What to include in a roofing quote
A clear roofing quote protects you and reassures the homeowner. Set out exactly what work you will carry out, the materials you will use, and what is and is not included, so there are no surprises once you are on the roof.
- The roof area in square metres, or the number of squares, and the pitch
- Tear-off and disposal of the existing covering
- New materials: membrane or felt, battens, tiles or slates, ridge, flashing and fixings
- Labour, broken down by stage where helpful
- Scaffolding or access equipment and how long it is needed
- Skip hire and waste removal
- Any repairs to timbers, fascias or guttering
- VAT or applicable tax shown as a separate line
- A validity date, since material prices move
How to price a roofing quote
Measure the roof accurately and add ten to fifteen percent to material quantities for waste and cuts. Price labour at your true day rate, including insurance, vehicle and tools. Add scaffolding and skip costs as their own lines so the homeowner can see them. Finish with a contingency of ten to twenty percent for hidden problems such as rotten battens or felt, which are common once the old covering is off.
What to exclude and flag
State clearly that hidden defects found after strip-off, such as rotten rafters or damaged chimney work, are not included and will be quoted separately before any extra work begins. This single line prevents most disputes.
Roofing quote validity
Because tile, slate and timber prices change, keep your roofing quote valid for fourteen to thirty days. Add the date to the quote and mention it when you follow up.