RoofMatch quote guide · Updated 29 October 2026
How to compare roofing quotes
Compare the same work, materials and full payable total before choosing a roofer. A lower price is not necessarily better value if access, waste disposal or essential repairs are missing.
An indicative response is not a firm written quote
On RoofMatch, you describe your job once and up to 3 approved local roofers may respond with indicative price ranges, availability and inspection notes. These help you decide who to speak to; they are not fixed prices or a promise of three responses.
For ordinary quote requests, your contact details are shared with a roofer when you select them. Most jobs need an inspection before the roofer can give a firm written quote. Agree the inspection arrangements and any fee directly, then request an itemised proposal before agreeing to work.
RoofMatch makes introductions. The inspection, final quote, contract, payment and warranty are between you and the independent roofer. How matching works.
How to compare indicative responses before a site visit
An indication helps you choose who to invite round. It won't be as detailed as a written quote, but a useful one should tell you these five things.
A realistic price range
Look for a sensible range, such as £400–£700, that reflects what can be seen from your photos. A single very low figure with no upper limit can rise sharply once the roofer is on site.
Stated assumptions
Good roofers say what they assumed: ladder access from the front, rafters in good order, matching existing tiles. Assumptions make ranges comparable.
Inspection terms
Check whether the site visit is free or whether there is a charge, for example for leak tracing or a drone survey.
Sensible questions back
A roofer who asks when the leak appears or whether you have spare tiles is thinking about your actual roof, which is a good sign.
Availability that fits your urgency
An active leak needs a visit within a day or two; planned work like repointing can wait for a roofer booked weeks ahead.
| Indicative response | Written quote | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Before anyone visits | After an inspection |
| Price | A realistic range | A full payable total |
| Scope | Based on your description and photos | Measured and itemised |
| Hidden damage | Flagged as a possibility | Agreed process and rates |
| Next step | Choose who to invite to inspect | Agree and sign the contract |
Tip: a much lower range with no stated assumptions is worth questioning. Ask what it includes before booking a visit.
What should a roofing quote include?
Give each roofer the same description, photos and any survey information. Put their written proposals side by side and check these six points.
The same roof and work
Check which roof slopes or flat-roof areas are included, whether the proposal is a repair, overlay or replacement, and what will be stripped off. A patch repair and a full replacement are not equivalent quotes.
Named materials and preparation
Ask for the covering or system, relevant product specification, and any underlay, battens, decking, insulation, ventilation or leadwork included. If two roofers propose different systems, ask why each suits your roof.
Access, protection and waste
Confirm scaffolding or other safe access, temporary weather protection, disposal of old materials and making good are included where required. Ask who arranges access and how long it is allowed for.
Exclusions and hidden damage
Ask what is not included and what happens if rotten timbers or damaged decking are uncovered. Agree how extra work will be evidenced, priced and approved in writing before it goes ahead.
The total payable and payment stages
Check whether VAT is included, added or not applicable, whether an inspection has a fee, and when deposits and stage payments are due. Compare the full total for the agreed scope, not just a headline labour figure.
Timing, insurance and guarantees
Ask about likely start date and duration, weather delays, relevant insurance and written workmanship or material guarantees. Check who provides each guarantee, its exclusions and any maintenance conditions.
Why the cheapest total can be misleading
For example, one proposal might include replacing damaged decking, scaffolding and waste removal, while another covers only the new roof covering. Until the exclusions are clarified, the totals do not describe the same job. This is an illustrative comparison, not a RoofMatch price estimate.
Ask both roofers to confirm the same scope in writing. If their diagnoses differ, ask for photos or an explanation of why a repair or replacement is needed; for a major or disputed defect, consider independent professional advice. Do not climb onto the roof yourself.
For indicative local price ranges rather than quote contents, see our roof repair cost guide.
Questions to send back before accepting
- Does your total include all access, disposal and VAT where applicable?
- Which areas, materials and preparation are included, and what is excluded?
- How will unexpected repairs be documented and priced before I authorise them?
- Can you confirm payment stages, timing, insurance and guarantee terms in writing?
Start with local roofing responses
Ordinary quote requests are free for homeowners, landlords and businesses. RoofMatch currently matches jobs in Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire; availability varies. Out-of-area requests join the waitlist.
Get up to 3 free roofing quotesAlready have a formal specification or survey for a larger job? The Tender & Survey Hub is a separate process; this guide describes ordinary roofing quotes.
Sources and scope
Quote-comparison guidance is informed by the Federation of Master Builders roofing guide. RoofMatch process details reflect our FAQs and Terms of Business. This is general guidance, not a roof inspection or technical specification.