A homeowner guide from Ellis Services
Describe the problem in everyday terms
Explain what you see: a ceiling stain, dripping water, a displaced tile, gutter overflow, rust around a fixing or moisture near a skylight. State whether it happens in all rain, only heavy rain or wind-driven rain. Include when it began and whether a previous repair changed it.
Explain the property and access
Provide the suburb, roof type if known, approximate number of storeys and relevant access restrictions. Mention shared driveways, strata approval, parking restrictions, gates and pets. Do not climb onto the roof to get missing information.
Ask for a scope you can understand
Request findings, repair options, materials, access arrangements and the limits of any estimate. Ask whether the inspection has a fee and whether temporary protection, testing or waste removal is included. Clarify how extra damage discovered during work will be quoted.
Before you authorise work
Check business identity and the relevant contractor licence where required. Read the written terms and clarify inclusions, exclusions, payment arrangements and warranty coverage. NSW Government provides guidance on hiring contractors and contract requirements; requirements vary with the work and value.
Make one clear request for quotation (RFQ)
RFQ means request for quotation. You do not need to work out the cause or choose a repair product yourself. Give each contractor the same description of the problem, access information and earlier repair history. Ask for inspection findings and a written proposal, rather than just asking for the cheapest way to seal a leak. Keep the original request so you can see whether each response addresses the same problem.
Compare the scope before the total
| Compare | What the quote should explain |
|---|---|
| Inspection and cause | Areas inspected, observations and anything still uncertain. |
| Repair method | Roof sections, materials and the reason for the proposed method. |
| Safety and access | Whether ladders, work platforms or other safe access arrangements are included. |
| Associated work | Whether gutters, downpipes, eaves, interior ceilings and disposal are included or separate. |
| Variations | How concealed damage will be described, priced and approved before extra work. |
| Terms and warranty | Who carries out the work, payment arrangements and the written warranty coverage. |
A brief you can copy and complete
Property: [suburb, postcode, residential/commercial, storeys] Roof type: [known material, or not sure] What I see: [room, location, dripping/staining/overflow] Timing: [when it began, rain conditions, whether it recurs] Records: [safe photos, reports, previous repairs] Access and authority: [gates, parking, strata contact] Please explain: inspection arrangements and fees, findings, written scope, inclusions and exclusions.
Further reading:
Reddit r/AusRenovation: comparing a gutter replacement quote ↗Reddit r/AusRenovation: prioritising roof issues from a building report ↗
Reddit r/AusRenovation: temporary protection and a concealed box gutter ↗
Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Keep clear of sagging ceilings and electrical hazards. For a life-threatening emergency call 000; for NSW SES storm or flood emergency assistance call 132 500.
Related services
Official sources for further reading
Official homeowner and safety information:
Service NSW: check a builder or tradesperson licenceNSW SES: storm and flood emergency assistance
SafeWork NSW: asbestos safety