By Max, Surrey Roofing & Windows Ltd | Updated May 2026
A roof can be one of the biggest hidden costs when buying a home. A few sensible checks can help you decide whether to arrange a roof survey before exchange.
Look from ground level
Check for missing tiles, sagging roof lines, tired ridges, blocked gutters, moss-heavy slopes and obvious chimney defects. Binoculars can help, but do not climb.
Check inside the loft if accessible
Look for daylight, damp staining, musty smells, wet insulation, rotten timbers or spray foam insulation on the underside of tiles.
When to book a roof survey
Book a roof survey if the property is older, the roof looks tired, the loft shows staining, the surveyor raises concerns or you need budget certainty before purchase.
Useful next steps
If you need roofing advice for a Surrey property, start with the relevant service page: roof repairs, emergency roof repairs, flat roofing, roof replacement or roof surveys. We also cover towns including Weybridge, Cobham, Woking, Guildford and Epsom.