A roof is expensive to get wrong. Unlike a lot of home improvements, most of the work happens somewhere you’ll never inspect closely yourself. Because of that, choosing the right roofer matters more than almost any other trade decision you’ll make. Here are twelve questions worth asking before you sign anything.
- Will you give me a written quote, not just a verbal price? A proper quote should itemise materials, labour, scaffolding and any provisional sums. Because of that, you know exactly what’s included.
- Is the price based on an actual survey, or a guess from a description? A roofer quoting a full re-roof without ever seeing the roof is quoting blind. See our new roof cost guide for how much the details matter.
- Are you insured, and can I see proof? Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong on your property during the job.
- Do you offer a guarantee on the work, and how long? A workmanship guarantee in writing is a basic sign of confidence in the job.
- Will the same team do the whole job, or is it subcontracted? Not necessarily a problem either way, but worth knowing who’s actually going to be on your roof.
- How do you handle access and scaffolding? Ask who arranges it, whether it’s included in the price, and how long it will be up.
- What happens if you find something unexpected once you’re up there? Rotten timber or old damage under the covering is common — a good roofer explains this possibility upfront rather than surprising you with extras later.
- Can I see examples of similar work you’ve done locally? Recent, relevant jobs in the same area tell you more than a generic photo gallery.
- How will you protect my property and garden during the work? Roofing is messy — ask about skip placement, debris netting and daily clean-up.
- What’s your policy on payment — deposit, staged payments, or on completion? Be cautious of large upfront deposits, especially from a trader you haven’t used before.
- Will you leave me a written record of what was done? Useful for warranty claims later and if you ever sell the house.
- Is this repair or replacement actually necessary? A trustworthy roofer tells you plainly when a repair is enough rather than upselling a full re-roof you don’t need.
Spotting the warning signs of a rogue trader
Be wary of anyone who cold-calls or knocks claiming to have “spotted a problem” from the street. The same goes for anyone who pressures you to decide on the spot, or asks for a large cash deposit before any written quote. A genuine local roofer is happy to leave a written quote with you and let you take your time.
Getting a like-for-like comparison
When you’re comparing quotes, make sure you’re comparing the same job. One roofer’s “flat roof replacement” might mean felt, while another’s means EPDM at a very different price per m² — see our flat roofing cost guide for how much that choice matters. If a quote comes in well below everyone else’s, ask specifically what’s excluded before assuming it’s the best deal.
We’re happy to answer any of these twelve questions before you decide. That includes jobs that started as a storm-damage call-out, where insurers often expect specific documentation from whoever does the repair. If you’re weighing up quotes for a roof in Northampton or Market Harborough, get in touch and we’ll answer every one of them honestly.