Recognise the problem and collect evidence
Record safe visible observations, Home Report issues, leak chronology, existing surveys and previous repairs. Address any immediate danger using qualified professionals.
Useful output: dated problem summary; existing document list.
Define the investigation
Decide whether a competent roof survey, timber investigation, architect or conservation specialist is needed. Ask for findings by roof area, not a generic statement that the roof is “old”.
Useful output: roof condition evidence with limitations clearly stated.
Set an achievable scope and check permissions
Explore repair, partial work or replacement. Identify conservation status, building regulations questions, common-ownership decisions and any professional design work.
Useful output: agreed scope/specification or clear questions for the next visit.
Invite genuinely comparable written quotations
Give suitable contractors the same available information. Clarify whether they can visit, what they inspected, exclusions, allowances, insurance and the submission deadline.
Useful output: scope-aligned bids and a recorded comparison.
Agree contract, access and variations
Set payment stages, anticipated programme, scaffolding/access arrangements, weather provisions, salvage instructions and a written method of approving unexpected work.
Useful output: written agreed contract and responsibilities.
Monitor works and retain records
Ask the named competent parties to document changes, hidden defects and approved variations. For historic work, retain a useful record of salvage decisions and material substitutions.
Useful output: dated site records, photographs, approvals and invoices.
Handover and plan maintenance
Check completion records, agreed snagging items, warranties, invoices and maintenance instructions. Arrange appropriate future inspections.
Useful output: a property maintenance file for future owners.
Useful starting points: build your first brief, compare quotations and Historic Environment Scotland’s maintenance guidance.
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.