A roof inspection is one of the most important forms of preventative maintenance for any building, yet many property owners are unsure how long such an inspection actually takes. Understanding the typical duration helps you plan your day, coordinate access and know what to expect from the roofing specialist on site. It also gives you insight into how thorough the process should be when it is done properly and safely.
For Dakdienst Nederland, clarity and transparency are essential. That starts with explaining not only what happens during a roof inspection, but also how much time is usually needed to carry out a professional assessment. While every roof is different, there are recognisable patterns based on roof type, size and accessibility that allow for a realistic time estimate.
In the Netherlands, roof inspections are commonly charged as a separate service, often averaged into broader maintenance or repair costs. However, Dakdienst Nederland chooses a different approach: the inspection itself is always free, with no obligation. This policy makes it easier for property owners to gain insight into the condition of their roof without worrying about immediate costs or time pressure.
Typical duration of a roof inspection explained
The duration of a typical roof inspection largely depends on the size and complexity of the roof. For an average Dutch single-family home with a pitched roof, a thorough inspection will usually take 30 to 60 minutes. This includes time for safe access to the roof, visual checks on the roof covering, inspection of flashings and joints, and an initial evaluation of gutters and relevant connections to chimneys, skylights or dormers. On flat roofs, the timeframe is often similar, though details such as drainage points, seams and roof edges require particular attention.
For larger residential properties, small apartment buildings or commercial roofs, the inspection can easily take 60 to 90 minutes, and sometimes longer if multiple levels or sections must be checked. Roofs with complex architecture, many penetrations (such as ventilation outlets, solar panel supports or skylights) or difficult access will inevitably require more time. A professional inspector from Dakdienst Nederland will never rush this process: time is needed to move safely, take photos, make notes and discuss findings with the property owner.
It is also important to distinguish between a basic visual inspection and a diagnostic inspection when a specific problem is suspected. A routine check, for instance ahead of a sale, after a storm or as part of yearly maintenance, typically remains within the 30–60 minute range for a standard home. However, if there are visible leaks, moisture staining or suspected structural issues, the inspection can extend to 90 minutes or more, as the roofer may need to investigate interior signs (such as in the attic or top floor ceiling), perform moisture measurements or temporarily remove small sections of covering to trace the source of the problem.
What happens during the inspection (and why it takes that long)
A professional roof inspection at Dakdienst Nederland consists of several well-defined steps. These steps explain why even a “quick” visit cannot realistically be completed in just a few minutes if it is to be taken seriously. Typically, the process includes:
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Preparation and safety setup (5–15 minutes)
- Placing ladders or accessing roof hatches
- Setting up safety equipment where needed
- Brief discussion with the owner about any known issues
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On-roof inspection (20–60 minutes)
- Checking roof coverings (tiles, bitumen, EPDM, PVC, etc.)
- Inspecting flashings, seams, joints and roof edges
- Evaluating gutters, downpipes and drainage points
- Looking at chimneys, skylights, dormers and other details
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Reporting and explanation (10–20 minutes)
- Discussing visible defects and risks
- Showing photo evidence if desired
- Explaining possible repair options and maintenance advice
In practice, the on-roof part of the inspection almost always takes the most time. For pitched roofs, every side must be checked for broken tiles, shifted tiles, wear on underlayment and possible damage from wind or moss growth. For flat roofs, the roofer needs to walk the entire surface to detect blisters, cracks, open seams, ponding water and problems at upstands or roof edges. This is careful work; moving too fast increases the risk of overlooking important details or even causing damage.
The final phase, where the findings are explained, is equally important. Dakdienst Nederland takes the time to provide a clear and understandable overview of the roof’s condition. This is also the moment where an initial cost indication may be discussed if repairs are required. In the Netherlands, repair costs can vary strongly: minor repairs (such as replacing a few tiles, sealing a joint or repairing a small section of bitumen) often range from €150 to €500, while larger repairs or partial roof renovations can easily reach €1,000 to €4,000 or more, depending on materials, roof size and complexity. For a complete and exact quotation, however, you should always contact Dakdienst Nederland directly, as every roof and every situation is different.
Factors that can make an inspection longer or shorter
While it is tempting to look for a standard timeframe, the specific circumstances on site often determine the final duration. Some key factors that can influence how long a roof inspection takes include:
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Accessibility of the roof
- Easy access via a roof hatch or balcony can save time
- Difficult access needing special ladders or lifts will add minutes
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Height and safety requirements
- Higher buildings or buildings close to traffic may require extra safety measures
- Weather conditions (strong wind, rain, frost) may slow down the inspection for safety reasons
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Complexity and size of the roof
- Multiple roof levels, dormers, skylights or solar panels increase inspection time
- Larger surface areas naturally require more walking and close-up checking
In some cases, the inspector may also need to view the interior of the building to fully assess the situation. Signs such as moisture stains, mould, sagging ceilings or damp insulation can give important clues about hidden roof problems. Accessing the attic or top floor, examining these areas and relating them to external observations will lengthen the visit slightly, but provides a far more reliable diagnosis.
Finally, documentation may play a role. For complex roofs, large commercial buildings or homeowners’ associations (VvE’s) in the Netherlands, a more extensive written report may be requested. Preparing such a report, sometimes with detailed photo documentation and a multi-year maintenance forecast, goes beyond the simple on-site time and may involve additional office time afterwards. The on-site portion, however, still generally remains within 30 to 90 minutes, depending on property size and project requirements.
Why Dakdienst Nederland offers free roof checks
In the Dutch market, roof inspections are often a paid service, especially when a detailed report is required or when the roofer must travel a significant distance. On average, a one-off roof inspection in the Netherlands may cost anywhere from €75 to €200, depending on region, roof size and the amount of reporting needed. By contrast, Dakdienst Nederland consciously chooses to offer roof inspections completely free of charge, regardless of whether the client decides to proceed with repairs or not.
This policy is based on a clear philosophy: a property owner should be able to make informed decisions about their roof without facing an immediate financial barrier. A roof problem that is ignored too long often leads to far more costly damage, sometimes running into the thousands of euros due to water ingress, damaged insulation, rotten timber or interior finishes that need replacement. By providing free inspections, Dakdienst Nederland encourages early detection of issues, which typically results in lower repair costs and a longer life expectancy for the roof.
For clients, the benefit is twofold. First, you gain clarity about the condition of your roof without any initial financial risk. Second, you receive professional advice from an experienced roofing contractor that understands local building methods, Dutch weather conditions and typical wear patterns. This combination of free access and specialised knowledge lowers the threshold for regular checks, which, in turn, significantly reduces the likelihood of unpleasant surprises such as sudden leaks in heavy rain or storm damage going unnoticed until it is too late.
What you can expect from a free roof check by Dakdienst Nederland
Even though the roof inspection is free, Dakdienst Nederland treats it with the same seriousness and thoroughness as a paid service. You can expect the following steps during a free roof check:
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Initial contact and appointment
- You contact Dakdienst Nederland to describe your roof type (flat, pitched, material) and any known issues.
- An appointment is scheduled at a convenient time, often within a short timeframe, depending on workload and urgency.
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On-site visit and inspection
- The roofer arrives on time, assesses the building from the ground and determines the safest access route.
- The actual roof inspection follows, generally taking 30–60 minutes for an average home, longer for larger or more complex roofs.
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Findings and advice
- After the inspection, the specialist explains the current state of the roof, pointing out any visible defects or risks.
- You receive honest advice on whether immediate repairs are required or if future maintenance should be planned.
- If desired, a non-binding price indication for any recommended work is provided.
It is important to emphasise that you are under no obligation to accept a repair offer. The free inspection is designed to give you insight, not to pressure you into immediate decisions. However, if you do decide to proceed with Dakdienst Nederland, you can expect transparent pricing and clear communication about the work to be carried out. While the general Dutch price ranges mentioned earlier provide a rough guideline, exact costs always depend on the specific situation on your roof, the chosen materials and the scope of the works.
Free inspections, but always professional and transparent
Offering free roof checks does not mean cutting corners. On the contrary, Dakdienst Nederland is aware that the roof inspection is often the first impression a client has of the company’s professionalism and reliability. A rushed or incomplete inspection would not only be unsafe but would also undermine trust. Therefore, even when no invoice is issued for the inspection itself, the company adheres to strict internal quality standards.
The inspector will clearly explain:
- Which parts of the roof were inspected
- What defects or risks were observed
- Which measures are urgent and which can be planned for the longer term
- What approximate investment might be expected for different solutions
In the Netherlands, full roof replacement projects for standard residential properties can range roughly between €4,000 and €15,000 or more, depending on area, material (tiles, bitumen, synthetic membranes, etc.) and insulation requirements. These figures are only indicative; Dakdienst Nederland will always provide a tailor-made quotation if a complete renovation appears to be the most sensible solution. The free inspection is the starting point for that informed decision-making process, not an end in itself.
For many property owners, the combination of no-cost inspection, clear explanations and realistic price indications creates a basis of trust. It allows you to compare scenarios: minor repair now versus waiting for a larger renovation later, upgrading insulation during roof works to reduce energy costs, or proactively reinforcing vulnerable roof parts before storm season. In every case, the time invested in a thorough, free roof inspection proves small compared to the potential savings and peace of mind it delivers.
A typical roof inspection by a professional such as Dakdienst Nederland usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the size, complexity and accessibility of the roof, as well as the presence of visible problems. Within that timeframe, the roofer performs a careful visual check, assesses critical details and takes the time to explain the findings in clear terms. This is not a quick glance, but a structured process aimed at detecting both current defects and future risks.
In the Dutch context, such inspections are often a paid service, with average prices ranging from €75 to €200. Dakdienst Nederland deliberately takes a different route by offering roof inspections completely free of charge, without obligation. This approach encourages regular checks, early detection of problems and better long-term planning for repairs or renovations. Any subsequent work is priced transparently, with exact quotations based on the specific roof and its condition.
If you wish to know precisely how your roof is doing, how long an inspection of your particular property is likely to take and what possible costs could be involved in repairs or replacement, the most reliable step is to contact Dakdienst Nederland directly. With a free, professional roof check and clear advice, you will be fully informed and able to make sound decisions about the safety, durability and value of your property.