Finding a Reputable Roofer

If you have never had any issues with your roof then you are in good company. However, like everything else, roofs age and suffer from wear and tear due to the changes in weather and temperature. At this point leaks, cracks, loose tiles or even problems with the roof flashing happen.
 
You will need a reputable roofer to repair your roof and getting it functioning as usual. Finding a reputable roofer can be challenging if you have never needed one before. Our guide hopefully should give you some answers on the best way to land the right person for the job.
 
How do I choose a quality roofing contractor?
There are no set ways or guidelines to choosing a quality roofer. Nowadays, there are multiple ways of finding a roofer. Through your local directory, recommendation from friends and family or an online search on Google.
 
However, choose someone with lots of experience, answers your questions and is committed to doing the job.
 

• Shortlist at least three roofers and invite them for a site visit
• Ask them to advise you on the options for fixing your roof
• Find out what each of them would do, the materials they will use, and how long it will take to complete the job
• Invite all three roofers to give you a quote. Note, the cheapest quote is not necessarily the best quote.
• Ask each of them for samples of work they have completed and referrals
• Ask for guarantees for the work to be done

 
There are multiple ways of identifying the roofers to be shortlisted:

• Research online. Find roofers and check their website, reviews, testimonials and their record of delivering a satisfactory service
• Check if the roofer has public liability insurance
• Note the areas the roofer specialises in. Some roofers fix almost all roofs. Other niche down to an area and fix only certain types of roofs. Some roofers do domestic roofing only. Others may do commercial and industrial. Some handle more than one area
• Ask for recommendations of roofers from family and friends or even colleagues at work.

 
What should I look for when getting a roof quote?
Key items to be included in your roof quote are:

• The full cost of the roof job to be done
• Full description of the work to be carried out
• An estimate of materials to be used for the roof job
• Estimated time of completion of the work
• Payment details and options – bank transfer, credit card etc
• Guarantees for the work to be completed
• Warranty especially for new roof installations or roof replacements
• Public Liability Insurance of the roofer covering the period when the job is to be completed

How much do roofers charge per hour UK?
The average hourly rate for a roofer in the UK is £25 per hour. This price can vary depending on experience of the roofer and the geographical area. For instance, roofers may have a higher hourly rate in London and the South East compared to other regions in the country.
 
The day rate for a UK roofer ranges between £150 and £250 a day again depending on experience and geographical location.
 
How much should I pay my roofer upfront?
If a roofer asks you for complete payment upfront, the answer is NO. When you receive a quote from the roofing company discuss the payment terms and the milestones. If you make full payment for the job and the roofer doesn’t do a good job then you are in a difficult situation as you do not have the desired result and the roofer is unlikely going to refund you.
 
If the roofing company is asking for a deposit, there could be a legitimate reason for that. However, most reputable roofing companies have credit facilities [up to 4 weeks] with building merchants and therefore can get the materials they need for the job. So the requirement for a deposit must be on very exceptional circumstances.
 
Do roofers require a deposit?
If you agree to pay a deposit, at the most commit to between 15% and one third of the total project cost. Preferably pay by cheque or credit card and NOT CASH so that there is a payment trail.
 
You must never make a full payment for roofing job until the job is completed to your satisfaction.