Choose a roofer for the work your property needs
In short
Find a roofing contractor who services your Sydney suburb, works on your roof type and can explain the cause of the problem after inspection. Check the contracting business's NSW licence and relevant work categories, then compare written scopes that include safe access, materials and disposal. For storm damage needing emergency assistance, call NSW SES on 132 500; arrange permanent repairs with your insurer or a contractor once the immediate danger is managed.
Step 1
Identify the roof and decide how urgently it needs help
Describe what you can see from a safe position on the ground or inside the property. Do not climb onto the roof to photograph damage or try a temporary repair. Tell the contractor if the leak appears only during wind-driven rain, where the ceiling stain is and whether it has happened before.
Where to start
| Your situation | What to request |
|---|---|
| Cracked or displaced tiles on a tiled roof | A roofer experienced with your tile type who can inspect the damaged area and explain the repair. |
| A metal roof leak, damaged gutter or leaking flashing | A contractor experienced in roof plumbing. Flashing is the material that seals roof edges and joins. |
| An older slate roof or a roof with previous alterations | Someone with experience in that roof system. Include photos of earlier repairs if you have them. |
| Roof damage or leaking during a storm emergency | Call NSW SES on 132 500 for emergency assistance. Call Triple Zero (000) if there is a life-threatening emergency. |
Step 2
Check the business's licence and roof experience
NSW lists roof plumbing, roof tiling and roof slating as separate trade categories. Residential building or trade work valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST, requires a contractor licence. Ask which categories cover the full proposed scope; structural alterations or other specialist work may need additional trades.
Ask for the business name and contractor licence number, then use the Service NSW check before engaging it. Match the licence holder to the business on the quote and review its current status, categories and conditions. If you cannot find the licence, contact NSW Fair Trading through the Service NSW page before proceeding.
Ask to see examples of similar roofs, evidence of relevant insurance and who will carry out the inspection and repair. Confirm the company covers your suburb and ask when it can inspect, without assuming an advertised service area means an immediate appointment.
Step 3
Send a brief that includes Sydney access constraints
Include your suburb, roof material if known, number of storeys, symptoms and any past roof work. Attach existing roof photos and photos of internal water damage taken safely. Say if there are solar panels, skylights or shared roof sections, so the contractor can plan the inspection and any other trades needed.
For an Inner West terrace, describe a narrow side passage, shared boundaries and street parking restrictions. For an apartment building, name the person arranging access and approval through strata. Elsewhere, include steep driveways, locked gates or places where access equipment may need to stand. These details help the contractor assess access before quoting.
Step 4
Compare the repair method and access costs
For planned work, send the same brief to at least three contractors. Confirm any inspection charge before booking. Ask each contractor to identify the suspected entry point, the evidence for its diagnosis and what remains uncertain. If one recommends a local repair and another recommends replacing the roof, ask each to explain why.
Compare written quotes for the actual roof areas, materials and repair method. Ask whether scaffolding or other access equipment, removal of old materials, waste disposal and GST are included. Identify responsibility for moving and reinstalling solar panels if needed. Ask how the property will be protected from rain while the roof is open and what happens if unsuitable weather delays work.
Agree how hidden damage will be documented and priced before extra work starts. NSW guidance says contract variations must be in writing and signed by both parties. Keep a record of what any workmanship or material warranty covers and who to contact if the leak returns.
Step 5
Arrange permanent repairs and keep evidence of the work
NSW SES provides temporary emergency measures to make the situation safe. After storm damage, contact your insurer or a private contractor to arrange permanent repairs. If you intend to claim, ask your insurer what assessment, approval and evidence it needs before authorising the permanent work. Keep the SES reference number and follow the safety advice you receive.
After the repair, ask for photos of the completed roof work and an explanation of any remaining defects or maintenance needs. Keep the accepted scope, signed variations, invoice and warranty information. If the leak returns, record when it happens and contact the contractor with the original job details and new photos taken safely.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- NSW Government: building and trade licence categories
Lists roof plumbing, roof tiling and roof slating and the residential trade work licence threshold.
- Service NSW: check a builder or tradesperson licence
Official licence search and advice if a contractor cannot be found.
- NSW SES: storm assistance and permanent repairs
Emergency contact numbers, temporary safety measures and the next step for permanent repairs.
- NSW Government: getting quotes for contractors
Consistent job briefs, written scopes and signed contract variations.
