How to Quote for Roofing Work: Rates, Measurements and Professional Quotes
Knowing how to quote for roofing work accurately is essential for running a profitable roofing business. Roofing quotes that are too low erode your margin on jobs that often take longer than expected. Quotes that are too high – or that don’t look professional – lose work to competitors. This guide covers exactly how to quote for roofing work, from measurement to presentation.
How to Quote for Roofing Work: Start With Accurate Measurement
Quoting for roofing work accurately starts with proper measurement on site. Never quote from photos or floor plans.
Measuring a pitched roof:
– Measure the footprint of the building (eaves to ridge × rafter length, multiplied by 2 for a standard pitched roof)
– Use a pitch multiplier to convert footprint to actual roof area: 30° pitch = multiply by 1.15; 45° pitch = multiply by 1.41
– Add for dormers, valleys, and hips separately
– Check tile size and gauge required – affects material quantities significantly
Measuring a flat roof:
– Simple area calculation (length × width)
– Note upstand heights and details – these affect material quantities
– Identify any drainage outlets, rooflights, or penetrations
Current UK Roofing Rates 2026
| Roofing job type | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Re-roof – plain tiles (per m²) | £60-£90/m² |
| Re-roof – concrete interlocking tiles (per m²) | £50-£80/m² |
| Re-roof – natural slate (per m²) | £80-£120/m² |
| Re-roof – artificial slate (per m²) | £65-£95/m² |
| Flat roof – EPDM/rubber (per m²) | £60-£90/m² |
| Flat roof – GRP fibreglass (per m²) | £70-£110/m² |
| Emergency repair (per hour) | £50-£80/hr + materials |
| Guttering replacement (per linear metre) | £15-£30/m |
| Fascia and soffit (per linear metre) | £25-£45/m |
Current rates from Checkatrade and MyJobQuote, 2026.
What a Professional Roofing Quote Should Include
When quoting for roofing work professionally:
- Your business details – company name, contact, CSCS/NFRC membership
- Job address and survey date
- Scope description – type of roofing, area in m², specification of materials
- Materials specification – tile manufacturer and product, underlay specification, ridge detail
- Preparation work – stripping existing covering, disposing of old materials
- Scaffold – included or separate quote?
- Price – labour and materials broken out where possible
- Guarantees – manufacturer warranties and your workmanship warranty
- Payment terms – deposit and balance
- Validity period – 30 days is standard (material prices change)
Scaffold Costs in Roofing Quotes
Scaffold is one of the most significant variables when quoting for roofing work. Always get a scaffold quote separately:
- Standard 2-storey house: £350-£600
- Complex or detached property: £500-£900+
Include scaffold costs transparently in your roofing quote – either as a line item included in your price, or as a provisional sum. Customers who later discover scaffold is extra (when they thought it was included) become difficult customers.
Conclusion
Pricing correctly is not about charging the most – it is about charging enough to run a sustainable, profitable business. The tradespeople who consistently undercharge are not doing customers a favour; they are putting their businesses at risk and making it harder for everyone in the industry to charge fair rates. Know your costs, add your margin, and price with confidence. For further guidance, visit NFRC: professional roofing.
Free calculator by CoreQuote — the quoting app for trades
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I quote for emergency roof repairs?
For emergency repairs where scope is unknown upfront, quote a minimum charge (typically 2-3 hours at your emergency hourly rate) plus materials at cost + margin. Take a payment method before starting and agree on the authorisation limit for spend before you uncover issues. Always photograph the problem before and after.
Should I include materials in my roofing quotes?
Yes. Always include materials in your roofing quotes unless the customer specifically wants to supply their own (rare, and risky). Including materials lets you apply a fair margin (10-20%) and ensures compatibility – wrong tiles cause callbacks.
How long should I allow for a quote to be valid?
30 days is standard for roofing quotes. Material prices – particularly timber, lead, and specialist tiles – can change in that period. A 30-day validity is fair to both parties.
What deposit should I request on a roofing job?
25-30% for most roofing jobs. For larger re-roof contracts, a staged payment structure – 25% deposit, 25% on scaffold erection and strip, 50% on completion – works well for both parties.
Related reading:
- Is 2026 a Good Year to Start a Trades Business in the UK?
- How Much Should a Tradesman Charge Per Hour in the UK? (2026 Guide)
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