A proper roofing quote is written and itemised by work element, names specific materials, states the access method and programme, and includes payment terms and a guarantee duration. A single-line total is not a quote. Compare itemised scope before comparing price, because a cheaper quote often excludes materials a fuller one includes.
Roofing is one of the trades where the difference between a good quote and a dangerous one is not always obvious at first glance. This guide explains what a properly written roofing quote should contain, what the common omissions mean, and when you should ask questions before signing anything.
What a Proper Roofing Quote Looks Like
A properly written roofing quote is a document, not a number on a piece of paper or a text message. At minimum it should contain all of the following:
Itemised Scope of Work
Every element of the job listed separately. For a re-roof: strip existing tile, dispose of debris, supply and fix new breathable membrane, supply and fix new treated batten, supply and fix new tile (profile and manufacturer specified), ridge and hip work (mortar type specified), lead work (code specified), guttering (if included or excluded — stated explicitly). If you receive a quote that says "full re-roof of front slope — £3,200" and nothing else, ask for the itemised breakdown. A contractor who won't provide one should not be on your shortlist.
Materials Specified
The quote should name the specific tile profile, manufacturer, lead code, membrane type and any other significant material. "Quality tiles" is not a material specification. "Marley Eternit Mendip clay interlocking tile" is. The difference between a budget concrete tile and a mid-range clay tile on a standard semi might be £400 on the quote and 30 years on the lifespan of the roof.
Access Method
How will the contractor access the roof? Scaffold, tower scaffold, or ladder and roof hooks? This should be stated. Scaffold is the correct access method for any re-roofing job on a two-storey property. Ladder-only access on a full re-roof is a safety concern and a practical limitation on the quality of work achievable.
Programme
Start date, estimated duration, and what happens if weather delays work. A re-roofing contractor should be explicit about when they expect to start and how long the job will take. "We'll let you know" is not an acceptable programme on a job that will leave your roof stripped for several days.
Payment Terms
Deposit amount (typically 20–30% on jobs over £2,000), any stage payments tied to milestones, and the final payment date. Full payment upfront is a red flag. Payment by bank transfer, not cash only, is a sign of a legitimate business.
Guarantee
Workmanship guarantee duration and what it covers. Ten years is the industry standard for quality roofing contractors. The guarantee should be in writing, specify what is covered, and state what the contractor's obligations are if a fault arises.
NFRC guidance advises homeowners never to pay the full cost of roofing work before it begins, and to insist on a written, itemised specification.
Source: NFRC consumer guidance
Red Flags in a Roofing Quote
Single-Line Total
A quote that gives a total price without itemisation makes it impossible to understand what you are buying. It also makes it impossible to compare fairly with other quotes, since you don't know whether the other contractors are including the same scope. Always ask for the breakdown.
Cash Only
Legitimate businesses accept bank transfer. Cash-only contractors typically have no paper trail — which means no recourse if the work is defective or the scope differs from what was quoted.
No Written Quote
A verbal quote or a number texted to you is not a contract. If a contractor will not put the scope and price in writing, do not use them.
Full Payment Upfront
A legitimate contractor does not need full payment before starting work. A deposit to cover initial material costs is normal; full payment before a single tile is lifted is not.
No Insurance Details
Ask to see the public liability insurance certificate before work begins. Check that the policy holder name matches the contractor name, and check the expiry date. Uninsured contractors leave you liable if something goes wrong.
Comparing Quotes
When comparing three quotes for the same roofing job in Worthing, the most important question is whether you are genuinely comparing like for like. Quote A at £5,500 might use concrete tile, no underlay replacement and ladder access. Quote B at £7,200 might use clay tile, full new underlay, scaffold and include lead work. They are not the same job at different prices — they are different jobs with a different spec and different outcomes.
Every Worthing Roofing Experts quote is written, itemised by element, specifies materials by name, states access method and programme, and includes a 10-year workmanship guarantee. We explain every line if you want us to. Call 01903 905 128 for a free, no-obligation inspection and written quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Itemised scope by work element, specific materials named, access method, programme dates, deposit terms, payment schedule, and guarantee duration. A single-line total is not a quote.
No. Any work over £100 should be in writing, itemised and specific. A verbal quote is unenforceable and gives you no protection if the finished scope differs from what was discussed.
20–30% on jobs over £2,000. Full payment before work starts is a red flag. Stage payments tied to completion milestones are normal on larger re-roofing jobs. Call 01903 905 128 and we will explain our payment structure.
Material specification, access method, included scope and insurance costs all vary between contractors. A low quote that does not specify materials may be excluding items that a higher quote includes — you are not always comparing like for like.
Last reviewed: 20 July 2026 by Worthing Roofing Experts.
About the author
Worthing Roofing Experts — local roofing specialists serving Worthing and the West Sussex coast since 2003. NFRC registered, fully insured. Call 01903 905 128 for a free quote.