Roofing advice
Roof replacement planning checklist
Plan a roof replacement from assessment to handover: scope, access, permissions, materials, weather, waste and the final documents.
Agree the roof specification, access, exclusions and payment arrangements in writing before work starts. Plan for the people using the building, confirm property-specific permissions and keep the quotation and handover documents together.
Before the survey: gather the essentials
Record the property postcode, roof areas involved, known leaks and previous work. Identify who owns or manages the roof and who can agree the work. Make existing drawings or reports available if you have them.
Explain restricted access, shared driveways, neighbouring buildings and whether the rooms below will remain occupied. This helps the team plan the assessment around the actual property.
Before ordering: agree the specification
Confirm the roof covering, colour and profile, underlay, roof-edge treatment, ridge and junction details, and any associated work. Ask how new sections will meet retained coverings.
Keep material references and the agreed scope with your quotation. If something is excluded—such as gutter replacement, chimney work or internal decoration—make sure everyone understands that before work is booked.
Check property-specific permissions
Do not assume that all roof work has the same permission requirements. Listed status, conservation restrictions, a change of appearance or structural work may affect what needs checking.
Use current Scottish Government guidance and ask the relevant council or property adviser about your proposed work. Resolve shared-owner or landlord permissions before making a commitment.
Agree site access and the working arrangements
Discuss scaffolding, vehicle access, material storage and waste removal. Keep routes clear and explain any public access, school-run or business-operating constraints that affect the site.
Ask which areas will be restricted while work is underway. Agree how occupants, children, pets and visitors will be kept away from work and storage areas.
Plan for weather and changes
Ask for the expected programme and how weather affects it. Discuss how the property will be protected while the covering is being renewed and who to contact if conditions change.
Agree how additional defects discovered during removal will be documented and priced. Keep a record of approved changes to the scope, cost and timing.
At handover: check the details and documents
Arrange a final discussion about the completed scope, any outstanding items and future maintenance. Obtain the relevant quotation, invoices, product details and applicable guarantee information.
Confirm who to contact for aftercare. Keep those records with the property documents so future questions can be answered against the agreed specification.
Arrange a free home appointment and receive a clear quotation.
Request an appointment →Useful next steps
Roof repairs · Roof replacement · New roof installation
For property-specific planning questions, check Scottish planning guidance and your council before agreeing work.