A roof survey in Southampton assesses the covering, ridge, flashings, guttering, chimney and loft timbers, then gives a prioritised report with costs. It takes 1 to 2 hours; the written report follows within 24 to 48 hours. Pre-quote inspections are free, full condition reports £150 to £350. Essential when buying a period property.
A free roof survey is the standard starting point for any significant roofing job in Southampton. How much value you get from it depends on who carries it out and what they actually do. This guide explains what a proper roof survey covers and what questions to ask afterward.
What a Roof Survey Should Cover
A thorough roof survey involves inspection from both inside and outside the property. From inside the loft: checking for daylight ingress, damp staining on rafters or sarking boards, condition of the underlay or sarking, evidence of old or active leaks, the condition of chimney bases, valley junctions and any penetrations. From outside: condition of the tile or slate covering, ridge and hip mortar, all lead flashings, guttering and fascia condition, chimney stack pointing, and any areas of visible lifting or displacement.
RICS Home Survey standards define the survey levels and the roof elements a competent surveyor must inspect and report.
Source: RICS Home Survey standards
What You Should Be Told at the End
At the end of a good survey, a roofer should tell you: the condition of each element they have inspected, their recommendation (repair, replace, or monitor), the priority of any work needed (urgent vs can wait), and an honest assessment of whether targeted repairs or replacement is the better financial decision for your specific roof. If a roofer completes a survey and simply hands you a quote without explaining what they found and why they are recommending what they are recommending, ask.
Red Flags During a Survey
Be cautious if: the surveyor does not access the loft, the survey takes less than 10 minutes, the recommendation is always replacement regardless of the actual condition, there is pressure to sign on the same day, or the surveyor cannot explain specifically what is wrong and why. A legitimate surveyor will take their time, explain what they are seeing and answer your questions directly.
Getting the Most from a Free Survey
Before the roofer arrives: note any specific problems you have observed — leaks, damp patches, sounds in the roof, visible tiles from the ground. During the survey: ask to be shown what they find in the loft if you can access it safely. After the survey: ask for the recommendation in writing with the reasoning, not just a price. If replacement is recommended, ask what percentage of the covering is affected and why targeted repair is not the better option.
Book a Free Roof Survey
We survey roofs honestly across Southampton and all Hampshire. We tell you what we find, what we recommend and why — before you see a price.
Call 0238 184 9628Last reviewed: 20 July 2026 by Southampton Roofing Experts