A legitimate Inverness roofer asks what the problem is, what type of property you have, and how urgent the situation is. They do not quote a price on the phone without seeing the roof. They tell you when they can attend for a survey. A verbal price without a survey is a reason for caution.
A survey on a standard Inverness 3-bed property takes 30–45 minutes. The surveyor accesses the roof, inspects the reported problem and the wider roof, checks the loft side where accessible, and photographs all findings. You receive a written report within 24–48 hours with each issue graded by urgency and a cost against each item. A survey that produces only a total figure is not a proper survey result.
Written and itemised: scope, materials with manufacturer names, scaffold arrangement, waste disposal, contingency terms for additional deck work found on stripping, payment schedule with specific triggers, guarantee terms and duration.
On a re-roofing project: scaffold first, typically 1–2 days before the roofing team. Strip work removes existing tile, felt and battens with same-day deck inspection. New breathable membrane installed before close of day — the roof should not be left open overnight without secondary protection. Battens, tile, ridge and hip follow in sequence. You receive a daily update and the site is clean at the end of each working day.
We follow this process on every project. Free survey, written quote within 48 hours. Call 01463 262835.
Call 01463 262835On completion: a walk-round covering the completed work, site clearance including scaffold removal within 2–3 days, written 10-year workmanship guarantee, manufacturer warranty documentation, and a photographic completion record for larger projects. Ask for written documentation before paying the final amount.
The survey visit is the best opportunity to assess whether a contractor is genuinely competent. A surveyor who can answer specific questions about your property's materials, the appropriate mortar specification, and the correct lead code for your position is demonstrating real knowledge. A surveyor who gives vague answers to specific questions, or who does not access the roof on a project over £300, is not providing a proper survey.
Specific questions worth asking during the survey: what tile manufacturer will you use? What is the headlap specification for this pitch and exposure? What lead code will you use on the chimney flashings? If the property is Victorian: what mortar specification will you use for chimney repointing? A contractor who answers these directly is competent. A contractor who says they will "use quality materials" without specifics is not providing sufficient information for a genuine comparison.
A surveyor who provides a total price during the survey visit without any written breakdown. A surveyor who does not go on the roof for a project where roof access is clearly required. A surveyor who pressures for an immediate decision or cites urgency to influence your choice. A surveyor who cannot name the tile manufacturer or lead code they plan to use. Any of these is a reason to obtain a second opinion before proceeding. We always provide a written survey report and quote within 48 hours — never a same-visit verbal commitment.
During a re-roofing project, you should receive a brief daily update from the site foreman — typically a text or a brief call at the end of the working day covering: what was completed that day, what is planned for the following day, any findings from deck inspection or other unexpected conditions, and the revised completion date if any change has occurred. This is not onerous to provide and it is the difference between a client who feels informed throughout and a client who has to chase for updates.
If unexpected conditions are found — rotted sarking boards, a failed section of deck, inadequate original batten gauge — you should be told before any additional work proceeds. We never carry out additional work without a revised written cost confirmed and agreed by the client. The contingency clause in the original quote establishes what type of additional work might be encountered and the rate at which it will be charged if found. The specific scope and cost of any additional work is always confirmed in writing before it is carried out.
"Process was exactly as described. Survey to completion took 12 days including scaffold. Written guarantee and manufacturer documents provided on sign-off."
"First time using a roofer for a major project. This article told me exactly what to expect. No surprises throughout."
Whatever the roofing question, the right starting point is a professional survey carried out by a roofer who knows Highland conditions and the local housing stock. A survey costs nothing when combined with any roofing project, and £95–£150 as a standalone assessment. The written condition report that follows gives you a clear picture of the current state of your roof, what needs to happen and in what sequence, and what the costs will be.
We have been carrying out roof surveys, repairs and replacements across Inverness and Highland since 2003. NFRC registered. £5m public liability insurance. 10-year workmanship guarantee on all work. Free, no-obligation surveys across the full Highland area. Call 01463 262835 to arrange a visit, or use the contact form on our homepage. We aim to confirm survey appointments within one working day.
For a free survey across Inverness and all of Highland, call 01463 262835. We attend survey appointments within 3–5 working days for non-emergency work. Written quotes are provided within 24 hours of the survey visit. We carry NFRC registration, £5m public liability insurance, and offer a 10-year workmanship guarantee on all roofing work. No call-out fees, no obligation to proceed. If you have read this guide and have a specific question about your property, call us directly — we are happy to advise before you commit to any work.
Related reading: How much does a new roof cost in Inverness? — our full cost guide covering all roof types, materials and common price drivers for Highland properties. Also useful: Nail sickness in Inverness — the complete guide, and How to choose a roofer in Inverness for homeowners navigating contractor selection for the first time. Call 01463 262835 for a free survey and direct advice on your property.
30–45 minutes for standard 3-bed. 45–75 minutes for larger or complex properties.
Written 10-year guarantee, manufacturer warranty documentation, site clearance confirmation, photographic completion record on larger projects.
Not necessarily for ongoing access, but you should be available for the survey, start-of-project walkthrough and completion sign-off.
Standard 3-bed semi: 4–6 days. Larger detached: 6–10 days. Natural slate takes longer than concrete tile.
The contingency should be in the original quote. No additional work is carried out without your written agreement and a revised cost.
Raise the issue directly with the contractor in writing first, describing the specific defect and requesting a response within 7 days. If the contractor is NFRC registered, the federation has a dispute resolution process. Retain all documentation — the original quote, any correspondence, and photographs of the defect.
We work in most Highland weather conditions. We do not work in active frost (below 3°C), heavy rain, high winds above safe working speed, or lightning conditions. We plan projects around weather forecasts and will not start a strip phase before a period of rain is confirmed to have passed.
No call-out fee. Written assessment within 24 hours. No obligation quote before any work starts.
Written quote, itemised by scope and materials. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Written workmanship guarantee. Specified for Highland conditions — not southern UK average specification.
Based in Inverness. Our team surveys your Inverness property and does the work — no subcontractors.
No call-out fee. No obligation.
01463 262835