From the first leak to a clear repair agreement
In short
Choose a roofer who covers your Perth suburb and has experience with your roof type. Ask for an inspection that identifies the fault, check the WA credentials required for the proposed work and compare written repair scopes. Treat roof coating as a separate decision: painting a roof does not establish that a leak has been repaired. For significant storm damage requiring temporary repairs, call SES on 132 500 and contact your insurer before arranging permanent work.
Step 1
Describe the problem before choosing a service
Take photos from the ground or inside the house and record when water appears. Tell the roofer whether it happens during heavy rain, rain from one direction or every shower. Leave roof access and inspection to someone equipped to do the work safely.
Match the inspection to the problem
| What you have noticed | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| A stain beneath a tiled roof | An inspection of tiles, roof joins and drainage, with an explanation of the suspected water entry point. |
| A leak around a metal roof join or skylight | A contractor experienced with metal roofing and flashing, the material that seals roof joins and openings. |
| A proposal to paint or coat the whole roof | Separate prices and reasons for repairs and appearance work. Ask which defect each repair addresses. |
| A badly damaged roof after a storm | SES assistance on 132 500 for temporary repairs. Contact your insurer and take damage photos only where safe. |
Step 2
Check credentials for the actual work
WA's roof coating guidance says roof painting or coating worth more than $1,000 requires a registered painting contractor in the Perth metropolitan area. If restoration includes coating, ask for the contractor registration details and check the painters' register through Building and Energy. Match the registered name and licence type to the party issuing your quote.
For a repair or roof replacement, ask which registration requirements apply to the full scope. Consumer Protection says builders doing building work worth $20,000 or more must be registered in most WA areas. If you are unsure how that applies to your proposed roof work, confirm with Building and Energy before signing. Electrical work, including any electrical work needed around solar panels, must be done by appropriately licensed people.
Ask about qualifications, recent jobs using the same roof material, public liability insurance and who will carry out the work. A claim of being experienced or insured should come with details you can check.
Step 3
Give the roofer your suburb and access details
Name your suburb rather than just saying Perth, and confirm the contractor services it. Include the roof material if known, number of storeys, previous repairs and any solar panels or shared roof sections. For a coastal property, mention visible rust or corrosion without assuming it explains the leak.
Access varies between an older Fremantle property, a rear villa in a strata complex and a house on a larger suburban block. Describe narrow passages, shared driveways, locked gates and where equipment could stand. Confirm who can approve work on a shared roof before arranging it.
Step 4
Compare the diagnosis, scope and total price
For planned work, get at least three quotes using the same brief. Confirm inspection charges first. WA Consumer Protection distinguishes an estimate, which is approximate and can change, from a quote, which forms a binding contract when accepted. Ask for a written quote and total cost including GST.
Have each roofer identify the area to be repaired, materials, access equipment, disposal and any exclusions. Ask how hidden damage will be reported and priced before extra work proceeds. If one quote proposes a small repair and another a replacement, request the inspection evidence supporting each option.
WA's roof coating guidance says tiled roofs generally do not need painting unless you want to change their appearance. If coating is proposed alongside leak repairs, ask for separate scope details and the coating product information. Read warranty conditions, cancellation terms and the payment schedule before accepting.
Step 5
Plan permanent repairs and keep the handover record
After significant storm damage, SES assistance is for temporary repairs. Ask your insurer what assessment and approval it needs for permanent work. Agree with the contractor how exposed roof areas will be protected and how unsuitable weather will affect the work dates.
At completion, ask for photos of the repaired areas, the final invoice and written warranty information. Record any defects outside the agreed scope and who will deal with them. If water returns, note the date and weather, take safe photos and send them to the contractor with the original repair details.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- WA Government: roof coating guidance
Distinguishes repairs from coating, explains Perth painting contractor registration and advises checking insurance and written terms.
- WA Building and Energy: licence and registration search
Provides official registers, identity checks and electrical licensing guidance.
- WA Consumer Protection: estimates, quotes and deposits
Explains quote and estimate differences, three-quote advice, GST and the general WA builder registration threshold.
- DFES: storm preparation and recovery advice
Directs significant storm damage to SES on 132 500 for temporary repairs and advises contacting insurers.
