1 · Evidence of comparable historic-roof work
- Ask for two or three identifiable, appropriately comparable completed jobs and permissioned references—not just stock photos or unrelated tiled roofs.
- Ask who will be supervising and carrying out natural slating, leadwork and traditional detailing.
- Check how the company proposes to protect significant historic features and handle sound existing materials.
- Ask for a written explanation of what the firm has inspected and what remains uncertain.
2 · Insurance, status and specific competence
Request current insurance evidence relevant to the work, including appropriate public and employers' liability where applicable, and clarify who holds design responsibility. Trade affiliations or certificates should be independently checked with their issuing organisations. An impressive website or longstanding trading name is not a substitute for a current match to the scope.
3 · Written quote and written contract
Documents to ask for
- Detailed scope and specification, including exclusions and provisional sums.
- Material details, salvage provisions, leadwork, timber and scaffolding scope.
- VAT treatment, stages of payment, agreed variations and written approvals.
- Proposed dates and treatment of weather/hidden defects; named responsible contact.
- Warranty/aftercare wording, evidence of any external guarantee and completion documentation.
4 · Watch for mismatched quotations
One company may price complete re-slating while another offers repairs with an option to extend the work. Neither price is meaningful without an agreed scope. If major differences remain, ask a competent independent professional to define the work rather than choosing purely by total.
5 · Protect your payment position
Citizens Advice Scotland advises written quotes and contracts, checks on insurance, clarity on payments and caution about substantial upfront sums. Payment practices depend on the project, so seek suitable advice before signing or paying. Read the full Scotland-specific consumer guidance.
6 · After the work
Keep photos, approved variations, material information, warranty documentation, invoices and any conservation or completion records. Ask what periodic inspection and gutter maintenance is recommended for your particular roof.
Use the interactive comparison worksheet to lay out up to three written proposals; see the project stages for a record-keeping timeline.
Ready to take a practical next step?
Browse the toolkit freely, or tell SSR about a substantial Scottish roof if you want us to look for suitable independent specialist contractors. Your choice; there is no obligation.
Request specialist introductions →Editorial information compiled for Scottish homeowners by Scottish Slate Roofers, an independent roofing introduction service, on 21 October 2026. Source links are provided where relevant. No professional diagnosis, independent certification or individual legal advice is provided. No contractor-endorsed case studies are claimed.