A full roof replacement in Exeter typically costs between £5,500 and £14,000 for a standard 3-bedroom semi-detached property, depending on size, materials and roof complexity. This guide covers what drives cost, what different materials cost, what to expect in a Devon roofer’s quote, and what warning signs to look for.
| Job Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3-bed semi (concrete tile) | £5,500–£8,500 | Most common Exeter estate housing. 4–6 days. |
| 3-bed semi (Welsh slate) | £8,000–£12,000 | Period properties in Heavitree, St Thomas, Topsham. 5–8 days. |
| 4-bed detached (concrete tile) | £7,500–£11,000 | Larger footprint, often more complex geometry. |
| 4-bed detached (Welsh slate) | £11,000–£16,000 | High-spec re-roof on period Devon properties. |
| Cottage / bungalow | £4,500–£7,000 | Smaller area, simpler geometry. Often 3–4 days. |
| Flat-to-pitch conversion | £8,000–£18,000 | Structural change — requires planning in most cases. |
All figures are indicative for Devon. Exact costs depend on site survey. Call 01392 759 295 for a free, no-obligation quote.
The most significant variable. A roofer can only quote accurately after measuring the actual roof plane — phone quotes are guesses. Exeter’s Victorian terraces are typically 60–80m² per slope. Modern detached houses vary widely.
Concrete interlocking tile is the most cost-effective option. Modern clay tile adds 20–30% to material cost. Welsh slate adds 40–70% but has a much longer lifespan on period properties. For Exeter’s conservation areas, like-for-like matching is often required by the planning authority.
Every re-roof includes new breathable underlay. Battens are replaced where rot or splitting is found. On older properties — particularly 1970s estates in Whipton, Pinhoe and Wonford — batten replacement can be extensive and should be included in your quote as a surveyed scope, not an estimate.
Chimney flashings, valley lead and abutment flashings are replaced as part of a full re-roof on any property that carries them. Lead material and the skilled labour required to dress it correctly adds £400–£1,500 to the job depending on the chimney count and valley length.
Scaffolding is required for all re-roof work. The cost is included in every reputable quote. It typically runs £600–£1,500 depending on property type and access. Be wary of quotes that list scaffolding as a variable extra rather than a fixed element.
For Exmouth, Dawlish and Topsham properties, stainless steel fixings and coastal-grade mortar add modestly to material cost. Worth specifying — standard zinc fixings corrode within 15 years in the EX8 and EX7 coastal environment.
A complete re-roof quote from a reputable Devon roofer should be written and itemised. It should cover: full stripping of the existing covering; disposal of all waste; new breathable underlay across the full roof; new battens where required (not just “where necessary” — surveyed and priced); new tile or slate to the agreed specification; ridge bedding and pointing; lead flashings at chimney stacks and abutments; re-hanging of gutters; scaffold erection and striking; and a stated guarantee period with the guarantee document provided on completion.
No roofer can quote a re-roof accurately without measuring the roof. A phone quote is either a guess or the opening figure in a negotiation.
Scaffold cost can be confirmed before the job starts. A quote that leaves it open is not a fixed price.
On any property over 30 years old, batten condition should be surveyed and the quote should state what is and is not included.
A 10-year workmanship guarantee is standard from reputable Devon roofers. Ask for it in writing before work starts, not as an afterthought on completion.
Legitimate roofers are typically booked 2–4 weeks ahead. A contractor who insists they can start tomorrow may be making the most of an emergency situation.
“Excellent survey, full itemised quote, no surprises on cost. Re-roof completed on budget and on time. The written guarantee was issued on the last day.”
“Had three quotes. These were mid-range on price but by far the most thorough survey report. That gave us confidence. Job done to a very high standard.”
“Clear pricing from the start. The scope included everything — battens, scaffold, disposal. No nasty extras. Highly recommend.”
A standard 3-bed semi in Exeter costs £5,500–£8,500 for concrete interlocking tile or £8,000–£12,000 for Welsh slate. Larger or more complex properties are higher. Call 01392 759 295 for a free survey and accurate quote.
Yes — a re-roof removes a significant survey flag for buyers and mortgage lenders. In Devon’s market, a structurally sound roof is a condition of most mortgage offers on properties over 30 years old.
A standard 3-bed semi takes 4–6 days. Larger properties, complex roofs or slate replacement takes 5–8 days. We give a day-by-day programme in every quote.
Like-for-like replacement does not require planning permission. Changing the roof material on a listed building or in a conservation area may require prior approval. Exeter has significant conservation area coverage — we advise at survey stage.
Modern concrete interlocking tile is the most cost-effective material. Modern clay tile is the next tier up and has better longevity. Welsh slate is the premium option, appropriate for period properties and coastal locations.
Concrete interlocking tile roofs last 30–50 years before nail sickness requires replacement. Welsh slate lasts 80–150+ years with maintenance. Clay tile sits between the two. The fixings and battens typically fail before the covering itself.
If repair costs over the next 5 years approach 50% of replacement cost, replacement is usually better value. We provide an honest survey-based recommendation. Call 01392 759 295 for a free assessment.
Free survey, no call-out fee, no obligation. An honest price from a Devon roofer who turns up when they say they will.
01392 759 295