For UK roofers

Roofer quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a roofing quote that sets out access, stripping, materials, flashings and VAT properly, so you look established and win the job.

What a roofing quote should include

A roofing quote has to price the work and reassure a customer who cannot see most of what they are paying for. Half the value on a roof is above their eyeline and half is under the tiles. The quotes that win are the ones that show you have thought about access, the deck and the details, not just the covering. Here is what a good roofing quote lists.

• Your business details. Trading name, address, phone, email, your VAT number if registered, and your public liability cover. Roofing is working at height, so a customer wants to see a real, insured business.
• The customer and the property. Their name and the full address of the roof being worked on.
• The roof and the scope. Not "new roof" but the roof type and pitch, the approximate area in square metres, whether it is a strip and re-cover or a repair, and the finish standard you leave it at.
• Access. Scaffolding or tower hire is a real cost on almost every job. Itemise it, and say whether you arrange it or the customer does.
• Strip and disposal. Removing the old covering and getting rid of it, including skip or tip fees. Old felt and broken tiles add up fast.
• Deck, membrane and battens. Breathable membrane and treated battens, plus an allowance to replace any rotten timber found once the roof is open.
• The covering. The exact product, for example concrete interlocking tiles, clay plain tiles or natural slate, priced at merchant rates with a margin for waste and breakage.
• Ridge, verge and flashings. Dry-fix or bedded ridge and verge, and new lead flashings to chimneys, valleys and abutments. These details are where cheap roofs leak.
• Guttering and trims. If fascia, soffit or guttering are part of the job, list them. If not, exclude them clearly.
• VAT. If registered, show subtotal, 20% VAT and the total. If not registered, say so plainly.
• Timeline, terms and guarantee. A start window, a realistic duration allowing for weather, stage or on-completion payment, and any workmanship guarantee you offer.
• A validity period. "Valid for 30 days" so you are not tied to a stale price when material costs move.

A roofing quote example

The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every roof from your own merchant prices, access costs and day rate.

Scope note: "Strip existing concrete tile roof to a semi-detached property, approximately 85 square metres, re-cover with breathable membrane, new treated battens and concrete interlocking tiles, dry-fix ridge and verge, new lead flashings and guttering. Left weathertight and cleared." Terms note: "Includes a provisional sum for replacing up to five defective rafters. Any further timber priced as a variation agreed in writing. Valid for 30 days."

The mistakes that cost roofers money on a quote

Most lost jobs and most disputes on a roof come from a small number of avoidable habits.

• Hiding the access cost. Scaffold is a big number. Bury it in a lump sum and your quote looks either too cheap to trust or too dear with no reason shown. Itemise it.
• No allowance for hidden timber. You never know the state of the battens and rafters until the roof is stripped. Without a provisional sum and a variations clause, rotten timber becomes an argument or a loss you swallow.
• Vague covering spec. "New tiles" invites the customer to picture natural slate while you priced concrete. Name the exact product.
• Skipping the details. Ridge, verge and flashings are where a roof leaks and where a cheap rival cut corners. Spelling them out is how you justify being dearer.
• No weather allowance. Promise a fixed finish date and the first wet week makes you look unreliable. Give a realistic window and note that heavy weather may move it.
• Undercharging to win. You feel it when the scaffold and skip invoices land. Price it properly and let the detail of the quote sell the job.

Should a roofer send a quote or an estimate?

Send a quote when the work is visible and measurable, such as a full re-roof where you can see the area and the details from the ground and the loft. Send an estimate when there is honest uncertainty you cannot price away yet, most often the condition of the timbers and felt under an old covering. Give the estimate with a provisional sum, then confirm a firm quote once the roof is stripped and you can see it. The full breakdown is in our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades.

This page is practical quoting guidance, not legal advice. Consumer rules can apply differently depending on the customer and the job. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.

Roofing quote FAQ

Related guides: All trade quote templates · Builder template · Electrician template · Plumber template