All You Need To Know About Hiring A Roofer

A good roof can last for decades, so hiring a roofer is not something that many of us have experienced. So, when the time comes to get your roof replaced or repaired, you may feel out of your depth. But as long as you follow a few simple rules, the process should be straightforward and free from pitfalls.

Use a local company

You might question why it’s important to use a local roofing company but there are some very good reasons for doing this. Firstly, it will be easier to check out their past work in person. You may also find that local companies are more interested in doing the work as it’s in the area they typically serve. If a roofer is willing to travel a long distance to carry out small repairs on your roof, you might want to question why that is. 

A local roofing company should also be easier to deal with, as it’s not far for them to come out to assess and deal with problems. This should hopefully mean less time spent chasing trades. Crucially though, a local roofer should be more familiar with local planning restrictions and more experienced in dealing with regional materials such as double roman clay tiles, pantiles and natural slate. 

Check they’re insured

While roofers aren’t legally required to have insurance, it’s beneficial to you if they do. This is because, if something goes wrong, you’re less likely to suffer financially. Having insurance cover is also a sign of a professional outfit. 

So, it’s worth asking what cover they have and don’t be afraid to ask for proof. Public liability insurance will ensure they’re covered for third-party injuries and damage, including any accidental damage the roofer causes to a property. Professional liability insurance is another policy they might have, which provides cover for job-related mistakes. If they don’t have either of these, they may have a customised tradesperson insurance policy which combines public, professional and employee liability insurance.  

Inspect licences and registrations

There may be other documents a roofer might hold, that could help ensure you choose someone trustworthy. For instance, if they’ve agreed to dispose of the old materials from your roof, it’s worth checking whether they have a Waste Carrying Licence. 

Memberships or approvals from professional bodies and organisations such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) are good indicators of a roofer that’s skilled and likely to do a good job.  

Ask for proof of qualifications and experience

It’s good to ask your roofer what qualifications and experience they have before you hire them. Not all roofers will have an impressive collection of qualifications as many enter the trade through vocational routes, training largely on the job. But they should still be able to demonstrate their skill level by explaining the jobs and projects they’ve completed locally and perhaps provide you with recommendations from happy customers. Doing this will ensure you’re hiring a competent roofer. Another way you might be able to judge this is if they’re registered with the government-backed TrustMark scheme. Members of TrustMark should meet a certain level of technical expertise, offering you some reassurance. 

Get quotes and understand the costs

Whenever you’re thinking of hiring a roofer to work on your home, it’s important not to skip any steps. Approaching one company and getting one quote is all very well but how can you be sure that this is the best deal? Getting multiple quotes will enable you to compare prices. The more quotes you get in, the better. Having more than three quotes will help you root out companies offering deals that are too good to be true or that are unreasonably high. 

It’s also wise to ask for detailed quotes. Having a breakdown of costs will help you to understand what you are paying for and work out whether there are any areas where you can save money. And there may be more than one option available to you in terms of the type of repair and the materials that are used. So, it’s worth asking for quotes for all options. That way you can make a more informed decision and manage your costs better. 

Never pay the whole amount upfront

A reputable and financially sound roofing company wouldn’t normally ask you to pay the whole cost of a repair or new roof upfront. They may ask for a deposit or a small percentage of the cost but it’s never a good sign if they’re asking you to pay the whole amount before they start work. 

You mustn’t pay for the work until it is completed and you’re happy with it. Doing this will leave you out of pocket if anything goes wrong. If you have any doubts, draw up a contract detailing the payment terms, so there are no misunderstandings or unfair expectations.