How to Spot a Good Roofer: Your Essential UK Guide
- Daniel Cunliffe
- Jan 18
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 21
Hiring a roofer isn’t just about getting the best price—it’s about protecting your home from costly mistakes. With so many options available, finding a trustworthy, skilled professional can feel overwhelming. Worse still, hiring the wrong roofer could mean shoddy work, leaks, or repairs that don’t last.
This guide will walk you through how to identify a good roofer, spot red flags, and make sure your roofing project is done right the first time.
Key takeaways
✔ How Do You Know If a Roofer Is Good? – Signs of a reputable roofing contractor.
✔ How Can You Tell a Dodgy Roofer? – Red flags to watch out for.
✔ What Accreditation Should a Roofer Have? – Industry certifications and why they matter.
✔ How to Check If a Roofer Is Licensed in the UK – Understanding legal requirements and compliance.
✔ How Do You Trust a Roofer? – Essential steps to verify experience and reliability.
✔ What to Do If a Roofer Does a Bad Job? – How to handle disputes and ensure your rights are protected.
How Do You Know If a Roofer Is Good?
A good roofer isn’t just someone who can fix your roof—they should be experienced, professional, and transparent about their work. Here are the key signs of a reputable roofer:
✔ Strong Online Reviews & References – Check Google, Trustpilot, and Checkatrade for authentic customer reviews. Ask for references and follow up on past projects.
✔ Professional Website & Portfolio – A well-maintained website should showcase their work, services, and contact information.
✔ Written Quotes & Clear Pricing – A reliable roofer will provide a detailed, itemized quote, breaking down materials, labor, and VAT.
✔ Local Knowledge & Experience – They should understand your area’s weather conditions and building regulations.
✔ Accredited & Insured – Look for NFRC membership, TrustMark certification, and valid public liability insurance.
✔ Safety-Conscious – They should use proper equipment, such as scaffolding, rather than cutting corners with ladders.
✔ Workmanship Guarantees – A confident roofer offers warranties on labor and materials, typically lasting 10+ years.
🔍 How Can You Tell If a Roofer is Ripping You Off?
Even if a roofer seems professional, some warning signs could indicate dishonest practices. Here’s how to spot them before it’s too late:
🚩 They Demand Large Upfront Payments – Reputable roofers might ask for a small deposit, but never full payment upfront.
🚩 Suspiciously Low Quotes – If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Low quotes often lead to hidden costs or low-quality materials.
🚩 No Written Contract – Always insist on a detailed contract. Verbal agreements make it easier for a roofer to increase costs unexpectedly.
🚩 They Offer Cash-Only Deals – If they push for a “no VAT” cash deal, avoid them—this is a common tactic used by rogue traders.
🚩 Lack of Accreditation or Insurance – A reputable roofer should have public liability insurance and ideally be NFRC or TrustMark certified.
🚩 They Rush the Job – Poor quality work often happens when roofers don’t take the time to properly prepare and finish the project.
💡 Pro Tip: Before hiring, ask for a breakdown of materials, labor, and potential extras. If they’re vague or hesitant, it’s a red flag.
🚨 How Can You Spot a Dodgy Roofer?
Unfortunately, rogue roofers often target unsuspecting homeowners with quick-fix solutions, aggressive sales tactics, and low-quality work. Here’s how to spot and avoid them:
🚩 High-Pressure Sales Tactics – Beware of roofers who:
Say they were "just in the area" and noticed a problem with your roof.
Try to rush you into signing a contract immediately.
Offer a "special discount" if you pay cash upfront.
🚩 No Online Presence or Reviews – A reputable roofer should have:
A Google Business Profile with verifiable customer reviews.
Listings on Trustpilot, Checkatrade, or NFRC.
A website showcasing past work, accreditations, and contact details.
🚩 No Written Agreement or Warranty – If they refuse to provide a:
Written quote (detailing costs, materials, and timeframes).
Workmanship guarantee (a legitimate roofer should offer at least 10 years on new installations).
Invoice (always ask for a VAT invoice to keep proof of work).
🚩 They Cut Corners on Safety – A dodgy roofer may:
Work without scaffolding (choosing ladders to save costs).
Ignore UK health and safety regulations for working at height.
Have no liability insurance—leaving you responsible for accidents.
🚩 They Keep Adding Costs Mid-Job – Watch out for:
Roofers who start work before fully assessing the job.
Sudden "unexpected problems" that triple the cost halfway through.
Vague excuses like "we didn't see this before, but you need to pay extra."
What Accreditation Should a Roofer Have?
A quality roofer should hold industry accreditations that prove their competence, reliability, and adherence to safety standards. Here are the key certifications to look for:
Accreditation | What It Means | Why It Matters |
NFRC Membership (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) | The UK’s largest roofing trade association | Ensures high standards and strict vetting |
Government-endorsed quality scheme | Guarantees work meets industry regulations | |
Self-certification scheme for Building Regulations compliance | Avoids need for council inspections | |
CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) | Proves compliance with UK health & safety laws | Ensures workers follow legal safety guidelines |
Manufacturer Certifications (e.g., Velux Approved Installer) | Direct training from roofing manufacturers | Guarantees proper installation of specific products |
How to Check If a Roofer Is Licensed in the UK
Unlike in some countries, the UK does not have a mandatory licensing system for roofers. However, there are key ways to verify their legitimacy and expertise:
✔ Check for Accreditations – Ensure they are a member of NFRC, TrustMark, or CompetentRoofer. These organizations uphold strict standards.
✔ Ask for Proof of Insurance – A professional roofer should have public liability insurance and, ideally, employer’s liability insurance.
✔ Verify Their Business Registration – Look them up on Companies House (gov.uk) to confirm they are a registered business.
✔ Check Customer Reviews & Portfolio – Look for verified customer feedback on platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Checkatrade.
✔ Request References & Past Work Examples – A reputable roofer will be happy to provide details of previous projects.
✔ Confirm Compliance with Building Regulations – If more than 25% of the roof is replaced, the work must comply with Building Regulations. Ensure the roofer can self-certify or arrange an inspection.
💡 Pro Tip: A CompetentRoofer-accredited contractor can self-certify their work, saving you the hassle of a separate Building Control inspection.
How Do You Trust a Roofer?
Building trust with a roofer is crucial before committing to a project. Here’s how you can verify their reliability and professionalism:
✔ Check Their Communication & Transparency – A reputable roofer should:
Respond promptly to inquiries and provide clear answers.
Explain the process, timeline, and potential challenges upfront.
Offer a detailed contract outlining every aspect of the job.
✔ Request a Written Contract & Payment Terms – The contract should include:
A breakdown of costs, materials, labor, and VAT.
A clear payment schedule (avoid paying full costs upfront).
Details about warranties and guarantees on workmanship.
✔ Ask for Proof of Accreditation & Insurance – Ensure they are:
Members of trusted industry bodies like NFRC or TrustMark.
Covered by public liability insurance to protect against damages.
Able to provide references or case studies from past projects.
✔ Observe Their Work Ethic & Approach – A reliable roofer will:
Show up on time and use proper safety procedures.
Provide regular updates and involve you in key decisions.
Clean up after the job and leave no mess behind.
💡 Pro Tip: Trust your instincts! If something feels off, don’t hesitate to walk away and find another professional.
What to Do If a Roofer Does a Bad Job?
Even with careful research, things can sometimes go wrong. If you’ve hired a roofer and are unhappy with their work, here’s how to handle the situation effectively:
1️⃣ Document the Issues
📸 Take Photos & Videos – Capture clear images of the poor workmanship, missed areas, or any damage.
📝 Keep Records – Save copies of contracts, emails, messages, and invoices to support your claim.
👀 Get a Second Opinion – A professional inspection from another roofer can provide evidence of poor work.
2️⃣ Contact the Roofer Directly
🔹 Stay Calm & Professional – Outline the issues clearly and refer to the original contract.
🔹 Request Repairs – Give them a chance to fix the problems within an agreed timeframe.
🔹 Use Email or Written Communication – Avoid verbal agreements—always have proof of discussions.
3️⃣ Escalate the Complaint
If the roofer refuses to correct the issues, you have several options:
📌 Report to a Trade Association – If they are members of NFRC, TrustMark, or CompetentRoofer, you can file a formal complaint.
📌 Check Your Payment Method – If you paid via credit card or PayPal, you may be able to dispute the transaction.
📌 Leave an Honest Review – Inform other homeowners about your experience on Google, Trustpilot, or Checkatrade.
4️⃣ Take Legal Action If Necessary
If the dispute remains unresolved, you may need to pursue legal routes:
⚖ Trading Standards – Contact Citizens Advice (UK) to report a rogue trader and get legal guidance.
⚖ Small Claims Court – For claims under £10,000, you can file a case to recover costs.
⚖ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – Some trade associations offer mediation services before legal action is required.
💡 Pro Tip: Always ensure the roofer has a written guarantee before hiring them. If they offer a warranty, they must honor it.
Why Choose Daniel Roofing and Guttering?
At Daniel Roofing and Guttering, we take pride in our commitment to quality, professionalism, and reliability. Here’s why homeowners trust us for their roofing needs:
✔ Highly Rated & Trusted – With verified 5-star reviews on Google and Checkatrade, our customers consistently praise our workmanship and reliability.
✔ Fully Accredited & Insured – We are NFRC-certified, TrustMark-endorsed, and covered by comprehensive public liability insurance.
✔ No Hidden Costs – Our quotes are transparent and fully itemized, ensuring no surprises down the line.
✔ Workmanship Guarantee – We stand by our work with a 10-year warranty on new installations and repairs.
✔ Local Experts – With extensive experience in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, we understand regional weather challenges and building regulations.
✔ Safety First – We adhere to strict health and safety guidelines, using scaffolding and proper equipment on all jobs.
✔ Range of Services – From roof repairs to gutter cleaning and Velux roof window installations, we offer a full range of services tailored to your needs.
📞 Get a Free Quote Today
Don’t take chances with your roof—hire a professional you can trust. Contact Daniel Roofing and Guttering today for a free, no-obligation quote
