How To Offer Finance For New Roofs

What customer finance really is (and why it matters)

Customer finance lets your homeowner spread the cost of a new roof or repair over time, while you get paid promptly via a lender once the work is approved and completed. In practice, it turns a large, one-off expense into a manageable monthly figure, which can remove friction at the point of decision. For a roofing business, it is less about discounting and more about improving affordability without cutting your margin. Done properly, it becomes a sales tool, a trust signal, and a way to serve customers who would otherwise delay essential work.

Why homeowners now expect payment options

Roofing costs have risen with materials and labour, and homeowners increasingly factor finance into their planning for major works. Recent UK industry trends suggest a significant share of homeowners now consider financing for big home improvements such as new roofs, particularly when quotes move beyond the comfort zone of paying upfront. Short-term offers like 0% APR are popular for mid-ticket projects where customers want to avoid interest, while longer-term fixed-rate plans can make full replacements feasible when budgets are tight. The result is simple: many customers do not just compare roof specifications, they compare how you let them pay.

How finance helps you sell more roofing work

Offering finance can lift conversion rates because it reframes the decision from “Can we afford £8,500 today?” to “Does £x per month work for us?” For jobs above roughly £5,000, flexible payment plans can be the difference between a signed acceptance and a stalled quote. Finance also reduces the temptation for customers to downsize the scope, postpone necessary upgrades, or opt for a cheaper, less suitable fix. It can increase average order value too, especially when you present options clearly: a short-term 0% plan for those who want speed and certainty, and longer-term repayments for those prioritising a lower monthly cost.

Understanding APR is not just about percentages - it is about knowing what you will pay in real terms.

Standout takeaway: When the payment fits, the project moves.

Typical transaction values in roofing

Roof work customers commonly finance

1. Full roof replacements (tile or slate)

2. Flat roof replacements (felt, GRP, EPDM)

3. Partial re-roofs and section replacements

4. Chimney repairs, leadwork, and flashing replacement

5. Fascias, soffits, and guttering as part of a wider quote

6. Roof insulation upgrades and ventilation improvements

7. Structural timber repairs (subject to lender and scope)

FCA and compliance: keep it clear, fair, and consistent

If you introduce customers to finance, you must communicate in a way that is clear, fair, and not misleading. Be transparent on the APR, total amount payable, key fees (if any), and what happens with early repayment. Avoid presenting finance as guaranteed, and do not pressure customers to choose credit. Ensure any promotional claims like “0%” include the key conditions, such as term length, eligibility, and maximum loan amounts. Keep records of what you presented and when.

Broker and introducer models in plain English

Most roofing firms do not become a lender. Instead, you typically operate as an introducer, referring the customer to a finance broker or provider that can offer suitable credit options. The broker manages the lender panel, underwriting, affordability checks, and the regulated elements of the application journey. Your role is to present finance as an option alongside the cash price and to help the customer access the application link at the right time, usually once the scope and final price are agreed. This structure can reduce admin, improve acceptance rates through multiple lender routes, and help you keep the process compliant.

The customer journey, step by step

1. Quote clearly: Provide a written quote with a clear scope, price, and any assumptions.

2. Offer payment choices: Present pay-in-full and finance side by side, using simple monthly examples.

3. Confirm eligibility basics: Ensure the customer understands approval depends on status, credit checks, and affordability.

4. Application: The customer completes a finance application via the broker or lender journey.

5. Decision: The lender returns an approval, decline, or request for more information.

6. Agreement and paperwork: The customer reviews and e-signs the credit agreement.

7. Schedule work: You book in the job once the finance is confirmed and any deposit requirements are met.

8. Complete the installation: Deliver the agreed works, capture completion evidence where required.

9. Payment to you: You receive payment in line with the agreed merchant process.

10. Aftercare: Provide warranty documentation and a clear route for snags or queries.

Getting started with Kandoo

Kandoo helps UK home improvement businesses offer customer finance in a way that is straightforward for homeowners and practical for your sales process. The first step is to decide what you want finance to achieve: higher conversion on larger quotes, a stronger proposition versus competitors, or bigger average job values. From there, you can align the finance options to your typical work, for example short-term 0% APR for mid-ticket projects and longer fixed-rate plans for full replacements. You will also want simple scripts and quote templates so your team explains costs in real terms, including total repayable, not just a monthly figure.

Next steps you can take this week:

• Review your last 20 quotes over £5,000 and note where customers delayed or reduced scope

• Decide the two or three finance examples you want to show on every suitable quote

• Update your website and van messaging to include “Finance available” with clear, compliant wording

FAQs

Do customers really use finance for roofing?

Yes. UK home improvement trends show many homeowners now consider financing for major works like new roofs, particularly as costs rise. Roofing firms often see the biggest impact on quotes above £5,000.

What finance options tend to work best for new roofs?

For mid-ticket projects, 0% APR over 12 to 24 months is often attractive where available and subject to lender limits and checks. For larger replacements, fixed-rate finance over longer terms can reduce the monthly cost.

Can I offer finance without discounting my price?

Yes. Finance is primarily about affordability and cashflow timing for the customer, not reducing the quote. You should keep your pricing consistent and present finance as an alternative way to pay.

Are credit checks required?

Typically, yes. Lenders usually run credit and affordability checks before approving a plan. Approval is never guaranteed.

What should I show customers to be transparent?

At minimum, make the APR (or 0% terms), total amount payable, term length, and any fees clear. Customers respond best when you explain the total cost in pounds and pence.

Can grants reduce the amount a customer needs to finance?

Sometimes. Depending on eligibility and local schemes, grants for repairs or energy-efficiency upgrades may reduce the amount the customer needs to borrow, making the monthly payments more manageable.

What if my customer is considering a personal loan or credit card instead?

That is common. Your role is not to give personal advice, but you can help them compare structured home-improvement finance with other routes that may carry higher interest if balances are not cleared quickly.

Do you offer longer-term finance for full replacements?

Longer terms are available in the market for larger projects, sometimes up to 10 years, which can suit full roof replacements where keeping the monthly payment lower is the priority.