Polycarbonate Roofing Quotation Checklist for Contractors

Most contractors lose money on polycarbonate roofing jobs not because they priced the panels wrong, but because they forgot something. Transport. Scaffolding. Shop drawings. A mock-up nobody told them about. This checklist exists so you don't find out about these items after you've already submitted a rate.

Use this before every quote submission. Mark each item as included (I), excluded (E), or not applicable (N/A), and carry your exclusion list into your submission letter.

SECTION A — MATERIALS

□ Panel area (net coverage area from drawings)
□ Wastage factor applied (typically 5–15% depending on roof shape)
□ Panel thickness matches structural span requirements
□ UV protection specification confirmed (45–50 microns co-extruded)
□ Colour/finish confirmed with client
□ Test certificates available from supplier
□ Aluminium U-profiles (glazing bars) — linear metres at all edges
□ Aluminium tape — roll count for all panel ends
□ PC end caps — count for all connector ends
□ Polycarbonate U-connectors — count per panel joint
□ Aluminium cleats — type and count confirmed
□ Fasteners — SS or GI, count and specification confirmed
□ Ridge flashings — linear metres, profile type
□ Eave trims — linear metres
□ Wall abutment flashings — linear metres
□ Sealant — type, quantity
□ Any penetration flashings (columns, pipes, hangers)

SECTION B — LABOUR

□ Unloading and site handling of panels
□ Panel installation (per sqm rate or per day crew cost)
□ Cleat and connector installation
□ End closure installation (U-profile, tape, end caps)
□ Ridge and eave flashing installation
□ Wall flashing installation
□ Penetration detailing
□ Protective film removal and disposal
□ Final inspection and snag rectification
□ Rework allowance (typically 3–5% of labour cost)

SECTION C — WASTAGE AND OFFCUTS

□ Panel cut wastage (area-based, 5–20% depending on geometry)
□ Flashing and profile cut wastage
□ Tape wastage (typically 10% over calculated length)
□ Offcut disposal — included or excluded?

SECTION D — TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS

□ Transport from manufacturer/distributor to site
□ Number of deliveries required (panel length vs truck capacity)
□ Site unloading equipment — crane, forklift, manual team?
□ Oversized load permits required? (panels can be up to 12m long)
□ Storage location on site — safe, covered, flat surface available?
□ Return transport for unused/rejected material

SECTION E — SCAFFOLDING AND ACCESS

□ Scaffolding requirement confirmed (in scope or by others?)
□ If by others: is scaffolding committed and will it be in place?
□ Working at height equipment — harnesses, safety lines, anchor points
□ Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) if scaffolding is not practical
□ Toe boards and edge protection at roof perimeter

SECTION F — DESIGN AND DOCUMENTATION

□ Shop drawings required? (Some projects require contractor-prepared drawings for approval before installation begins)
□ Who prepares shop drawings — you or the manufacturer?
□ Mock-up panel required for client/consultant approval?
□ Mock-up cost, location, and approval timeline included?
□ Method statement required?
□ Risk assessment and COSHH (or equivalent) documentation required?
□ Product data sheets and test certificates required for submission?

SECTION G — SUPERVISION AND SPECIALIST REQUIREMENTS

□ Manufacturer's technical supervisor required on site? (Some specs require it — typically at an additional cost)
□ Site induction and safety training required before access?
□ Skilled polycarbonate-trained installers required (vs general roofing labourers)?
□ Number of supervisors vs operatives priced correctly?

SECTION H — WARRANTY AND DEFECTS LIABILITY

□ Warranty period on installation workmanship — how many years?
□ Warranty on materials — can you pass through manufacturer's warranty?
□ Defects liability period and retention percentage confirmed?
□ Scope of warranty clearly documented — what is included and excluded?
□ Are there performance-linked penalties (leakage within X years)?

SECTION I — EXCLUSIONS TO CARRY IN SUBMISSION LETTER

Always carry a clear exclusions list in your quote letter. Typical exclusions:

□ Main structural steel / MS purlin structure (by others unless confirmed in scope)
□ Painting or priming of steelwork
□ Electrical work, drainage, gutters (unless specifically included)
□ Any work below purlin level
□ Repairs to existing structure
□ Scaffolding (if confirmed as by others)
□ Shop drawings (if not in scope)
□ Variations due to structure not being to tolerance
□ Testing and commissioning beyond visual inspection

Final Rule

Price what's in the document. Exclude everything else in writing. The contractor who submits a detailed exclusions list protects themselves. The contractor who assumes nothing extra is needed ends up doing work for free.

Coxwell supports contractors with BOQ reviews, material schedules, and accessory lists for all Coxwell systems before you price. Contact us before submission on major projects.