Two quotations for the same roof can differ by a large margin and both be reasonable — because they are frequently not describing the same job.
What a quotation should state clearly
- Exact scope: which slopes, which details, what is excluded
- Whether scaffolding is included, and for how long
- Material specification by name, not just 'slate' or 'tile'
- Whether underlay and battens are being renewed
- Waste disposal and skip costs
- How unexpected timber repairs will be priced
- Payment stages and VAT treatment
Where differences usually hide
Scaffolding, dry-fix versus mortar details, underlay grade, whether flashings are being renewed or re-used, and how hidden timber repairs are handled. Ask each roofer the same specific questions and the gap between quotes usually explains itself.
A quotation with a stated range and clear assumptions is often more trustworthy than a single confident figure for work nobody has yet opened up.