How to Quote a Roofing Job UK

Roofing is one of those trades where accurate quoting is especially important. The stakes are high for both you and the customer. Underquote and you are working at height for nothing. Overquote and you lose the job. And roofing quotes involve more variables than most trades: access, weather, material choice, scaffolding, waste disposal, and the condition of the timber underneath.

This guide covers how to quote roofing work in the UK in 2026, with real pricing for the most common jobs and a step-by-step process for getting your quotes right.

Step 1: Survey the Roof

A proper survey is essential before quoting any roofing work. Unlike internal trades, you cannot always see the full extent of the work from the ground. Here is what to assess:

Access and viewing

Ideally, get onto the roof (or at least up a ladder to the eaves) to inspect the condition properly. If this is not possible, use binoculars or a drone to inspect from the ground. Note the roof pitch, height, access points, and any obstacles (dormers, skylights, satellite dishes, chimney stacks).

Current covering condition

Assess whether the existing tiles or slates can be reused (if doing repair work) or need to be stripped entirely. Look for cracked, slipped, or missing tiles. Check ridge tiles and hip tiles for mortar condition. Inspect flashing around chimneys, walls, and valleys.

Timber condition

If you can see into the loft space, check the condition of rafters, battens, and any boarding. Rotten or sagging timbers add significant cost. This is one area where you may need to include a contingency in your quote for issues discovered once the roof is stripped.

Scaffolding requirements

Most roofing work requires scaffolding for safe access. Assess how much scaffolding is needed (single lift, double lift, full access, tower scaffolding). Get a scaffolding quote before finalising your roofing quote, as this is a significant cost.

Step 2: Measure the Roof

Measure the roof area in square metres. For a simple pitched roof, this is the plan area (footprint) multiplied by a factor for the pitch:

20 degree pitch: multiply by 1.06
30 degree pitch: multiply by 1.15
40 degree pitch: multiply by 1.31
45 degree pitch: multiply by 1.41

For a semi-detached house with a footprint of 5m x 8m (40m2), a 30-degree pitched roof would have a roof area of approximately 40 x 1.15 = 46m2 per side, or 92m2 total. Use our square metre calculator for quick calculations.

Step 3: Roofing Prices in 2026

Full re-roof (strip and re-tile/slate)

Concrete tiles: 60 to 90 per m2 (supplied and fitted)
Clay tiles: 80 to 120 per m2
Natural slate: 100 to 160 per m2
Synthetic slate: 70 to 100 per m2

These prices include strip, new felt and battens, and fitting new tiles or slates. They exclude scaffolding and waste disposal.

Flat roof replacement

EPDM rubber (Firestone/ClassicBond): 70 to 100 per m2
GRP fibreglass: 80 to 120 per m2
Torch-on felt: 50 to 80 per m2

Repairs

Replace ridge tiles (per linear metre): 40 to 60
Replace valley (per linear metre): 60 to 100
Replace flashing (per linear metre): 35 to 55
Replace up to 10 slipped/cracked tiles: 150 to 300 (minimum callout)
Chimney re-point and re-flash: 400 to 800

Additional costs

Scaffolding (typical semi-detached, single lift): 600 to 1,200
Scaffolding (detached, full access): 1,200 to 2,500
Skip hire (large, for old tiles): 250 to 400
Timber repairs (per rafter): 40 to 80
New fascia and soffit boards: 40 to 60 per linear metre

Step 4: Real Quote Example

Full re-roof: Semi-detached house

Roof area: 90m2. Concrete interlocking tiles. Existing roof stripped, new felt, battens, and tiles. New dry ridge system. New lead flashing to abutment wall.

Strip existing roof and dispose: included
New breathable membrane and battens: included
Supply and fit concrete tiles (90m2 at 75/m2): 6,750.00
Dry ridge system (8m): 480.00
New lead flashing to abutment (4m): 200.00
Scaffolding: 950.00
Skip hire (2 x large): 600.00
Contingency for timber repairs (allowance): 300.00
Total: 9,280.00 (excl. VAT)

Step 5: Contingencies

Roofing is the one trade where contingencies are expected and justified. You cannot see the condition of the timber, felt, and decking until the roof is stripped. A common approach is:

• Include a small contingency in the quote (300 to 500 for a standard re-roof)
• State that any additional timber repairs beyond the allowance will be charged at an agreed rate (typically 40 to 80 per rafter replacement)
• Agree to photograph any issues found and get customer approval before carrying out additional work

Step 6: Present Professionally

Roofing is a high-value job and customers are often comparing three or more quotes. A professional, itemised quote with clear terms wins more work than a single-line price on a text message. Use QuoteSmith to create professional roofing quotes with proper breakdowns and terms. Read our quote template guide for best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new roof cost in the UK in 2026?

A full re-roof on a typical semi-detached house costs approximately 7,000 to 12,000 including scaffolding and waste disposal. Costs vary by tile choice, roof size, and location. London and the South East are 20 to 30 percent more expensive.

How long does a re-roof take?

A standard semi-detached re-roof takes 3 to 5 days with a two-person team, weather permitting. Larger or more complex roofs take longer. Allow an additional day for scaffolding erection and dismantling.

Should I include scaffolding in my quote?

Yes, always. Some roofers quote the roof work separately and tell the customer to arrange their own scaffolding, but this creates confusion and potential safety issues. Include scaffolding in your total price for a cleaner, more professional quote.

What guarantee should I offer on roofing work?

Most roofers offer a 10 to 20 year guarantee on workmanship for a full re-roof. Materials are typically covered by the manufacturer's warranty (20 to 40 years for most tiles). For repairs, a 12-month workmanship guarantee is standard.