Replacing a roof is one of the most important investments you can make in your property, but many homeowners are unsure how long the process will actually take—and how the duration of the project influences the final cost. Dakdienst Nederland helps clients throughout the Netherlands navigate these questions every day, combining technical expertise with clear, transparent communication. Understanding the typical timelines and cost drivers will help you plan better, avoid unnecessary stress and make financially sound decisions.
Dakdienst Nederland approaches every roof replacement as a tailored project. The company takes into account your roof type, the condition of the underlying structure, the chosen materials and of course your planning and budget. A professional, free roof inspection is always the starting point, ensuring that you receive realistic expectations for both timing and cost before any work begins.
In the sections below, you will learn what an average roof replacement schedule looks like, which factors can speed up or slow down the process, and why project duration has such a direct impact on your investment. While indicative price ranges are included based on Dutch market averages, exact pricing always depends on your specific situation, so it is recommended to contact Dakdienst Nederland directly for a precise quotation.
Typical Roof Replacement Timelines with Dakdienst Nederland
A standard pitched roof replacement on an average Dutch single-family home typically takes about 2 to 5 working days once work actually begins. This includes removing the old roof covering, checking and repairing the underlying structure if necessary, installing new insulation (where applicable) and fitting the new roofing material. For a simple, easily accessible roof in good structural condition, Dakdienst Nederland can often complete the job at the faster end of this range. More complex roofs, or those requiring additional carpentry work, will naturally take longer.
For flat roofs, such as those on extensions, garages or modern houses, the replacement process often takes 1 to 3 working days, depending on the surface area and the chosen roofing system (for example bitumen, EPDM or PVC). Flat roofs tend to be more straightforward in terms of access and logistics, but drying times, weather conditions and detailing around skylights or roof penetrations can influence the overall duration. Again, the exact timeline will be clearly discussed with you after the free inspection.
It is important to distinguish between project preparation and the actual on-site replacement time. Before Dakdienst Nederland starts, there is usually a planning phase of 1 to 3 weeks, which may include:
- Ordering materials tailored to your roof
- Scheduling scaffolding or lifting equipment
- Coordinating with you to minimise disruption
This preparation does not require your constant involvement, but it ensures that, once the team is on site, the roof replacement proceeds efficiently and according to plan.
How Roof Size and Complexity Affect the Schedule
The size of your roof is one of the most obvious factors influencing how long a roof change takes. A modest terraced house with a simple, two-sided pitched roof can often be completed in a few days. Larger detached homes, farmhouses or buildings with multiple roof sections, dormers, and various angles will naturally require more time. As a rule of thumb, every additional 50–75 m² can add one or more working days, depending on the crew size and complexity.
Roof complexity is not only about size. Features such as chimneys, skylights, dormers, solar panels and extensive flashing work introduce additional steps. Each element must be properly sealed and integrated with the new roofing system. Dakdienst Nederland plans these details carefully, as rushing them can lead to leaks or premature wear. Consequently, a small but highly intricate roof can sometimes take as long as, or even longer than, a larger but simpler one.
Accessibility is another key point. Roofs that are difficult for workers or materials to reach—due to narrow streets, limited parking, or obstacles around the house—may require extra time to set up scaffolding, hoists or safety measures. While you may not see this work as part of the “roof change,” it is vital for both safety and quality, and it is included in the overall schedule that Dakdienst Nederland shares with you before starting.
Weather Conditions and Seasonal Planning
In the Netherlands, weather plays a significant role in roofing schedules. Heavy rain, strong winds or extended frost periods can delay work or force a temporary pause to guarantee safe working conditions and high-quality installation. Dakdienst Nederland will always prioritise safety and durability over speed, even if that means adjusting the timeline by a day or more.
Planning your roof replacement outside of the most unstable weather periods—often late autumn and mid-winter—can help reduce the risk of weather-related delays. However, modern roofing methods and effective temporary coverings mean that, in many cases, work can proceed safely throughout the year. When you request a roof replacement, Dakdienst Nederland will advise you on the best timing based on both your preferences and the likely weather conditions.
To minimise discomfort, the team often works with temporary protective measures, such as tarpaulins or temporary roofing, ensuring that your home remains dry even if bad weather interrupts the schedule. This may add some time to the project, but it prevents water damage and maintains indoor comfort. All these factors will be discussed after the free roof inspection so you understand how season and weather may affect your specific project.
How Project Duration Influences Your Total Roof Cost
The longer a roof replacement takes, the more it can cost—primarily due to labour, equipment rental and logistical factors. In the Netherlands, average labour and roof replacement costs for pitched roofs often range from €80 to €150 per m², and for flat roofs from roughly €70 to €130 per m², depending on materials and complexity. A longer duration usually means more hours for the installation team, extended scaffolding or lift rental and potentially more site management time. For an exact price tailored to your roof, it is strongly recommended to request a detailed quotation from Dakdienst Nederland.
However, a faster job is not always cheaper in the long term. If speed comes at the expense of thorough inspection, proper detailing or quality control, you may face repairs or even partial replacement sooner than expected. Dakdienst Nederland focuses on finding the optimal balance between efficiency and quality, where the project is completed within a reasonable time frame, but every step is performed correctly and according to Dutch building standards and manufacturer guidelines.
Another aspect is that unforeseen issues discovered during the project can affect both duration and cost. For example, if rotted wooden beams or structural defects are uncovered after the old roofing is removed, these must be repaired before the new roof is installed. Such extra work extends the schedule and adds to the total cost. A thorough, free roof inspection beforehand reduces the chance of surprises, though certain problems can only be seen once the existing roof covering is removed.
The Role of Material Choices in Time and Price
Your choice of roofing material has a direct influence on how long the project will take and what it will cost. For example:
- Bitumen or EPDM on flat roofs are relatively fast to install and can be more economical, often falling within the lower end of the €70–€130 per m² range.
- Concrete or ceramic tiles on pitched roofs can be more labour-intensive, especially if the old tiles and battens must be removed and replaced, usually landing somewhere in the €80–€150 per m² range.
- High-end systems, such as premium insulation packages or special aesthetic tiles, often require more precise installation and therefore more time.
Some materials allow for quicker installation methods, like large-format tiles or membrane systems with fewer seams. While these systems might have a higher material cost, they can reduce labour hours and thus limit the total project duration. In certain cases, the higher upfront material investment can be partially offset by lower labour costs and faster completion. Dakdienst Nederland advises you on these trade-offs during the planning stage.
Insulation upgrades are another decisive factor. Adding or improving roof insulation—highly recommended for energy savings and comfort—will typically add extra steps and therefore extra time. This may increase initial costs, but in the Netherlands, better insulated roofs can significantly reduce heating expenses over time. Depending on the chosen insulation and roof type, this can increase the budget by €20–€50 per m² on average. For exact figures tailored to your home, it is best to discuss options directly with Dakdienst Nederland.
Planning, Logistics and How to Avoid Unnecessary Costs
Careful planning can keep both the duration and cost of a roof change under control. When Dakdienst Nederland prepares your project, they coordinate material deliveries, scaffolding, waste containers and workforce availability so that there are minimal idle periods. Efficient logistics mean that the team can work continuously once the project starts, reducing the number of days required on site and, therefore, labour and equipment costs.
Homeowners can support this efficiency by ensuring clear access to the property, removing obstacles in the garden or driveway and, where possible, scheduling other work (such as solar panel installation) to align with the roof replacement. Combining such work can reduce the total number of visits and the time equipment is needed, which may have a positive effect on overall cost. Dakdienst Nederland can help coordinate with other parties when necessary.
Above all, a detailed, transparent quotation based on a free inspection is the best tool to avoid unexpected extensions of time and budget. While Dutch market averages provide a general guideline, each roof is unique. Dakdienst Nederland will outline:
- The estimated project duration
- The planned crew size
- The main cost components (labour, materials, equipment)
- Possible scenarios if hidden defects are discovered
By understanding these factors upfront, you can make informed decisions about materials, timing and any additional work, ensuring the roof replacement proceeds smoothly and within an agreed budget.
Knowing how long a roof change typically takes—and how the duration directly affects your total cost—allows you to plan your project with confidence. Variables such as roof size, complexity, material choice, weather and accessibility all influence the schedule, and therefore the overall investment. Yet with proper preparation and clear communication, these factors can be managed effectively.
Dakdienst Nederland combines a free roof inspection, technical expertise and transparent quotations to give you a realistic picture of both timeline and cost before work starts. While the price indications mentioned here reflect average Dutch market levels, only a personalised assessment of your roof can provide an accurate figure.
If you are considering a roof replacement, or if you simply want to understand how long your specific project might take and what it would mean for your budget, you are advised to contact Dakdienst Nederland directly. Their specialists will gladly inspect your roof without charge, discuss your options and prepare a tailored plan that balances quality, timing and cost for the long term.