ROOF DESIGN CHECKLIST

Pitched or flat? A sloping roof can give a pleasing traditional look to your home’s elevations but some classical features, such as orangeries, are suited to flat roofs. Contemporary designs can work effectively with either or both styles of roof.

Shape & plan When the plans are being drawn up, it is essential that the roof design is considered at the same time. There is nothing worse than labouring to create a perfect layout only to find later that it must be changed so that the roof geometry works.

What’s your budget? Flat roofs are usually cheaper to construct than pitched designs. Hips and other features, such as dormers and bay windows, always add to the cost.

Consider the context If you want your design to assimilate into the surrounding buildings, matching materials alone is not enough. The style and pitch of the roof both play an important role in helping a house to blend in with its neighbours.

Buildability If you are self-managing your project, there is something to be said for keeping the design simple – including the roof. Intricate flashings or complicated roofscapes require skill and experience to successfully coordinate and complete.

Health & safety Roofs are probably the most dangerous places to be on a building site. Sometimes relatively small adjustments to the design can make it easier to build. Difficult-to-reach parts of the roof such as those at very high level should be robustly constructed with durable materials, so that the need for maintenance is reduced.

Can you gain extra space? If lofts are tall enough, they can be used for accommodation now or in the future. Sloping the ceiling along the roof line offers plenty of potential for an interesting design.