How to Get Roofing Quotes in Ireland (2026 Checklist)

Why Three Quotes?

Not because one contractor is necessarily dishonest.

But because roofing quotes vary in what they include, what material is specified and what rate the contractor charges. Three quotes give you enough data to know what a reasonable price looks like for your job.

On a semi-D re-roof, three quotes commonly span a range of €2,000–€5,000. Understanding what drives that range is more valuable than just picking the middle number.

If you want baseline price ranges before you start calling contractors, use the free roof cost calculator and read new roof cost Ireland 2026.

Before You Call Anyone: What to Prepare

1. Measure your roof area roughly

You do not need to be exact. A rough figure lets you sense-check whether a quote is in the right ballpark.

Measure your ground-floor footprint (length × width) and multiply by 1.4 for a standard pitched roof. That gives you an approximate roof area.

See roof cost per m² Ireland for rates to apply to your area.

2. Know your roof age

Check your original purchase documents or Land Registry records. If you bought the house second-hand, the previous owners' solicitor file usually includes details of major works.

If you cannot establish the age, a visible inspection will give clues: mortar cracking on the ridge, moss growth between tiles, slipped or cracked tiles at the eaves.

3. Have a material preference in mind

Or ask contractors to quote two options. Asking for both concrete tile and natural slate is common and gives you a basis for the cost difference.

4. List any known issues

Existing leaks, visible moss or algae, known areas of previous repair work. This gives contractors useful context and saves time during the site visit.

How to Find Legitimate Contractors in Ireland

The two most useful checks are the CIF register and the CIRI voluntary register.

CIF (Construction Industry Federation): The CIF is the main trade body for the construction industry in Ireland. CIF membership requires contractors to agree to a code of conduct and operate within industry standards. You can search for members at cif.ie.

CIRI (Construction Industry Register Ireland): CIRI is a voluntary register of competent builders and contractors. It is the register most commonly referenced by the CCPC (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) as a due diligence check. You can search at ciri.ie.

SEAI-registered contractors: If you are combining a roof replacement with an insulation upgrade and want to claim an SEAI grant, the insulation work must be done by an SEAI-registered contractor. Check at seai.ie.

What to check before a contractor visits

• Are they listed on CIF, CIRI or another verifiable register?
• Do they have a physical address (not just a mobile number)?
• Do they have reviews on Google, Trustpilot or other verifiable platforms?
• Are the reviews recent, specific and verifiable?

A contractor with no online presence, no listed address and no verifiable reviews should be approached with caution.

The Site Visit: What a Good Contractor Does

A legitimate contractor will:

• Inspect the roof from the outside, ideally with binoculars or a drone, to assess tile condition, mortar, flashings and ridge
• Check the inside of the attic for signs of structural issues and insulation condition
• Measure the roof area themselves
• Ask about your material preferences
• Give you a clear timeline for when the written quote will be sent

A legitimate contractor will not:

• Give you a quote on the spot without proper inspection
• Pressure you to sign the same day
• Ask for full payment in cash upfront
• Tell you the roof is in immediate danger of collapse as a pressure tactic

The Five Questions to Ask Every Contractor

Ask these in exactly the same way to every contractor so you can compare answers fairly.

1. Is this a full strip quote or an overlay?

A full strip means removing everything down to the rafters. An overlay means tiling over the existing structure.

These are not comparable prices. A strip quote should cost €1,500–€3,000 more on a semi-D. If two quotes are similar in price but one specifies full strip and the other does not specify, you are not comparing like with like.

2. Is scaffolding included, and if not, what will it cost?

The answer to the first part is usually no. The answer to the second should be a specific figure, not "we'll price it when we start."

3. Is skip hire and waste disposal included?

Confirm how many skips are included and whether landfill disposal fees are covered or charged separately per tonne.

4. What happens if structural problems are found during the strip?

A good contractor will say: work stops, we photograph the damage, we send you a written change order with the cost, and we wait for your approval before proceeding.

Any contractor who says they will just fix it and add it to the final invoice should not get the job.

5. What warranty do you provide on workmanship?

A minimum of 10 years workmanship warranty is reasonable. 15–20 years is common among established contractors. Ask for this in writing as part of the contract.

Material warranties (from the tile manufacturer) are separate and are typically 20–40 years depending on the product.

How to Read a Roofing Quote

A complete quote should include all of these as separate line items:

• Scope of work (full strip or overlay, number of layers to be removed)
• Membrane specification (brand and product code)
• Batten specification (dimensions and treatment)
• Tile specification (brand, profile, colour)
• Ridge and hip tile specification
• Flashing specification (lead or aluminium, code weight)
• Skip hire (number of skips included)
• Waste disposal (included or per tonne)
• Scaffolding (included or separate)
• VAT (at 13.5% on the labour and materials for renovation work)
• Workmanship warranty (duration and what it covers)
• Payment schedule (deposit %, milestones, balance)
• Start date and estimated completion

If any of these are missing, ask before signing.

What Payment Structure Is Standard?

A normal payment schedule for an Irish roof replacement is:

1. 20–30% deposit on booking to secure your slot and purchase materials
2. 30–40% at midpoint (usually when the strip is done and new membrane and battens are in place)
3. Balance (5–10% retention) on completion, after you have inspected the finished work

Never pay 100% upfront. Never pay a deposit exceeding 30% on first contact.

If a contractor asks for full payment before starting, or for cash only with no receipt, walk away.

A legitimate contractor invoices at 13.5% VAT and provides a receipt. Keep this for SEAI grant claims and for proof of work if you sell the house.

Red Flags in an Irish Roofing Quote

Quote is more than 25% below the other two

The most common reason for a very low quote is that scaffolding, skip hire or structural contingency has been left out. Sometimes it means inferior materials are specified.

Ask the low-quoting contractor to confirm exactly what is included and which tile specification they are using.

No line-item breakdown

A quote that says only "full roof replacement — €8,500" tells you nothing. You cannot compare it to another quote, you cannot hold the contractor to a material specification and you cannot dispute extras if they arise.

Verbal quotes only

Nothing verbal is enforceable. Every quote should be sent in writing, either as a formal PDF or at minimum in a detailed email.

Large upfront cash payment requested

This is the most reliable indicator of a contractor operating outside normal business practice.

Pressure to sign quickly

"I can only hold this price until Friday" or "I have another job starting next week" should not be factors in your decision. A busy, reputable contractor will give you the time you need to review.

No insurance certificate provided

Ask for a copy of the public liability insurance certificate before any work starts. It should cover at least €2.6 million (the standard minimum for Irish contractors working at height). Call the insurer to verify if in doubt.

After You Get Three Quotes: How to Compare Them

Step 1: Confirm that all three are quoting the same scope (full strip vs overlay)

Step 2: Add scaffolding to any quote that does not include it, so you are comparing like-for-like totals

Step 3: Add skip hire if it is missing from any quote

Step 4: Confirm the material specification is the same, or adjust for the difference

Step 5: Check warranty terms — a 5-year warranty is not comparable to a 15-year warranty

Step 6: Look at the contractor's reviews and how long they have been in business

Price should be the last thing you compare, not the first.

If you want a dedicated list of “missing line item” costs, read hidden costs of roof replacement.

When Is the Best Time to Get Quotes?

Late autumn (October–November) and winter (December–February) are typically the best times.

Contractors are less busy, wait times are shorter and some offer off-peak pricing.

Spring and summer are peak season. You may wait 6–10 weeks for a slot in summer. Prices can also be slightly higher.

Booking in autumn for a spring start is a common approach that gets you off-peak pricing with better weather for the job itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many roofing quotes should I get in Ireland?

Three is the minimum recommended by the CCPC and most industry bodies. For a larger or more complex job, four is reasonable. The variation between quotes is often informative as well as useful for negotiation.

How do I know if a roofer is legitimate in Ireland?

Check CIF membership or the CIRI register. Ask for proof of public liability insurance. Look for Google reviews with specific project details. A legitimate contractor will have a verifiable local address and be able to provide references.

What is a reasonable deposit for a roofing job in Ireland?

20–30% is standard. This covers initial material purchase and secures your slot. Never pay more than 30% before work begins.

How long does it take to get a roofing quote in Ireland?

Most contractors will do a site visit within one to two weeks and send a quote within a few days of that. In peak summer season, some contractors have longer lead times for quote visits.

Do I need a written contract for a roof replacement?

Yes. Any job over a few hundred euro should have a written contract or at minimum a detailed written quote that acts as one. Without a written agreement, you have no legal protection if something goes wrong.