- Guide price
- £1,350–£2,500
- Survey
- Free for new and replacement roofs
- Quote
- Fixed, in writing
- Coverage
- England, Wales, Scotland, NI
City of Edinburgh at a glance
- Largest towns
- Edinburgh, Queensferry, Colinton
- Postcode areas
- EH
- Building standards
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Neighbouring areas
- Midlothian · West Lothian · Fife · East Lothian
- Guide price region
- Scotland (−5% on West Midlands rates)
How much does a new dormer roof cost in City of Edinburgh?
Guide prices including VAT at Scotland rates. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
| Job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Dormer (8 m²), GRP, scaffold | £1,350–£2,500 |
| Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber | £1,500–£2,650 |
| Extension (20 m²), GRP, new deck + insulation | £2,850–£5,100 |
Which flat roofs are common in City of Edinburgh?
Flat roofs in City of Edinburgh sit on 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions, terraced streets with flat-roofed rear kitchens and bathrooms and 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches. Scotland averages roughly 1,570 mm of rain a year, with the west far wetter than the east, so drainage, falls and wind uplift are part of every specification we write. Approximate 1991–2020 regional averages based on Met Office data.
Building standards in Scotland
In Scotland a building warrant is usually needed for alterations, structural work and new roofs; like-for-like repairs to a covering can be exempt. Section 6 of the technical handbooks sets a domestic roof benchmark of 0.12 W/m²K, applied as far as reasonably practicable on an existing roof. In City of Edinburgh the application goes to City of Edinburgh Council (building standards). More on the rules.
Why is scaffold and tile detailing so important on a dormer?
Because a dormer roof is high, small and surrounded by a pitched tiled roof, most failures happen at the edges rather than in the middle. Safe access is what allows those edges to be done properly.
Ladders alone do not give a safe working platform at that height, and every roof is treated as fragile until a competent person confirms otherwise. Scaffold with edge protection lets the team work along the front and sides of the dormer, and reach the junction with the main roof.
The back of the dormer is where most leaks start. The new membrane has to turn up under the tiles or slates, with a flashing that sheds water over it. Where the old detail used lead, we reinstate or replace it. Small roofs also leave little room for error at the drip edge: the front trim must throw water clear of the window frame and fascia, and any gutter has to be big enough for the area it drains. Dormer cheeks with tile hanging or cladding are checked for gaps that let water behind.
If you are also planning insulation upgrades or work on the main roof, tell us at survey so the scaffold can be shared.
Which towns in City of Edinburgh do we cover?
Dormer roofs in City of Edinburgh: questions
Which towns in City of Edinburgh do you cover?
All of City of Edinburgh. The main towns have their own pages below, and if yours isn't listed we still cover it: send your postcode and we'll confirm.
How much does a new dormer roof cost in City of Edinburgh?
£1,350–£2,500 for an 8 m² GRP dormer roof including scaffold, at Scotland guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Which council handles building standards for a flat roof in City of Edinburgh?
It depends on where the roof is: in City of Edinburgh that's City of Edinburgh Council. In Scotland a building warrant is usually needed for alterations, structural work and new roofs; like-for-like repairs to a covering can be exempt. We confirm which applies at the survey.
Does the room below need emptying?
No, but moving furniture away from the window and covering the floor is sensible. The room stays usable throughout.
Can a dormer roof be replaced without scaffold?
Rarely. A tower or full scaffold is usually needed to give a safe working platform and edge protection at that height.
How long does a GRP dormer roof last?
As an indicative range, GRP lasts 20–40 years with good specification and maintenance.
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