Two weeks before
Confirm the paperwork
- Signed contract with the scope, price, payment stages and start date
- Copy of the contractor's NSW Fair Trading licence and insurance details
- Home building compensation certificate, where the job value requires it
- Council approval, if your job needed it
- For asbestos jobs, the licensed removalist's details and plan
If anything is missing, ask before the crew arrives.
Book the electrician
If you have solar panels, a licensed electrician must disconnect them before the roof comes off and reconnect them afterward. Air-conditioning units, aerials and satellite dishes on the roof also need arranging. Ask the roofer who coordinates this.
Talk to the neighbours
Let them know the dates, that there will be noise from early morning, and that a skip, truck or crane may need street space. If scaffold has to go near a shared boundary, you may need their agreement for access. Good relations now avoid complaints later.
The week before
Clear access
The crew needs to get materials, skips and scaffold to the house. Typical requests:
- driveway clear of cars
- side access gates unlocked
- outdoor furniture, pot plants and barbecues moved away from walls
- trampolines and play equipment moved clear
- clotheslines folded down if near the work area
On steep Newcastle blocks with tight driveways, talk through where materials will be placed and whether a crane or materials hoist is needed.
Empty the roof space
Remove stored boxes, decorations and anything valuable. Debris and dust fall into the roof space when the covering comes off. Clearing it also lets the crew see battens and rafters.
Protect what is below
In rooms directly under the roof, especially upstairs rooms and those with downlights:
- take pictures and mirrors off walls
- cover furniture and electronics with sheets or drop cloths
- move fragile items from high shelves
- roll up rugs if a ceiling is already stained or sagging
Vibration from work on the roof can shift things on walls and shelves.
Plan for pets and children
Noise, strangers, open gates and falling debris are a poor mix with pets and small children. Consider keeping pets indoors in a quiet room, or with a friend, during the noisiest days. Keep children well away from the work zone and skips.
The day before
- Park cars on the street or away from the drop zone.
- Unlock gates and leave a contact number.
- Check the forecast together with the contractor.
- Charge your phone; the crew may need to reach you quickly if they find rot or damage.
Asbestos jobs
If the roof is asbestos cement, the licensed removalist will explain their requirements. These typically include exclusion zones, keeping windows and doors shut during removal, and sometimes being away from the house. Follow their instructions exactly. Do not let anyone disturb asbestos materials before the removalist arrives.
During the job
- Expect noise from early morning.
- Keep clear of the work zone, even when it seems quiet.
- If the crew finds rotten timber or other problems, ask to see them and get a written price before agreeing.
- Check the roof is closed in at the end of each day.
- Keep a simple diary with photos.
At handover
Walk around the house with the contractor and check:
- the roof and flashings, from the ground with binoculars
- gutters connected and downpipes working
- solar and other items reinstated and working
- the yard and gutters clear of screws, offcuts and swarf
- ceilings inside for any new marks
Ask for the warranty documents for materials and the contractor's written workmanship terms. Keep them with the house records.
If you are renting out the property
For landlords, tenants need reasonable notice of the work under NSW residential tenancy rules, and they will be living with the noise and disruption. Talk to your property manager early, agree access times, and consider whether any rooms will be unusable for a period. Clear communication avoids complaints and keeps the job on schedule.
Working from home during the job
If you work from home, plan for the noisiest days. Strip-out and screw-fixing are loud enough to make video calls difficult. Ask the supervisor which days will be worst and arrange to work elsewhere, or set up in the room furthest from the active section. Internet and power usually stay on, but if solar or electrical work is scheduled, ask when power might be off.
Related reading
What to expect during a roof replacement covers the day-by-day work. The best time of year for roof replacement helps with scheduling, and the 2026 cost guide helps with budgeting.