Do I need a homebuyer’s roof survey?

As any seasoned homeowner will tell you, if you’re buying a new property, you need to make sure you dot all the ‘I’s and cross all the ‘T’s. 

Property surveys are an imperative part of buying a new home, as they’re designed to carefully check over the property that you’re considering, and ensure you’re fully aware of any faults, hazards or complications. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether the purchase is right for you. 

However, different property surveys provide very different levels of depth. For instance, standard property surveys very rarely consider the roof of the property. Yet, if there were to be an issue with the roof, this could present a serious complication (and cost) later down the line. 

Roof surveys aren’t always essential, but in many cases, they are well worth the investment. 

In this article, we’ve outlined what a roof survey would typically cover, and the advantages of arranging a roof survey for a property, before you sign on the dotted line. 

When is a dedicated roof survey necessary? 

When buying a property, most buyers opt for a standard home survey.  

These surveys go over the most common risk areas of a property, and highlight most potential issues. But, they rarely inspect roof coverings and structures (at least not in detail) due to the added complexity of these inspections. Usually, they only inspect the roof visually from the ground level, or from a loft space (if present). 

However, the roof is one of the most expensive and complex parts of a property to repair or replace. So, arranging a dedicated roof survey could prevent you from being stuck with some seriously costly issues.

While a specialist roof survey isn’t always essential, there are some scenarios where it would be highly recommended.

This includes if:

• It’s an older property (50+ years)
• The roof appears worn, sagging or uneven (from the ground level)
• You can see issues (e.g. missing tiles or significant moss) 
• You’ve already had a home survey, and this states “further investigation required”
• The property has been vacant for an extended period of time
• The property is a period or listed property
• You need some more information before you start negotiating on price

What does a roof survey assess?

A professional roof survey provides a significantly more thorough inspection. 

Depending on the property (and options for access), these surveys may include close-up visual checks and drone inspections, or even inspections using temporary access equipment.

These inspections will assess: 

• Roof coverings
  • The condition of tiles or slates
  • Any signs of cracking, slipping or deterioration
• Roof structure
  • The condition of the roof rafters and timbers
  • Any evidence of rot
  • Any signs of roof sagging or movement
  • The condition of the roof support 
  • The condition of any previous roof alterations
• Flashings and junctions
  • The condition of leadwork (around chimneys and abutments)
  • Identifying any points for potential water ingress 
• Chimneys and roof features
  • The stability of the chimney stacks
  • The condition of the chimney (including pointing and flaunching)
  • The conditions of rooflights, vents and any other penetrations
• Drainage Components
  • The condition of gutters and downpipes
  • Any signs of blockages, leaks, cracks or other potential failures  
• Insulation and ventilation
  • The quality and performance of loft insulation
  • The level of airflow 
  • Any risks of condensation or excessive moisture 

As part of the survey, most surveyors will provide you with a written report, including photographs, explanations of defects, and recommended remedial works. This way, you can get a very clear sense of what issues are present, how urgently they would need to be fixed, and an estimate of associated costs.

Why a roof survey is worth the investment

Roof surveys aren’t a mandatory part of buying a property.

But, a roof survey is a great way to potentially save significant money, and prevent major stress later down the line. It also ensures that, if you do proceed to purchase the property, you are doing so from a strong, thoroughly informed position. 

Due to the particularly high cost of roof repairs and replacements, arranging a roof survey can unlock a number of extremely valuable benefits. 

This includes:

• Putting you in a stronger negotiating position 
• Giving you the opportunity to request repairs, or even a price reduction
• Ensuring you have a clear understanding of any potential future maintenance or repair costs
• Minimising the risk of you getting caught off guard by unexpected leaks or structural issues
• Giving you peace of mind 

What is the typical cost of a roof survey?

While prices can vary based on property size, the complexity of the roof and the method for the inspection, most UK roof surveys cost around:

• £150 – £300 for a standard visual or drone survey
• £300 – £600+ for more detailed inspections, or for more complex roofs

Although a dedicated roof survey may not be a requirement, spending this money on a roof survey could save you thousands (or tens of thousands) over the long term. Especially if your property is older or presents a higher level of risk. 

At B&S Roofing, we are one of the UK’s leading roofing specialists. We offer a comprehensive range of roofing services, including pre-purchase roofing surveys. To find out more, or to arrange for one of our specialists to survey your intended property, don’t hesitate to get in touch.