You’ve got a leaky roof. Or maybe it’s just time for a full replacement. Either way, you’ve gathered quotes from several roofers—but how do you choose the right one?
Cheapest doesn’t always mean best. And the most expensive isn’t always the most qualified. So, how do you separate the cowboys from the professionals?
Let’s break it down.
Ask Yourself: What’s Really in This Quote?
Before you compare prices, understand what you’re comparing.
A proper roofing quote should include:
A detailed breakdown of labour and materials
Information about disposal and clean-up
Start and finish dates
Payment schedule
Warranty information
Insurance and licensing details
Red flag: If a quote is vague or handwritten on the back of a business card, think twice.
Example: One homeowner in Norfolk received two quotes for the same job—one for £4,200 and another for £4,100. But only the higher quote included scaffolding, skip hire, and a 10-year workmanship guarantee. The lower one didn’t cover waste disposal at all.
Which one is really cheaper?
Are They Transparent with Their Pricing?
Rogue traders thrive on ambiguity. Professional roofers are open about how they price their work.
Look for:
Clear hourly or daily rates
Defined costs per square metre of roofing
Labour vs. material costs separated
Question to ask: “If the job takes longer than expected, will the price change?”
A trustworthy roofer will say no—or explain clearly how they handle such cases.
What’s the Timeline?
Timing matters. A roofer should give you:
An estimated start date
Expected duration of the work
A plan for weather delays
Example: Roofers in Norwich often build in buffer time during winter months. A job that takes 3 days in summer might be quoted as 5 days in January. If your quote doesn’t consider the season, it might not be realistic.
Warning sign: “We can start tomorrow” could mean they have no other work—which begs the question: why?
Who’s Actually Doing the Work?
Ask whether:
The roofer quoting is the one doing the job
They use subcontractors (and if so, who?)
They’ll be onsite daily or checking in regularly
Example: A roofer might show up to quote the job, but then subcontract to a team with no direct oversight. If something goes wrong, who do you chase?
You want accountability, not finger-pointing.
Do They Offer Guarantees—And Are They Worth Anything?
Most reputable roofers offer:
Workmanship guarantees (typically 5–10 years)
Manufacturer warranties on materials (often 10–25 years)
But read the fine print. A guarantee is only as good as the business behind it.
Ask:
Is the warranty backed by insurance?
Will it still apply if the company folds?
Is it in writing?
Tip: Look for inclusion in schemes like the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) or TrustMark, which often require insurance-backed guarantees.
Are They Properly Insured?
Don’t take their word for it—ask to see:
Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million cover)
Employers’ liability insurance (if they have staff)
Why it matters: If a worker falls off your roof and they’re not insured, you could be liable.
Can You Speak to Past Clients?
A roofer with nothing to hide will offer:
Local references you can call
Photos of past work (before and after)
Possibly even addresses you can drive by
Don’t settle for anonymous online reviews alone.
Example: Sarah in Bristol asked for three local addresses. She knocked on the doors and got honest opinions. That roofer got the job—and did great work.
How Long Have They Been in Business?
Longevity doesn’t guarantee quality, but it’s a useful indicator.
Over 5 years in business? Promising.
Still using the same name and contact details? Better.
Can you find them registered on Companies House? Even better.
Red flag: If the roofer’s only trace online is a Facebook page made last month, tread carefully.
What’s Their Communication Like?
From your first interaction, notice:
Do they answer calls or reply to emails promptly?
Do they show up when they say they will?
Do they follow up with written documentation?
Good communication = good project management.
Bad signs:
Always rescheduling.
Vague answers to direct questions.
No quote within a few days.
If they’re this disorganised before you hire them, what will they be like once the scaffolding is up?
Are They Too Eager for Cash?
Professional roofers:
Rarely ask for full payment upfront.
May request a small deposit (usually under 20%).
Offer staged payments as work progresses.
Example: One London homeowner paid £3,000 in advance. The roofer disappeared after one half-day of work. Police were involved—but the money was gone.
Rule of thumb: Pay as you go. Never all at once.
How Do Their Quotes Compare?
Lay out your quotes side by side. Make a checklist:
| Criteria | Roofer A | Roofer B | Roofer C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear breakdown of costs | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Insurance proof supplied | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Warranty included | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Start and finish dates given | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Local references provided | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Total cost | £4,800 | £4,500 | £4,200 |
You might find the middle quote offers the best overall value—even if it’s not the cheapest.
Gut Feel Still Matters
You’ve done your homework. The quotes are in. Now trust your instincts.
Who listened to your concerns?
Who explained things clearly?
Who treated you with respect?
A roofer might tick every box on paper but still feel off. That feeling matters.
Your home is at stake. Choose someone you trust.
Final Checklist Before Saying Yes
Before signing anything:
✅ Have you read the contract carefully?
✅ Are all verbal promises written down?
✅ Is the warranty included and explained?
✅ Have you agreed on a payment schedule?
✅ Do you have a clear start date?
Don’t rush. Take a day or two. The best roofers will still be there.
