What a roofing quote should spell out

You've spotted a damp patch on your ceiling or noticed cracked tiles during a storm, and you've contacted a roofer. Now a quote has landed in your inbox or WhatsApp, but it's vague—maybe just a line item saying "roof repair: R3,000" with no detail about what's actually being fixed. Before you commit, you need to know what a proper roofing quote looks like, and what gaps should make you pause.

A roofing quote is your contract in writing. It protects you by spelling out exactly what work will happen, where, and under what conditions. A rushed or incomplete quote often signals a rushed or incomplete job ahead.

Material and product names matter

Your quote should name the specific materials being used, not just "roof tiles" or "sealant". Ask for the brand, type, and colour if relevant. If the roofer is replacing a section of tiles, they should specify whether they're clay, concrete, interlocking, or slate—and crucially, whether they're matching your existing roof or upgrading. For IBR sheets or flat roof membranes, the quote should list the grade and gauge. If the job involves flashing, underlays, or guttering repairs, each should be itemised separately with material specs. This detail prevents surprises and ensures you're comparing like-for-like if you get multiple quotes.

Scope and access—what gets done and how

The quote must describe the actual work. "Roof repair" tells you nothing; "replace broken tiles in the north-facing section of the main roof, re-secure loose flashing above the kitchen window, and clear guttering" does. You should see the square meterage or linear metres of what's being worked on, especially for membrane or sheet replacements. The quote should also explain how the roofer will access the roof—whether they're using ladders, scaffolding, or a cherry picker—because that affects labour cost and safety. If the job requires removing debris or disposing of old materials, that should be listed. If they're working around existing obstacles like solar panels or satellite dishes, call that out too.

Timeframe and conditions

Roofing work depends heavily on weather. A quote should state how long the job will take under normal conditions—whether it's a half-day patch or a multi-day project—and clarify that rain or high winds may delay completion. It should also spell out who supplies what: are you providing materials, or the roofer? If scaffolding or skip hire is needed, who's arranging and paying for it? The quote should confirm whether the price includes site cleanup and, if there's interior damage (like water stains on ceilings), whether that falls within the scope or requires a separate tradesperson.

Guarantee and payment terms

This is non-negotiable. The quote should state how long any guarantee or warranty lasts and what it covers—usually workmanship for 12 months and materials under the manufacturer's guarantee. Ask what happens if a leak reappears within that period: is it free remedial work, or do you pay again? Payment terms should be clear too. Many roofers ask for a deposit before starting work (often 25–50 percent of the total) and the balance on completion. The quote should state this upfront, and you should understand what triggers each payment. Avoid a roofer who demands full payment before work begins.

Before you sign off, check that the quote includes the roofer's contact details, the date it was issued, and a validity period (usually 30 days). If something is ambiguous—whether it's what "completion" means or whether gutters are included—ask in writing and request an updated quote. A roofer who's happy to clarify is a good sign.

When you're ready to book, Strove makes it simple to find vetted roofers, read their reviews, and compare quotes side by side so you can spot what's missing and ask the right follow-up questions before committing.