For UK roofers

Roofer quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a roofing quote that sets out scope, access, materials, terms and VAT properly, so the customer knows what is included before the scaffold goes up.

What a roofer quote should include

Roofing quotes go wrong in two predictable places: access and what is under the covering. A scaffold that was not priced separately, and timber rot nobody could see until the roof was stripped. A good roofing quote prices the visible work firmly, prices the access on its own line, and handles the hidden work honestly, so the customer is not surprised and you are not out of pocket.

• Your business and membership. Trading name, address, contact, and any relevant membership such as CompetentRoofer or the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) where it applies. Roofing is not Gas Safe registered, so do not list a Gas Safe number. Add your VAT number if registered.
• The customer and the site. Their name and the property address, plus whether the roof is pitched or flat.
• Access and scaffold. Working at height needs safe access. Price scaffold, a tower or edge protection as its own line so the customer sees it.
• A specific scope. Strip existing covering, the new covering type, membrane and battens, and the finish standard on ridge, verge and flashings.
• Materials. Name the covering, whether slate, clay or concrete tile, felt, EPDM rubber or fibreglass GRP on a flat roof, plus membrane, battens, lead flashing, ridge and verge.
• Labour and materials. Days by your rate, plus the covering and sundries named where it helps the customer trust the price.
• VAT. If registered, subtotal, 20% VAT and total. If not, say so.
• Timeline. Days on site, and note that pitched and flat roof work is weather dependent.
• Payment terms. When you expect payment and any deposit against ordered materials and scaffold hire.
• Exclusions. Fascias, soffits, guttering and internal making good are often excluded. Say so clearly.
• Validity period. "Valid for 30 days" so a materials price does not follow you around after supplier costs move.

A roofer quote example

The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every job from your own supplier prices, scaffold hire and day rate.

Scope note: "Erect scaffold, strip existing covering, replace defective timber and battens, fit new breathable membrane, battens and covering, form new lead flashings, re-bed ridge and verge, test for weathertightness. Excludes fascias, soffits, guttering and internal making good." Terms note: "Price assumes the existing roof structure and timbers are sound. Any hidden timber rot or defect found on strip out will be quoted and agreed in writing before proceeding. Valid for 30 days."

The mistakes that cost roofers money on a quote

• Not pricing access separately. Burying scaffold or edge protection in a single total is how a good job turns into a loss when the customer questions the price. Give access its own line.
• Pricing what you cannot see. Committing a firm price to timbers you have not stripped back is a common trap on older roofs. Add a clear variations line for rot found on strip.
• Ignoring weather delays. Pitched and flat roof work stops in high wind and heavy rain. Note that timings are weather dependent so a wet week is not read as your delay.
• Vague scope on flashings and leadwork. "Sort the flashings" invites the customer to expect full lead replacement you never priced. Spell out ridge, verge, valley and chimney leadwork in or out.
• Confusing a quote with an estimate. A quote is a fixed price. An estimate can move. Label the document as one, never both. See quote vs estimate.

Should a roofer send a quote or an estimate?

For a defined job, a full re-roof to an agreed specification, quote it firmly. For a repair where the true extent is hidden until you open up, storm damage or a leak of unknown source you cannot trace from the ground, an estimate with a firm quote to follow is the honest approach. Put the scope, the access and the variations in writing either way. Our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades explains when each is fairer.

This page is practical quoting guidance, not legal advice, and it does not cover working at height or other obligations, which are set by the applicable rules. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.

Roofer quote FAQ

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