Arrange an inspection and agree on the right roof work
In short
Choose an Adelaide roofer with experience in your roof material who can inspect the problem and explain the proposed repair. Check the business through South Australia's occupational licence register and confirm its licence covers the work. For an older or heritage property, check approval requirements with the property's council before agreeing to replacement materials. Compare written quotes for the same repair scope, including access equipment and waste removal. For emergency flood or storm assistance, call SA SES on 132 500 and press 1; call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Step 1
Describe the problem from a safe position
Tell the roofer where water appears, whether it follows heavy rain or wind, and when you first noticed it. Take photos from inside or at ground level. Leave climbing onto the roof and opening damaged areas to someone equipped to do that safely.
Match the enquiry to the roof problem
| What you have noticed | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| A leak beneath a tiled roof | An inspection of the tiles, roof joins and surrounding area, with an explanation of where water is entering. |
| Water near a chimney, skylight or metal roof join | A contractor experienced with that roof system and its flashing, the material sealing roof edges and joins. |
| Serious damage during a storm or a tree fallen on the home | Emergency assistance from SA SES on 132 500, then an assessment for permanent repair once it is safe. |
Step 2
Check the licence against the proposed work
Ask for the contracting business's name and licence number, then check the South Australian occupational licence register. Match the licence holder to the quote and ask to see the licence so you can confirm the specific work it authorises. A business offering roof repairs should be able to explain how its licence covers your repair, replacement or associated work.
Ask who will supervise and carry out the job, what relevant insurance the business holds and whether other trades are needed. Request examples or references for similar roof materials and repairs. Confirm the company services your suburb and ask for an inspection date and any inspection charge.
Step 3
Resolve heritage and approval questions before replacing the roof
If your property is heritage listed or within a State Heritage Area, contact its council before settling the scope. South Australia's heritage guidance includes re-roofing among works that can require development approval for State Heritage Places and Areas. An older house is not automatically heritage listed, so check the property's status and the proposed work rather than relying on its age.
For a North Adelaide cottage or a property in an older inner suburb, give the roofer any listing details, previous approvals and existing material specifications. Ask whether the proposal changes the roof profile, material, finish, gutters or chimney details. Confirm with the council or Heritage South Australia what can be repaired and what needs approval, then include the agreed requirements in the quote. Use the council responsible for the property's address; the City of Adelaide does not cover every Adelaide suburb.
Step 4
Send a brief that makes the inspection practical
Include your suburb, roof material if known, number of storeys, symptoms and previous repair history. Say whether there are solar panels, a verandah roof, shared roof sections or a locked side gate. Describe where access equipment could stand and any driveway or parking restrictions. For a unit or shared property, identify who can approve the work and arrange access.
Step 5
Compare the diagnosis, inclusions and payment terms
For planned work, obtain more than one written quote using the same brief. Ask what evidence supports the diagnosis and which parts of the roof need work. If the proposals differ, ask why a local repair, restoration or replacement is recommended and what each option leaves unresolved.
Check the roof areas, materials, access equipment, removal of old roofing, waste disposal and GST in each quote. Agree who handles approvals and any solar panel removal, how the home will be protected while the roof is open, and how hidden damage or extra work will be recorded and approved before it starts.
Read the contract and make sure it includes the agreed scope before signing. SA Government guidance says building indemnity insurance is required for building work that needs council approval and costs $20,000 or more. For contracts of $20,000 or more, the deposit should be no more than five per cent of the total. Check the requirements for your job rather than treating an inspection quote as the final agreement.
If making an insurance claim for storm damage, ask your insurer what evidence and approval it needs before authorising permanent repairs. At completion, keep the invoice, approved changes, photos of the work and any warranty terms. Ask the roofer to identify remaining defects or maintenance needs so you know what the completed job covers.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- SA Government: check occupational licence holders
Official register search using the supplier's licence number, surname or trading name.
- SA Government: choosing a building professional
Checking licensed work, contracts, building indemnity insurance and deposit requirements.
- SA SES: when to call 132 500
Storm and flood emergency assistance, examples of emergency damage and when to call 000.
- Heritage South Australia: frequently asked questions
Development approval and council advice for changes to State Heritage Places and Areas, including re-roofing.
