Horror stories abound of dubious roofing companies and people being ripped off with shoddy work. Equally there are many highly professional companies and individuals who can provide a reliable and cost-effective service.

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So How To Find One?

Recommendations from Friends/Acquaintances

An obvious first step. Have any people you know had a roofing job done in the relatively recent past? What did they think of the people they used and the price for the work? If someone you know is happy to recommend a roofing contractor, then that is a positive first step.

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Trade Recommendations

Do you know someone in a related trade who can recommend roofers? For example, if you know a builder – can he suggest a good roofing contractor or two? Perhaps you know someone who works at a builders merchant: can they provide a few names or refer you to a colleague ‘in the know?’

Roofing Trade Organisations

You can visit the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) website and search for accredited roofing contractors in your area. Roofing firms have to adhere to a code of practice, be part of the government-endorsed ‘Trustmark’ scheme to enable customers to find reputable tradesmen, and hold appropriate insurances and offer insurance-backed warranties on their work.

Their Previous Customers

Can the roofing contractor provide examples of their previous work? A reputable outfit will be glad to show you what they can do, and it’s even better if they are happy to provide testimonials.

Their Contact Details

The absence of a landline contact number and address should sound alarm bells. It is easy to obtain an untraceable pay as you go mobile phone, so a ‘mobile-only’ method of contacting a roofer is a bad sign.

Their Approach to Assessing/Pricing a Project

You should have a shortlist of roofing contractors in mind. The way they assess the task and price is important in itself. They should be keen to come and assess the work properly, and take appropriate time once they are with you to properly establish the nature of the work to be carried out.

Remember that an estimate is just that: it is not a firm quotation, and is subject to (possibly) various conditions. A proper quotation, or ‘proposed contract,’ is a full costing of the job in question including materials, time for completion and containing details of any ‘add ons’ if required and the price.

The roofing contractor’s quotation/proposal will tell you much about their professionalism. Is it well-presented? Is it easy to assimilate and understand? If you have any questions about it, make sure you ask them. The roofer should be happy to explain anything you may be not clear about.

Checklist: What to Ask

Their proposed start and completion dates

Their work hours

Will they ‘clean up’ fully during/after the job?

Insurance/safety precautions for their workforce on your premises

Warranties offered

Payment terms – deposit required?