Checklists · Detail

Checklist: home visit and measurement for a dormer

A good home visit is more than a quick look at the roof. It is the moment the company proves it understands your house, your goals, and the practical limits of the job.
5 min leestijd·Onafhankelijke informatie

Short answer

The visit should leave you with clear measurements, a realistic assessment of the roof, and a sense of how the company works. If the salesperson only talks price and never measures anything, the quote will be a guess.

Before the visit

Prepare your goals, budget and any inspiration photos. Think about what the room will be used for, how much light you want, and whether you need a window that opens.

During the visit

The company should inspect the roof space, the outside roof surface, and the access for installation. Watch whether they take notes, photos and measurements.

  • Inside — headroom, ridge height, existing floor structure, chimney positions.
  • Outside — roof pitch, covering type, existing windows, drainage, nearby trees.
  • Access — driveway width, garden space, overhead cables, street permit needs.

What to ask

  • What roof covering will be used and why?
  • Will the existing roof structure need reinforcement?
  • What is the realistic lead time?
  • Who handles the planning permission?
  • How long will installation take?
  • What happens if the weather is bad?

Red flags

The full checklist

Checklist

Walk through the home visit

  1. 01I have a one-page brief with goals and budget.
  2. 02The company inspected the roof space inside.
  3. 03The company measured outside dimensions.
  4. 04Roof pitch and covering type were noted.
  5. 05Access for scaffolding or crane was checked.
  6. 06Existing windows, chimneys and cables were discussed.
  7. 07I asked about planning permission and lead time.
  8. 08I asked about installation duration and weather policy.
  9. 09The company took photos or notes.
  10. 10No pressure to sign during the first visit.

FAQ

FAQ

Veelgestelde vragen

01Do I need to be home during the home visit?
Yes. You need to discuss your goals, access constraints and any concerns. The visit is also a chance to judge how the company communicates.
02How long does a home visit take?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes. A complex roof or a listed building may take longer.
03What should a company measure during the visit?
Roof dimensions, pitch, existing structure, window positions, headroom, access for scaffolding or a crane, and any obstacles like chimneys or cables.
04Should I get a written report after the visit?
Yes. The quote should reflect the measurements taken. A report or annotated photos help you compare quotes later.
Conclusie
The home visit sets the tone for the whole project. A thorough visit gives you a reliable quote and a company that already understands your roof before installation day.