How to choose a roofer

Trade bodies and guarantees

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC) vet their members. Members of the Competent Roofer scheme can self-certify reroofing work under the Building Regulations in England and Wales.

Ask whether the work comes with an insurance-backed guarantee. That protects you if the firm stops trading.

Questions to ask

Replacing a large part of a roof covering usually falls under the Building Regulations, which can include adding insulation. Ask who deals with that.

Ask whether scaffolding is included in the price, and who arranges a licence if it has to stand on the pavement.

Bats are a protected species and often roost in roofs. If bats are found, work must stop until advice has been taken.

Get quotes in writing

Ask two or three firms to quote for the same job, in writing. A quote is a fixed price. An estimate is only a best guess, and the final bill can be higher.

The quote should say what is included: materials, waste removal, making good, and any access equipment.

Check insurance and pay in stages

Ask to see their public liability insurance. Agree staged payments tied to finished work. A deposit for materials is normal on bigger jobs, but avoid paying the full price before the work starts.

Your rights

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a trader must do the work with reasonable care and skill, in a reasonable time, and for a reasonable price if no price was agreed.

If you agree the job in your own home, you usually have 14 days to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. If you ask for work to start sooner, you may have to pay for work already done.

For free advice on a problem with a trader, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. In Northern Ireland, contact Consumerline.

Find a roofer near you