Compare · Updated June 2026

Compare Roofing Quotes: What to Look For in 2026

Roofing quotes for the same job can vary 30–50% between firms — so the cheapest number is rarely the best deal. The trick is to get at least three like-for-like written quotes on the same specification, then compare them line by line on scope, materials, scaffolding, guarantees and VAT. This guide shows you what a complete roofing quote should contain, the red flags that signal a cowboy, and how to choose on value rather than price alone.

What a good quote includes Red flags to avoid How many to get
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The Checklist

Good Roofing Quote vs Red Flag

Lay your three quotes side by side and check each one against these markers.

Quote elementGood signRed flag
ScopeItemised: strip, felt, battens, tiles, flashingOne lump-sum figure, no detail
MaterialsNamed brand, tile type and felt grade“Standard materials” only
ScaffoldingIncluded and pricedNot mentioned — added later
GuaranteeWritten workmanship + materials warrantyVerbal promise only
VAT & paymentVAT shown, staged paymentsCash-only, large deposit upfront

A complete, itemised quote that is slightly dearer usually beats a vague cheap one once hidden extras appear.

Before You Sign

What to Check on Every Quote

  • Like-for-like spec. Make sure all three quotes cover the same scope and tile type — otherwise you're comparing different jobs.
  • Public liability insurance. Ask for proof of at least £2m cover before anyone goes on your roof.
  • Scaffolding included. Scaffold is £800–£2,000 on a typical house; a quote that omits it will balloon later.
  • Written guarantee. Expect a workmanship warranty (often 10–20 years) plus the manufacturer's materials guarantee.
  • Staged payments. A small deposit is fine; never pay the bulk upfront. Tie payments to completed stages.
  • References & reviews. Check recent local jobs and verified reviews, not just a glossy brochure.
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Frequently Asked

Common Questions

Get at least three written, like-for-like quotes on the same specification. Roofing prices vary 30–50% between firms for identical work, so three gives you a reliable middle ground and exposes any outlier.
An itemised scope (strip, felt, battens, tiles, flashing), named materials, scaffolding, a start date and timeline, a written guarantee, VAT, and clear staged payment terms. Anything vaguer is hard to compare.
Differences in tile and felt quality, whether scaffolding is included, how much old roofing is stripped, and a firm's overheads all move the price. A cheap quote often strips less or uses lower-grade materials.
A modest deposit to cover materials is normal, but never pay the bulk upfront. Tie payments to completed stages and keep a retention until the job passes a final inspection.
Look for a written workmanship guarantee — typically 10–20 years — alongside the manufacturer's materials warranty. Insurance-backed guarantees give extra protection if the firm ceases trading.
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