What to Ask During a New Roof Survey

If you’re planning to replace your roof, the first step is usually a survey. This is where a roofing contractor visits your home, inspects your roof, and gives you advice and a quote. But if you’re not sure what to ask, it’s easy to feel unprepared or overwhelmed.

At Roofing Newcastle, we believe a good roof survey is a two-way conversation. Yes, we’re there to inspect the roof and make recommendations. But you should also use the time to ask questions, get clarity, and understand your options.

This guide covers the key questions you should ask during a new roof survey so you can make informed decisions, avoid hidden costs, and feel confident in your roofer.

Why the Roof Survey Matters

A roof survey is more than just a quick look at your tiles. It’s a full inspection of your roofing system. That includes the visible surface, the structure beneath, and the features around it like gutters, chimneys, and ventilation.

The survey helps uncover:

• Leaks or damp spots
• Damaged or missing tiles
• Sagging rooflines
• Signs of rot or timber issues
• Problems with ventilation or insulation

It also gives you the chance to meet the roofer in person. You can get a feel for their experience, professionalism, and whether you trust them to do the job properly.

Let’s look at the questions you should be asking.

1. What is the condition of my current roof?

Start with the basics. Ask your roofer to explain what they see. A good contractor will walk you through:

• What’s working well
• What’s damaged or failing
• Which issues are urgent
• What can wait, if anything

They should be able to show you photos or point out visible signs of wear. At Roofing Newcastle, we often use drone or roof cam photos to give homeowners a clear look at what we see.

2. Do I need a full replacement, or can it be repaired?

Sometimes a full replacement isn’t necessary. If the structure is sound and only a small section is damaged, a repair may be enough.

Ask the roofer to explain the pros and cons of both options. Repairs are cheaper upfront, but if the roof is close to the end of its life, a replacement might save you money in the long run.

We always provide honest advice at Roofing Newcastle, even if that means recommending a simple fix.

3. What materials do you recommend, and why?

There are several types of roofing materials available in the UK, including:

• Concrete tiles
• Clay tiles
• Natural slate
• Synthetic slate
• GRP fibreglass (for flat roofs)

Ask your roofer to explain the differences and what they recommend for your home. Consider the following:

• Lifespan
• Weight and structural needs
• Weather performance
• Cost
• Appearance and planning restrictions

We bring material samples to most surveys so you can compare in person.

4. Will my roof structure need repairs or reinforcement?

Sometimes it’s not just the tiles that need replacing. If the roof timbers are damp, sagging, or cracked, they may need to be repaired or strengthened.

This is especially important if you’re switching to a heavier material like slate. Always ask if any structural work is expected and whether it’s included in the quote.

At Roofing Newcastle, we inspect the structure carefully and flag any issues before work begins.

5. How long will the job take?

Most new roofs take between two and five days to install. But the timeline can vary based on:

• Roof size and pitch
• Weather
• Complexity of the job
• Material availability

Ask for a realistic timeline and whether the team will be working on consecutive days. Some roofers take on multiple jobs at once, which can lead to delays.

We schedule each project carefully and aim to finish on time without gaps.

6. What will the day-to-day process look like?

It helps to understand how the project will unfold once work begins. Ask:

• What time will the team arrive and finish each day?
• Will there be any access restrictions to your home?
• Will scaffolding be required?
• Where will materials and skips be placed?

A good roofer should be able to walk you through each day of the job. At Roofing Newcastle, we give clients a written project plan so they know what to expect.

7. Will you handle building regulations and notifications?

In the UK, building regulations require that roof replacements be reported to local building control. This ensures the work meets safety and energy standards.

Ask if your roofer is part of a Competent Person Scheme, which allows them to self-certify and handle this on your behalf.

We’re fully registered, so we take care of all the paperwork and provide you with a compliance certificate at the end.

8. Do I need planning permission?

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission for a roof replacement, as long as you’re not changing the roof’s shape, height, or material.

But if your property is listed or in a conservation area, special rules may apply. Your roofer should know the local planning requirements and be able to advise.

We regularly work on properties in conservation zones and can help you understand what’s allowed.

9. What guarantees do you offer?

Any good roofing contractor should offer two guarantees:

• A workmanship guarantee (typically 10–15 years)
• A product warranty (often 30 years or more, depending on the material)

Ask what’s covered, how long it lasts, and what the process is if something goes wrong.

At Roofing Newcastle, we put our guarantees in writing and provide all documentation after the job is complete.

10. Are you fully insured?

Always ask to see proof of:

• Public liability insurance
• Employers’ liability insurance (if they have staff)

This protects you in case of accidents, damage, or injuries during the job.

We carry full insurance and are happy to provide documentation before any work begins.

11. What happens if you find extra issues?

Sometimes hidden problems show up once the roof covering is removed. This could include:

• Rot or insect damage in the rafters
• Damp insulation
• Damaged flashing or chimney issues

Ask how these situations are handled. Will they stop work and consult you? Will extra charges apply? Transparency is key.

We always show photos of any unexpected findings and agree on a plan before moving forward.

12. Can I see examples of your work?

Before hiring a roofer, ask to see photos or case studies of past projects. If possible, ask for references from previous clients.

This helps you check the quality of their work and get a feel for their experience.

We’re proud to show off our past work and often provide contact details for previous customers who are happy to share their experience.

13. Can I stay in my home while the work is being done?

In most cases, yes. But there will be noise, vibration, and some disruption during the day.

Ask if any part of your home will be off-limits and how your property will be protected during the project.

We take care to protect driveways, paths, and gardens, and keep you informed of any temporary access changes.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Ask Questions

A roof survey is your chance to gather all the information you need before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good roofer will welcome them and give you clear, honest answers.

At Roofing Newcastle, we encourage every homeowner to be fully involved in the process. We take time to explain your options, show you exactly what’s going on, and provide a clear, written quote after the survey.

If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, book a free roof survey with us today. We’ll walk you through every step and answer every question, no matter how small.