Home buyer roof reports

Buying a house in Sussex or Surrey? A general survey often says little more than “the roof should be inspected by a roofer”. Our home buyer roof report gives you that inspection: a roofer checks the roof, the loft and the details that cause most problems, then sends you a written report with photographs and guide prices for anything that needs doing, so you can negotiate or plan before you exchange.

What the report covers

• The roof covering: tiles or slates, how they are fixed, and any that are slipped, cracked or porous
• Ridges, hips and verges, including whether mortar bedding is failing
• Valleys, lead flashings and abutments where the roof meets walls and chimneys
• Chimney stacks, pots and flaunching, as far as can be seen safely
• Flat roofs on extensions, garages, dormers and porches
• Fascias, soffits, gutters and downpipes
• The loft: underlay, battens, timbers, ventilation and any signs of past or current leaks

How it works

1. Book the visit. Send us the address and your timescale, and we arrange access with the agent or seller.
2. We inspect. A roofer checks the roof close up wherever it is safe to reach, looks in the loft and photographs what we find.
3. You get the report. A written report in plain English, with photographs, what is urgent, what can wait and guide prices for the work.
4. Ask us anything. We are happy to talk the report through with you before you decide what to do.

Why a roof report is worth having

Roof work is one of the more expensive surprises after moving in. A full reroof on a typical semi in the South East usually costs between £8,000 and £12,000 in concrete tiles, so knowing whether a roof needs a few repairs or is near the end of its life can make a real difference to what you offer. Many homes in our area have older clay tiles, original chimneys and flat roofed extensions that a general survey cannot look at closely.

What it costs

As a guide, a written roof report for a typical house usually costs between £150 and £350, depending on the size of the roof and how easy it is to reach. Your exact price is confirmed when you book. If you then go ahead with any work we recommend, it is quoted in writing and carries our own twenty year workmanship guarantee.

Areas we cover

We cover homes within about 25 miles of our yard in East Grinstead, including East Grinstead, Crawley, Horley, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Reigate and the villages between.

Home buyer roof reports: common questions

Do I need to be at the property?

No. We can arrange access with the estate agent or the seller and send the report to you.

How quickly will I get the report?

Usually within a few working days of the visit. Tell us if you have an exchange date and we will do our best to fit it.

Is this the same as a building survey?

No. It is a specialist report on the roof only, and works well alongside a general survey.

Will you tell me what the work would cost?

Yes. The report includes guide prices for anything that needs doing, so you can plan or negotiate.

Can you inspect a flat roof as well?

Yes. Flat roofs on extensions, garages and dormers are included.

Book a home buyer roof report on 01342 445004 or request a free survey.