Roofing is one of the easiest trades to get wrong as a homeowner. Not because most roofers are bad — but because you can’t easily see the work, problems often show up weeks later, and the “quick fix” brigade love emergency jobs.
This page gives you a practical checklist to help you choose and get a roofer with confidence, whether you need a small repair (leak, slipped tiles, flashing) or a bigger job (flat roof replacement, new coverings, major refurbishment).
Step 1: Start with the right places to find roofers
You’ll usually get the best shortlist by combining:
1) Personal recommendations
Friends, neighbours, local Facebook groups — especially if you can see the work they had done.
2) Trade bodies and quality schemes
- NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) offers a “find a member” directory and guidance on choosing a contractor.
- TrustMark (government-endorsed quality scheme) provides a “find a tradesperson” search and homeowner guidance.
- Citizens Advice also recommends using schemes that recommend traders and trade associations when checking traders.
Step 2: Get 2–3 roofers to look at the job
NFRC’s homeowner guidance suggests selecting up to three contractors, getting quotes, and not automatically choosing the cheapest — weigh the quality of advice and your confidence in the contractor.
A good roofer will ask questions and explain what they’ve found. A bad one will jump straight to “needs a whole new roof” (or “we’ll just seal it”).
Step 3: The 12 checks that matter most
1) They inspect properly (not just from the ground)
For leaks, the roofer should talk about likely sources: flashing, valleys, ridge, abutments, tile condition, underlay — and be clear what they’ll check.
2) Written quote with scope (not a vague total)
You want a quote that clearly states:
- exactly what’s included
- what materials/system they’re using (brand/spec where relevant)
- waste removal
- access/scaffold assumptions
- VAT (if applicable)
- timescales
3) Insurance (ask, don’t assume)
Ask for proof of:
- public liability insurance
- employer’s liability (if they have staff)
4) Photos before/after (roofing should be evidenced)
A decent roofer will happily:
- show photos of the issue
- show progress photos (especially if you can’t see the area)
5) Clear explanation of repair vs replacement
If they recommend a roof replacement, ask:
- “What’s the failure mode that makes repair uneconomic?”
- “Which parts are still serviceable?”
- “What would a ‘proper repair’ look like and how long should it last?”
6) Access plan is safe and realistic
If scaffolding is required, it’s not an “upsell” — it’s often the difference between rushed work and correct detailing.
7) Guarantees are clear (and in writing)
Ask:
- what’s covered (materials, labour, both?)
- how long
- exclusions (storm damage, blocked gutters, etc.)
- what paperwork you’ll receive
8) Building Regulations and certification for bigger jobs
If your job is a roof refurbishment (often where a significant portion is replaced), it may fall into Building Regulations territory.
In England & Wales, competent person schemes exist so registered installers can self-certify certain work instead of you applying for building control approval.
For roofing specifically, the NFRC Competent Person Scheme is described as enabling roofers to self-certify roof refurbishment work.
What you should ask:
- “Will this work require Building Regs notification?”
- “Are you in a competent person scheme, and will I receive the compliance certificate?”
(Some local councils also explain that scheme-registered installers should notify building control and issue a compliance certificate. )
9) They don’t pressure you to pay cash today
Pressure-selling + “special price if you sign now” is a massive red flag.
10) Deposit size is sensible
A small deposit to cover materials can be normal. Large upfront payments for “emergency work” are where homeowners get burned. Prefer staged payments tied to progress.
11) Reviews that look real (and match the business)
Look for:
- a consistent history (not all in one week)
- photos
- reviews that mention real details (job type, communication, timings)
12) Communication quality
This sounds soft, but it matters:
- do they answer questions clearly?
- do they turn up when they say?
- do they explain options?
If they’re sloppy before the job, they’ll be worse during the job.
The questions to ask (copy/paste list)
Use these on the phone or when they visit:
- “What do you think is the cause — and what evidence supports that?”
- “What’s the minimum effective repair vs the best long-term option?”
- “What materials/system are you proposing and why?”
- “Will you check/replace flashing and details, not just patch the surface?”
- “What access do you need — ladder, scaffold, tower — and is that included?”
- “What guarantee do you provide and what paperwork do I get?”
- “Will this need Building Regs notification / certification?”
- “What happens if you uncover rotten timbers/hidden defects — how will costs be handled?”
Red flags (walk away)
- “We can do it right now, cash only.”
- Won’t provide a written quote/spec.
- Won’t show insurance details.
- Diagnoses everything as “new roof needed” without inspection.
- Suggests heavy sealant as the only fix.
- Won’t explain Building Regs / certification on major refurb work.
If you’re replacing the roof: extra checks
For full replacements or major refurbishments, also ask:
- “Are you replacing underlay, battens, flashings, and ventilation — or just tiles?”
- “How will you handle eaves ventilation / condensation risk?”
- “What’s the plan for waste removal and protecting the loft?”
FAQs
Should I always choose an NFRC member?
Not always, but using trade association directories can reduce risk because members are typically vetted and you can verify membership. NFRC provides guidance and a member directory for homeowners.
What is TrustMark and should I use it to find a roofer?
TrustMark is a government-endorsed quality scheme and provides a “find a tradesperson” search tool. It can be a good starting point when you don’t have a personal recommendation.
What’s a competent person scheme and why does it matter?
Competent person schemes allow registered tradespeople to self-certify certain building work instead of you applying for building regulations approval; you should receive evidence/certification where relevant.