A clear written quote wins jobs and prevents arguments later. Homeowners often compare two or three, and the one that explains the work plainly tends to feel safest. Here’s what a roofing quote should cover, and a checklist you can use for your own.
Quote or estimate?
Be clear which one you’re giving. A quote is a firm price for the work described, which you’re expected to stick to if the job matches the description. An estimate is your best guess, and the final figure can change. A written quote after a survey is usually a quote; a figure on your website before anyone has seen the roof is an estimate, and should say so.
What to include
Your details and theirs
Your company name, address, contact details and, if you have them, your company and VAT numbers. The customer’s name and the address of the property, plus a quote reference and the date.
The scope of work, in plain words
Describe what you’ll do in the order you’ll do it: strip the existing covering, check and replace battens or decking, fit the membrane, lay the new covering, renew flashings, fit ridge and verges, clear up. A homeowner should be able to read it and picture the job.
Materials
Name the covering and, where it matters, the product or the type: concrete or clay tiles, natural or man-made slate, felt system, EPDM or GRP. If the customer chose between options, say which one this quote is for.
Size and measurements
The roof area or the elevations included. It shows you’ve measured properly and makes it easy to compare like with like.
Access and scaffolding
Say whether scaffolding is included, how long it’s allowed for, and anything about access the customer needs to arrange, such as a neighbour’s permission or clearing a driveway.
Waste and disposal
Whether skips and disposal of the old covering are included.
What isn’t included
This is where most disputes start. List the exclusions: rotten timbers beyond a stated allowance, asbestos removal, chimney rebuilding, gutters and fascias, decorating inside. Where you can, give a rate for likely extras, such as a price per metre for replacing rafters, so a surprise doesn’t become a row.
Price and VAT
The total, and whether VAT is included. If you’re VAT registered, show it clearly. If you’re not, say the price has no VAT to add, so nobody wonders.
How long the quote is valid
Material prices move. A stated validity, such as 30 days, protects you.
Payment terms
When you’ll ask for payment and how. If you take a deposit, say how much and what it’s for.
Timing
A likely start date or lead time, how long the job should take, and what happens in bad weather.
Guarantees and insurance
The length of your workmanship guarantee and any manufacturer’s guarantee on the materials. If you offer an insurance-backed guarantee or belong to a trade body, say so here.
How to accept
Tell them exactly how to say yes: sign and return, reply by email, or ring. Make it easy.
Checklist
- Your details, their details, a reference and the date.
- Scope of work in plain words, in order.
- Materials, named.
- Roof size or areas included.
- Scaffolding and access.
- Waste and disposal.
- Exclusions, with rates for likely extras.
- Total price and VAT.
- Validity period.
- Payment terms and any deposit.
- Start date, duration and weather.
- Guarantees and insurance.
- How to accept.
Before the quote: the first figure
Many homeowners want a rough idea before they’ll book a survey at all. An instant estimate on your website gives them a guide range from your own rates, worded as an estimate, and sends you the enquiry with the figure they saw. When your written quote follows, it lands close to what they were expecting. See should roofing companies show prices online? and setting your rates per m².
This guide is general information, not legal advice.