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Checklist: reviewing a dormer quote before you sign

A dormer quote should leave no room for guessing. This checklist walks you through the four things that actually matter: scope, materials, money and warranty.
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Short answer

Before you sign, the quote must answer four questions on paper: exactly what is being built, with which materials and brands, on what payment schedule, and under what warranty. If any of those is vague, the quote is not ready and you should ask before deciding.

Scope and dimensions

The quote should describe the dormer in measurements, not adjectives. Width and height in millimetres, roof pitch, the number and type of windows, opening sections, and how the dormer connects to the existing roof.

Materials and brand

  • Cladding — generic PVC, Keralit, Trespa, Rockpanel. Name and colour.
  • Frames — PVC, alu-clad timber, hardwood; brand and profile.
  • Glazing — HR++ or triple, U-value stated.
  • Insulation — R-value as a number, not "standard".
  • Lead and flashing — grade (code 4/5) and detailing.

Money and milestones

A fair payment schedule splits risk between you and the company. A typical pattern is 10–20% deposit, the main milestone on the day of installation, and the final 10% only after a signed handover. Avoid quotes that demand more than half upfront — your leverage disappears the moment the money is gone.

Warranty and small print

Look for the warranty length on the dormer structure (usually 6–10 years), on materials (manufacturer terms), and on the leadwork. Check whether the company is part of a trade body or insurance scheme that pays out if the company goes bust mid-warranty.

The full checklist

Checklist

Walk through every item before signing

  1. 01Width, height and roof pitch in millimetres.
  2. 02Number, size and opening type of windows.
  3. 03Cladding brand, product line and colour.
  4. 04Frame material and brand.
  5. 05Glazing type and U-value.
  6. 06Insulation R-value stated numerically.
  7. 07Lead grade and detailing described.
  8. 08Interior finish level (plasterboard, paint, mouldings).
  9. 09Permit handling and cost spelled out.
  10. 10Crane and transport included or named.
  11. 11Payment milestones (deposit, install, handover).
  12. 12Warranty length per component.
  13. 13Trade body or insurance scheme cover.
  14. 14Lead time and install duration.
  15. 15What happens if weather delays the install.

FAQ

FAQ

Veelgestelde vragen

01What is the first thing to check on a dormer quote?
The scope description. If you cannot tell from the quote exactly what is being built — width, height, glazing, insulation R-value, frame material — the quote is not ready to be compared.
02Should a quote mention the brand of materials?
Yes. Generic terms like 'composite cladding' hide a lot. Ask for brand and product line (Trespa, Keralit, Rockpanel) so two quotes can actually be put next to each other.
03What payment schedule is reasonable?
A small deposit (10–20%), the bulk on the day of installation, and a final 10% on signed handover. Anything that asks for 50% upfront is a warning sign.
Conclusie
A quote that reads like a contract is a good sign. Use the checklist as a filter — every "I am not sure" is a question to ask before the signature, not after.