Red Flags When Choosing a Roofer or Building Contractor
Choosing a roofer or building contractor can be difficult, particularly when you are considering substantial or expensive work on your property.
Most tradespeople are genuine professionals, but it is always worth carrying out a few checks before making your decision. One of the points below on its own doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem, but if several red flags appear together, it may be sensible to investigate further.
Red Flags and Things Worth Checking
🚩 Lots of reviews appearing at the same time – Look at the overall pattern of reviews rather than simply the star rating. Genuine reviews will often cover different jobs and be spread over a reasonable period.
🚩 The business can’t easily be verified – If the contractor says they are a limited company, check their details on Companies House, including how long the company has been incorporated and its filing history.
🚩 Reviews appear older than the company – This is worth checking, although there may be a perfectly genuine explanation. The contractor could previously have operated as a sole trader or under a different business structure.
🚩 Very little trading history – Being a newer business doesn’t automatically make a contractor unreliable, but for substantial work you may want to look more closely at their experience, previous projects, reviews and guarantees.
🚩 Only a mobile number is provided – Many reputable tradespeople now operate using mobiles, so this isn’t a red flag on its own. However, for significant work, make sure you can clearly identify who you are dealing with and have reliable contact details for them.
🚩 No clear business or correspondence address – A registered or virtual office can be completely legitimate, but you should still be able to establish the identity of the business and have clear contact details.
🚩 VAT details can’t be verified – If the contractor is charging VAT, check that the VAT number is genuine and relates to the business you are dealing with.
🚩 No evidence of appropriate insurance – Ask about public liability insurance and, where applicable, employers’ liability insurance. A professional contractor should be happy to explain what cover they hold.
🚩 No clear explanation of safe access – Roofing involves working at height. Depending on the job, this could involve scaffolding or other suitable access and fall-protection measures. Be cautious if there appears to be little consideration of how the work will be carried out safely.
🚩 Unexpected doorstep approaches – Be particularly cautious if someone knocks on your door claiming to be working nearby and tells you that they have spotted an urgent problem with your roof.
🚩 Pressure to make an immediate decision – Don’t feel pressured into agreeing to work there and then, particularly if substantial or expensive repairs are being recommended.
🚩 No clear written quotation – For significant work, ask for a written quotation setting out what will be done, the materials being used and what is included in the price.
🚩 A quote that seems unusually cheap – The cheapest quotation isn’t necessarily the best value. Check what is included and compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
🚩 No clear guarantee – Ask what guarantee is provided for the work, how long it lasts and whether you will receive it in writing.
🚩 Accreditations can’t be checked – If a contractor displays membership of a professional organisation or approved contractor scheme, check that the membership is genuine and current.
Do Your Checks Before You Commit
No single point above automatically means that a roofer or building contractor is unreliable. However, several warning signs together should give you a reason to ask more questions before agreeing to work.
For larger roofing or building projects, take your time, check who you are dealing with and consider getting more than one quotation. A reputable contractor should be comfortable answering questions about their business, insurance, experience, proposed work and guarantees.
Looking for a Reputable Roofing Contractor?
At Top Job Roofing, we believe homeowners should feel confident about the company they choose to work on their property.
If you need advice about a roof repair, replacement roof or other roofing work, contact our team to discuss your requirements and arrange a quotation.
This guide is intended to provide general information for homeowners. Individual circumstances vary, and none of the points above should be taken individually as evidence that a contractor or business is unreliable or acting improperly.
