Quick answer: An Oxford roofing project checklist runs from free survey and written quote through NFRC and insurance verification, conservation area checks, like-for-like quote comparison, timber inspection during work, and a written 10-year guarantee at completion. Two to three written quotes is the right number.
Start Right: The Survey
☐ Step 1: Book a Free Professional Survey
Do not start a roofing project with an online quote or a price over the phone. The only accurate starting point is a physical survey by a roofer who has been on your roof, inspected tile condition and fixings, checked the lead work, assessed the timber structure, and identified any access or conservation area requirements specific to your Oxford property. Call 0186 580 3181 to book a free survey across Oxford and Oxfordshire.
☐ Step 2: Get the Survey in Writing
The survey should produce a written report identifying: current condition of all roof elements, recommended works prioritised by urgency, materials specified for any replacement or repair work, and a fixed-price itemised quote. If a roofer will not provide this in writing, do not proceed.
Before Accepting a Quote
☐ Step 3: Check NFRC Registration
Verify NFRC membership directly at nfrc.co.uk. Do not rely on a logo on a website or vehicle. NFRC registered contractors agree to a code of conduct, carry appropriate insurance, and are vetted for competence.
NFRC guidance recommends obtaining written quotations that specify materials and scope, allowing meaningful like-for-like comparison between contractors. — Source: NFRC guidance
☐ Step 4: Verify Insurance
Ask to see the public liability insurance certificate before work starts. Minimum £2m, ideally £5m. The actual document — not a verbal assurance. An uninsured roofer working on your property creates significant liability exposure for you.
☐ Step 5: Check Conservation Area Requirements
If your Oxford property is in or near a conservation area, confirm that the proposed materials are compliant before accepting any quote. We check this as part of every survey. If a roofer has not mentioned conservation requirements on a Jericho, North Oxford, Woodstock or Iffley village property, treat this as a warning sign.
☐ Step 6: Compare Quotes Like for Like
When comparing multiple quotes, check each specifies the same materials, the same scope, and includes all costs — scaffold, disposal, VAT. A quote that appears cheaper may be specifying a lower material grade or excluding scaffold as a line item. Two or three written quotes is the right number for major work.
During the Work
☐ Step 7: Confirm the Programme
Before work starts, confirm: start date, expected duration, working hours, how the roof will be made weathertight at the end of each day, and who to contact if you have concerns. A professional contractor will have answers to all of these before you ask.
☐ Step 8: Timber Inspection
On any re-roofing job, the timber structure should be inspected when tiles are stripped. Any rotten battens or rafter damage should be reported to you and quoted for before repair proceeds. Professional contractors do not carry out undisclosed additional work.
☐ Step 9: Monitor from Inside
During a re-roof, check the loft each morning. A proper end-of-day weatherproof seal means no water ingress overnight. If you see water in the loft, contact the contractor immediately.
At Completion
☐ Step 10: Final Ground-Level Inspection
Walk around the property with the contractor at completion. Check from the ground: tile alignment, ridge appearance, gutter seating, absence of debris in gutters and around the property. Check the loft space for any remaining daylight through the deck.
☐ Step 11: Get Your Guarantee in Writing
The 10-year workmanship guarantee should be issued on headed paper at completion. File it with your property documents — it is transferable if you sell the property within the guarantee period. Also keep the manufacturer warranty certificates for tiles, GRP flat roofing or other products with their own guarantees.
☐ Step 12: Submit to Search Console (if applicable)
Not relevant for homeowners — but if you are managing a property portfolio, keeping a schedule of completed works, materials used and guarantee periods is valuable for ongoing maintenance planning and at point of sale.
Ready to start your Oxford roofing project? Call 0186 580 3181 for a free survey. We cover all of Oxford and Oxfordshire — written quote, no call-out fee, 10-year guarantee.
Related: What Is a Roof Survey? · How to Find a Reliable Roofer · Oxford Roofing Costs