaged tiles if a perfect match is needed. Some repairs benefit from using older materials, as newer tiles can sometimes stand out.
• Clarify how the roofer will deal with any damaged underfelt, battens or leadwork. Good roofers will explain which parts are being replaced and which, if any, can be reused.

You can compare what roofers say about repairs and guttering on their Annuvell Local listings, which often include details about materials and services offered. If matching is a priority for you, make this clear when you request a quote.

Ask about access, scaffolding and delays

Roof work often needs extra equipment or may be affected by the weather. Sorting these details out in advance helps avoid unexpected costs or delays.

• Check whether scaffolding is needed, or if ladders are sufficient. Scaffolding adds cost and time, but is often needed for safety, especially on two-storey houses or where the roof is difficult to reach.
• Ask who is responsible for organising access and whether this is included in the quote. Some roofers arrange scaffolding themselves, while others expect you to contract a separate company.
• Discuss how long the repair is expected to take. While minor repairs might be done in a day, larger jobs can stretch over several days or be delayed by bad weather.
• Ask what happens if rain or wind stops work. A good roofer should have a plan for protecting your property if the job is interrupted.

Getting clarity on these points early will help you judge whether the price is realistic and whether there are extra charges you need to account for.

Understand guarantee terms and insurance backing

Guarantees add value, but not all guarantees are the same. It’s worth asking to see the terms in writing before agreeing.

• Ask whether the work comes with a guarantee and how long it lasts. Some roofers offer guarantees on materials, on workmanship, or both.
• Find out what would void the guarantee. For example, walking on the roof, having other trades carry out work, or failing to maintain gutters can all be exclusions.
• Ask for the guarantee terms in writing, not just a promise. Written terms clarify exactly what is covered and what is not.
• Check whether the guarantee is insurance-backed. This means you are protected even if the roofer stops trading. Ask who provides the insurance, and look up the provider if you wish.
• Remember that under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill. If the work is not up to standard, you have statutory rights regardless of any extra guarantee.

Guarantees are not a substitute for a clear and thorough job, but they are one more way to compare roofers before you choose.

What to look for in a written quote

A proper quote is your best protection if anything is disputed later. You should expect to receive this before work starts.

• The quote should describe the fault, the repair method, and the materials to be used. If you receive only a price, ask for full details in writing before you agree.
• Check whether the quote is fixed or if there are any circumstances where the price might change. Most quotes exclude extra work found once tiles are lifted; ask how you’ll be notified and how any extra costs will be agreed.
• Written quotes should make clear whether VAT is included in the price, and whether removal of waste is covered.
• Payment should normally be on completion, not in advance. Agree this before work starts. Only very large jobs (such as full re-roofing) might require a deposit.
• Ask how you can check the work once complete. Request before-and-after photos, especially for areas that are not visible from the ground. These make it easier to see what has been done and are useful if you need to discuss the job later.

For more on comparing written quotes, see how to compare quotes fairly.

Your rights and cooling-off periods

Most contracts agreed at home, over the phone or online include a 14-day cooling-off period. This gives you time to change your mind, but there are exceptions.

• If you ask the roofer to start work during this period, you can still be charged for the work completed, even if you later cancel.
• Make sure you receive a contract or written agreement explaining your right to cancel and any charges that may apply.
• For urgent repairs (such as leaks causing damage), you may have little choice but to proceed immediately. In these cases, clarify in writing what will be charged if you cancel or if the work is only partly completed.

Understanding your cancellation rights gives you more confidence when booking a repair, especially when you are under pressure.

How to compare roofers and their services

Not all roofers offer the same services or standards. Comparing two or more side by side helps you spot differences that may matter.

• Use directories like Annuvell Local to see which roofers list roof repairs and guttering as comparison facts. You can view checked contact details and see which businesses have completed an ownership check by looking for the Verified badge.
• The compare tool allows you to line up two to four businesses and see what each one publishes about their services, materials, and guarantees. Each fact is labelled according to its source, so you know how it was supplied.
• If a roofer does not state a fact, it is marked as Not stated, which does not mean No – it simply means they have not published that information.
• Request quotes from more than one business using the same job description. This makes it easier to compare what each one includes and spot any differences in approach or materials.

You can find more advice on choosing roofers in how to choose a roofer and browse local listings on the roofers category page.

Next steps

Write down exactly what you need repaired and request written quotes from at least two local roofers. Ask each one to provide photos of the fault and to explain their repair method, materials, timescale, guarantee terms and what happens if they find more damage. Use Annuvell Local to request repair quotes from roofers near you and ask each for before-and-after photos so you can check the work is done as agreed.