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How to Choose a Roofer (and Spot a Bad One)
Roofing attracts doorstep traders because the customer usually can't see the work. These are the checks that separate a proper contractor from someone with a ladder and a leaflet.
- Written itemised quote, not a scribbled figure
- Public liability insurance you can verify
- Scaffolding, not ladders, for real work
- No large up-front cash deposits
- Photographic evidence of findings
- A guarantee in writing with a company behind it
What a good quote looks like
It names the products — the membrane, the batten grade, the tile or membrane manufacturer, the lead code. It states what's included: scaffolding, waste removal, timber repairs, VAT. It gives a realistic duration. A quote that is a single figure with the words 'roof repairs' tells you nothing and can be re-interpreted once the scaffold is up.
- ▸Named products and specifications
- ▸Scaffold and waste clearly included or excluded
- ▸Timber repairs — rate stated, not open-ended
- ▸VAT position clear
Warning signs
Cold-calling about your roof, a price that drops sharply if you sign today, pressure to pay cash up front for materials, work offered without scaffolding, and refusal to put findings in writing with photographs. Any one of these is a reason to stop. Genuine emergency work is the one case where a legitimate roofer may attend quickly — but they'll still make safe first and quote afterwards.
Reasonable questions to ask
Ask to see public liability cover. Ask who does the leadwork and whether it's subcontracted. Ask what happens if timber under the covering turns out to be rotten — and what the rate is. Ask what the guarantee covers and what voids it. A contractor who's comfortable with those questions is usually the one you want.
FAQs
Should I pay a deposit?+
A staged payment against a large materials order can be reasonable on a big job. A large cash deposit before anything happens is not.
How many quotes should I get?+
Three is sensible. Compare specification, not just price — the cheapest quote is often the one that's left something out.
Does a guarantee mean much?+
Only as strong as the company behind it. Ask how long they've traded and whether the guarantee is insurance-backed or company-backed, and get it in writing.
Related reading
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