Dormer payment and aftercare
Short answer
After installation, inspect the work, agree any snags, collect the handover documents, and only then pay the final balance. Then follow a simple annual maintenance routine to keep the dormer trouble-free.
Handover and snagging
Walk around the inside and outside with the installer. Note anything that needs fixing, no matter how small. A good company will produce a snag list and agree a completion date before asking for the final payment.
- Outside — lead lines, roof covering, flashings, gutters, paint touch-ups.
- Inside — plaster, paint, window operation, seals, electrics.
- Documents — warranty certificate, product sheets, maintenance advice.
Final payment
The final 10% is your main leverage. If the contract says payment is due on completion, define "completion" as handover plus signed snag list, not just the last day on site.
Warranty and documents
Store the warranty certificate, invoice, contract, and any manufacturer product sheets in one place. If there is an insurance-backed guarantee, make sure you know how to claim.
Maintenance schedule
- Inspect lead and flashings every year.
- Clear gutters and check downpipes twice a year.
- Repaint timber or touch up sealant as advised.
- Check window seals and handles before winter.
- Look for stains on the ceiling inside, especially after heavy rain.