Is your roof starting to sag, leak, or show its age? Replacing a roof isn’t something you do often—but when it’s time, it’s a big deal. The wrong choice in a roofing company can cost you thousands in repairs, wasted time, and endless stress.
So how do you get it right?
Hiring the right roofing company is more than finding the cheapest quote. You need skilled workers, honest communication, solid guarantees, and proper certifications. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for—step by step.
Why Replacing Your Roof is a High-Stakes Decision
Think of your roof as your home’s first line of defence. One small issue can snowball:
- A leak can turn into structural damage.
- A missing tile can let in water, wind, and pests.
- Poor workmanship can void your insurance.
On average, a new roof in the UK costs between £5,000 and £8,000, depending on size, materials, and complexity. That’s not small change. You need to be sure you’re investing wisely.
Start With the Basics: What Kind of Roof Do You Have?
Before you call anyone, answer this:
- Is your roof pitched or flat?
- Is it tiled, slated, thatched, or made of asphalt shingles?
- Does it have chimneys, skylights, or solar panels?
Knowing your roof type helps you find a specialist. A company that does great flat roofing may not be ideal for complex slate roofs.
Tip: Take photos of your roof from ground level and in your loft. It helps roofers understand what they’re working with before they arrive.
How to Find Roofers You Can Trust
Don’t just search “roofers near me” and pick the first result. Vetting matters.
Ask Around
- Neighbours, family, or colleagues who’ve recently had work done can be goldmines of advice.
- Ask if the job was done on time, on budget, and without surprises.
Check Trade Associations
Look for companies affiliated with:
- NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors)
- TrustMark
- CompetentRoofer
These organisations vet members for training, insurance, and quality.
Browse Verified Review Sites
Not all reviews are created equal. Look at:
- Checkatrade
- Trustpilot
- Which? Trusted Traders
Red flag: Be wary of companies with all five-star reviews and no negative feedback. Real businesses will have a mix.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Hiring a roofer is like interviewing someone for a high-stakes job—because it is.
Here’s what to ask:
1. Are You Fully Insured?
They should carry:
- Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million)
- Employers’ liability insurance
Ask to see proof. If something goes wrong and they’re uninsured, you could be liable.
2. Do You Offer a Written Quote and Contract?
Verbal agreements mean nothing if disputes arise. Get everything in writing, including:
- Cost breakdowns
- Start and end dates
- Materials to be used
- Payment schedule
- Warranty details
Case example: A homeowner in Leeds saved £2,000 in legal fees by insisting on a written contract that proved a contractor had used inferior tiles than agreed.
3. What Guarantees Do You Offer?
Look for:
- Workmanship guarantees (typically 10 years)
- Manufacturer warranties (for the materials used)
A solid company won’t shy away from standing by its work.
4. Can You Show Me Previous Work?
Reputable roofers should have a portfolio—or at least offer nearby properties you can drive past.
Better yet: Ask to speak to past customers.
5. How Will You Protect My Property?
A good roofer should explain how they’ll:
- Protect flower beds, windows, and driveways
- Handle rubbish and old materials
- Minimise noise and disruption
If they shrug it off, look elsewhere.
Spotting Warning Signs Early
Don’t ignore your gut feeling. Watch for these red flags:
- They ask for full payment upfront. A deposit is normal, full payment is not.
- They can’t provide an address or landline number. You want someone local and reachable.
- They pressure you to act fast. Reputable roofers don’t rely on scare tactics.
- They turn up uninvited. “We noticed some damage on your roof…” is often the start of a scam.
Data point: According to Citizens Advice, roofing scams were among the top five types of doorstep fraud in 2023.
Understand the Quoting Process
Not all quotes are equal. Some seem cheap—but leave out essentials like scaffolding, waste disposal, or VAT.
What a Proper Quote Should Include:
- Labour costs
- Materials with brand/specs
- Scaffolding and disposal fees
- Timescales
- Payment terms
Pro tip: Get at least three quotes from different companies. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest. Compare what’s actually included.
Ask About Licensing and Building Regulations
Did you know? In England and Wales, roof replacements involving more than 50% of the roof require Building Regulations approval.
Two ways to comply:
- Hire a CompetentRoofer-registered contractor who can self-certify.
- Or apply to your local council for inspection and approval.
If you skip this, you may have problems selling your home later.
Clarify Who’s on the Job
Some companies outsource work to subcontractors. That’s not always bad—but transparency matters.
Ask:
- Will the same crew be on-site each day?
- Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
You want to know who’s accountable.
Understand the Timeline
Good roofing companies are often booked weeks in advance. Be suspicious of anyone who says, “We can start tomorrow.”
Typical replacement times:
- Semi-detached house: 3–5 days
- Detached house: 5–7 days
- Flat roof extension: 1–3 days
Bad weather may delay things. That’s normal. But a vague or shifting timeline is a red flag.
Protect Yourself With Paperwork
Before work starts, make sure you have:
- A signed contract
- Proof of insurance
- A clear warranty policy
- Receipts for deposits
And once the job is done?
- Request a completion certificate (especially for Building Regs work)
- Keep photos of the finished roof
- Leave a fair, honest review
Bonus: What About Eco-Friendly Options?
More homeowners are going green. You might consider:
- Recycled or sustainable tiles
- Improved insulation
- Solar panel integration
If that interests you, ask roofers if they have experience with eco-friendly roofing. Not all do.
Summary Checklist: Hiring a Roofing Company
Here’s a quickfire list to keep handy when choosing:
✅ Are they fully insured and licensed?
✅ Can they provide a detailed, written quote?
✅ Do they offer solid guarantees?
✅ Are reviews and references strong?
✅ Do they follow Building Regs?
✅ Is there a clear contract and timeline?
Final Thought: Would You Hire Them Again?
It’s the simplest but most telling question.
Ask former clients: Would you hire this company again?
If the answer isn’t a confident yes, think twice.
Replacing your roof is a major decision. But with the right team, it’s a smooth, rewarding investment that protects your home for decades to come.
