Roofing attracts more than its share of poor practice, mostly because the work is out of sight and the customer cannot easily inspect it. A handful of checks before you commit removes most of the risk.
Accreditation you can verify
NFRC membership, Constructionline certification and TrustMark registration are all independently verifiable. Ask for the registration number and check it on the relevant register rather than accepting a logo on a van. A genuine member will expect the question.
Insurance, and the right kind
Public liability covers damage to your property and injury to third parties. Employers liability covers the people working on your roof. Both should be current and the certificate should name the company you are contracting with. Ask for the certificate, not a verbal assurance.
A written specification
The quotation should name the materials, the fixings and the method. If it says only "supply and fit new roof covering", you have no way to check that what arrives is what you priced, and no basis for a complaint if it is not.
Payment terms
A reasonable deposit against materials is normal on a large job. A demand for the majority of the value up front is not. Stage payments against completed work protect both sides.
Red flags
- Cold calling and pressure to decide on the day
- A price that is only valid if you commit immediately
- Cash only, or payment to a personal account
- No written specification and no company address
- Scaffold refused in favour of ladders on a job that plainly needs it
- Reluctance to provide the insurance certificate
Happy to answer any of the above about our own company. Ask and we will send the paperwork. Call 01296 325155 or request a survey.
