Roof Reports service

Pre-Purchase Roof Survey

A pre-purchase roof survey is designed for buyers who do not own the property yet and need written roof evidence before exchange of contracts.

Buyer advice

Roof survey before you buy

If the roof becomes your responsibility after completion, it is sensible to understand visible roof defects before exchange. A pre-purchase roof survey helps turn vague survey wording into practical written roof guidance.

For buyers comparing pre purchase roof survey, the important point is whether the service gives clear written roof evidence before exchange, not just a quick verbal opinion or a sales-led repair estimate.

A helpful pre-purchase roof survey should explain visible roof defects, access limitations, likely repair routes, photos where possible and estimated repair cost guidance where the contractor can give sensible buyer-focused guidance.

Roof inspection for a buyer roof report
Pre-Purchase Roof Survey A roof-focused inspection can turn broad survey wording into practical buyer guidance.
Buyer advice

Designed around estate agent access

Because you are not usually the owner yet, access normally needs to be approved by the seller, estate agent or managing agent. Roof Reports can help coordinate access where possible.

For buyers comparing pre purchase roof survey, the important point is whether the service gives clear written roof evidence before exchange, not just a quick verbal opinion or a sales-led repair estimate.

A helpful pre-purchase roof survey should explain visible roof defects, access limitations, likely repair routes, photos where possible and estimated repair cost guidance where the contractor can give sensible buyer-focused guidance.

Buyer advice

Common reasons buyers enquire

Buyers often request a pre-purchase roof survey after comments about roof age, limited remaining life, loose tiles, slipped slates, chimney defects, lead flashing, damp roof timbers, blocked gutters or a flat roof nearing the end of its life.

For buyers comparing pre purchase roof survey, the important point is whether the service gives clear written roof evidence before exchange, not just a quick verbal opinion or a sales-led repair estimate.

A helpful pre-purchase roof survey should explain visible roof defects, access limitations, likely repair routes, photos where possible and estimated repair cost guidance where the contractor can give sensible buyer-focused guidance.

Roofline access detail recorded during a roof inspection
Pre-Purchase Roof Survey Access notes matter because height and safe viewing points affect repair guidance.
Buyer advice

What the written report can cover

The report can record visible defects, photos, access limitations, urgent works, future works and estimated repair cost guidance where possible. It can also recommend further investigation where a visual inspection is not enough.

For buyers comparing pre purchase roof survey, the important point is whether the service gives clear written roof evidence before exchange, not just a quick verbal opinion or a sales-led repair estimate.

A helpful pre-purchase roof survey should explain visible roof defects, access limitations, likely repair routes, photos where possible and estimated repair cost guidance where the contractor can give sensible buyer-focused guidance.

Tiles and gutter condition recorded during a roof report
Pre-Purchase Roof Survey Photos help separate isolated defects from wider roof condition concerns.
Buyer advice

Careful purchase support

A written report may help support purchase discussions, but outcomes vary. It does not guarantee a price reduction, seller contribution, mortgage approval or purchase outcome.

For buyers comparing pre purchase roof survey, the important point is whether the service gives clear written roof evidence before exchange, not just a quick verbal opinion or a sales-led repair estimate.

A helpful pre-purchase roof survey should explain visible roof defects, access limitations, likely repair routes, photos where possible and estimated repair cost guidance where the contractor can give sensible buyer-focused guidance.

This is especially useful where a homebuyer survey, Level 2 survey or Level 3 survey has flagged roof concerns but does not give enough detail for a confident purchase decision.

Roof inspection for a buyer roof report
Pre-Purchase Roof Survey A roof-focused inspection can turn broad survey wording into practical buyer guidance.
Report contents

What's Included in the Report?

Each report is scoped to the property, survey wording and safe access available on the day. The purpose is to give buyers clear written roof evidence that can be understood before exchange, including what could be seen, what could not be checked safely and what the likely next steps may be.

Where possible, the report can include visible roof condition notes, photo references, access limitations, urgent and future repair guidance, and estimated repair cost guidance. It is designed to help with purchase decisions, solicitor questions and careful discussions with the estate agent or seller.

Typical contents

  • Property and survey concern summary
  • Visible roof defect notes and photos where possible
  • Access limitations and areas not inspected
  • Urgent repairs, future maintenance and further investigation notes
See the deliverable

Want to See What a Roof Report Looks Like?

View the example PDF to understand the type of property details, photo references, access notes, visible defects, repair guidance and limitations a buyer may receive. A sample report is useful when you want to know whether written roof evidence will be detailed enough for your solicitor, estate agent, seller or mortgage adviser before you commit to a purchase.

Useful before exchange

  • Written evidence after survey concerns
  • Photos where visible defects can be recorded
  • Urgent and future works separated
  • Estimated cost guidance where possible
Clear pricing

Roof Report Pricing

Limited Roof Check

From £249

  • For one clear survey concern
  • Suitable for simple visible issues
  • Limited written roof note
  • Not intended for several defects

For simple, single-issue checks only.

Ask If This Is Suitable
Most Buyers Choose

Pre-Purchase Roof Report

£349

  • Written report before exchange
  • Photos of visible roof issues
  • Survey comments reviewed
  • Repair cost guidance where possible
Get a Roof Report Before You Buy

Commercial & Industrial Roof Reports

Quoted After Review

  • Warehouses and industrial units
  • Commercial flat roofs and rooflights
  • Large or multi-section roof areas
  • Access and safety scope reviewed first
Request Commercial Quote
Buyer questions

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a roof inspection arranged before exchange to help a buyer understand visible roof defects, access limitations, photos and repair guidance before completing the purchase.

Once you complete, roof repairs usually become your responsibility. A survey before exchange helps you understand roof risk while you still have options.

A written report may help support purchase discussions, but it does not guarantee a price reduction, seller contribution or mortgage outcome.

Send the roof section of your survey, property address, estate agent details, any photos and your exchange deadline.

No. The report is visual and non-invasive. Hidden defects, concealed leaks and structural concerns may need further investigation.

Timing depends on location, access, weather and contractor availability. Tell us any exchange deadline at enquiry stage.

Related guides

More Roof Survey Advice

Request a Roof Report

Send Us the Property Details

Tell us about the property, what your survey has flagged and how quickly you need advice. We review the details first so we can confirm the suitable report type, access requirements and availability.

You can also view roof report pricing or read our report standards before enquiring.

Access must be approved by the seller, estate agent or managing agent before an inspection can take place.

Your details
Property details
Survey details
Estate agent details

What happens after you enquire?

  • Send the roof section of your homebuyer survey if available.
  • Include estate agent details if access needs arranging.
  • Tell us your exchange deadline if time is tight.
  • We check the property details and survey comments.
  • We confirm whether the £349 Pre-Purchase Roof Report, a limited roof check or a commercial report route is suitable.
  • We explain likely access needs before anything is arranged.
  • We send the suitable booking route once availability, access needs and report scope have been reviewed.

Get Written Roof Advice Before You Buy

Send us the property details, your survey comments and estate agent access information. We will help you understand what type of roof report is suitable.

Request a Pre-Purchase Roof Report
Book Report