Three quotes give you three numbers. Without knowing what to look for, you cannot compare them properly. Here is what matters.
A roofing quote is a legally binding document once accepted. Getting three quotes is standard advice — but if you cannot interpret what a quote is actually saying, three quotes just give you three numbers to compare. Here is what a good Winchester roofing quote should contain and the omissions that should prompt questions before you sign.
Scope of work — a description specific enough that you could hand it to a different roofer and get work carried out to the same standard. "Roof repairs" is not a scope. "Strip and re-roof using Redland 49 concrete interlocking tiles, new breathable underlay, new treated battens, replace ridge tiles in flexible mortar bed, replace lead flashings at chimney stack" is a scope.
Specific materials — tile profile and manufacturer, lead code, underlay specification, flat roof system brand and model. Generic references to "quality materials" are not a specification.
Fixed price or schedule of rates — a quote should give you a price certainty. A "day rate" estimate is not a quote.
What is included — scaffolding, waste disposal, VAT. These three items together can add £1,500–£2,500 to a re-roof cost. A quote that excludes them looks cheaper at first comparison.
Want to see what a proper Winchester roofing quote looks like?
Every quote we produce is written, itemised and fixed-price. Scaffolding, waste and VAT always included.
📞 01962 809171Always confirm explicitly. Some contractors quote roof replacement at an apparently competitive price and then add scaffolding separately. The scaffold quote arrives after you have committed to the contractor.
Stripping a roof generates a skip-load of material. This is included in reputable quotes but not always in others.
VAT-registered contractors charge 20% on top of their net price. Check whether the quoted figure includes VAT or adds it on top.
If the quote includes lead work, confirm the code. Code 4 for chimney cover flashings (minimum), code 5 for back gutters and valleys. Any reference to "lead flashing" without a code number warrants clarification.
For Winchester period properties, confirm whether tiles are new or reclaimed and whether the profile has been confirmed as matching the existing. A reclaimed tile procurement cost may not appear in the base quote.
A written workmanship guarantee should state clearly: the duration (10 years for a full re-roof), what it covers (workmanship failures, not damage by others), and what the claims process is. A guarantee that simply says "10 year guarantee" without these details is not a useful document.
Manufacturer warranties — on tiles, GRP membranes, EPDM rubber — are separate from and additional to workmanship guarantees. Both should be referenced in the quote documentation.
Conservation area properties — a quote for a Winchester conservation area property should specify the exact tile profile and material (reclaimed clay tiles, reproduction clay tiles, or natural slate as appropriate). Generic references to "matching tiles" are insufficient for a conservation area property.
Period properties requiring lime mortar — any re-roof or chimney repoint on a pre-1945 Winchester property should specify lime mortar for ridge bedding and chimney repointing where appropriate. A quote that simply says "mortar" without specification warrants clarification.
Listed buildings — if your Winchester property is listed, the quote should either confirm that Listed Building Consent is not required (for like-for-like work that qualifies as permitted development) or confirm that the contractor will manage the consent process. We manage LBC applications for Winchester listed buildings as part of our service.
Can you confirm the tile manufacturer, profile and code? Is scaffolding included in this price? Is waste disposal included? What lead code are you specifying for the chimney work? What mortar specification for the ridge bedding? What is the process for making a claim against the workmanship guarantee? Can I see your current NFRC membership and insurance certificate before we proceed?
A roofer who can answer all of these immediately and in writing is a roofer you can work with. Hesitation or vagueness on any of these questions is a reason to ask them again more specifically before signing.
Whatever roofing work your Winchester property needs, these are the mistakes we see most frequently from homeowners who have been through a bad experience:
Accepting a verbal quote. Any job over £300 should have a written, itemised quote. Verbal quotes are unenforceable and tend to grow significantly by the time the invoice arrives.
Paying the full amount upfront. A deposit of 10–25% is standard. Full payment before work is complete removes all your leverage if the work is unsatisfactory.
Not checking NFRC registration. A roofer claiming NFRC membership who is not listed at nfrc.co.uk is not registered. Takes 30 seconds to check.
Choosing on price alone. Three quotes where one is 35% below the others is not a bargain — it is a signal that scaffolding, waste disposal or material quality is being cut from the scope.
Not asking about mortar specification. For Winchester period properties, the wrong mortar causes brickwork damage. Always ask: lime mortar or modified cement?
The next step after reading any roofing guide is a free professional survey. We cover all of Winchester and the surrounding Hampshire area — Eastleigh, Romsey, Chandler's Ford, Bishop's Waltham, New Alresford, Kings Worthy, Twyford, Colden Common, Otterbourne and Compton.
Call 01962 809171 or email info@winchesterroofers.co.uk. Free survey. Written condition report. Same-week appointments. No call-out fee. No obligation.
A well-itemised Winchester roofing quote should be readable as a sequence of work items, each with a clear cost:
A single-line quote ("Re-roof 3-bed semi, £7,500 including scaffold") is not an acceptable written quote for a job of this value. It is an invitation to disputes about scope at invoice stage.
A complete roofing quote should specify the exact scope of work, the material specification (tile profile, manufacturer, lead code), whether scaffolding and waste disposal are included, a fixed total price inclusive of VAT, and the workmanship guarantee terms and duration.
Yes — a reputable Winchester roofer includes scaffolding in their quoted price. Some contractors quote excluding scaffold to appear more competitive. Always confirm explicitly whether scaffolding is included.
10–25% of the job value is standard. Requests for 50%+ upfront or cash-only are warning signs.
Code 4 minimum for chimney cover flashings and soakers; code 5 for back gutters and valleys. A quote that simply says "lead flashings" without specifying the code warrants clarification.
14–30 days is standard. Be cautious of same-day expiry — this is a pressure sales tactic. A legitimate Winchester roofer does not need to pressure you into same-day commitment.
No call-out fees. No obligation. An honest quote from a local roofer.
01962 809171