How to Find a Trustworthy Roofer in the UK

There is no single legal register for roofers. Look for membership of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), or registration with the Competent Roofer scheme.

Competent Roofer members can self-certify re-roofing work under the Building Regulations. That saves you arranging a separate building control inspection.

Replacing more than a quarter of a roof's covering is usually controlled work. It may need extra insulation to meet current energy standards.

A heavier covering, such as swapping slate for concrete tiles, can also need a check that the roof structure can carry the weight.

Ask the roofer who will notify building control, and make sure you receive the compliance certificate at the end.

Roofing carries a higher risk of injury than most trades. Confirm the roofer holds public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance if they work with a team.

If scaffolding will stand on a pavement or road, the council usually needs to issue a licence. Ask who arranges and pays for it.

Ask for a written guarantee on both materials and workmanship, and note how long each lasts.

• Someone knocks unannounced to say they noticed loose or missing tiles.
• You are offered a discount if you agree today.
• The roofer wants cash or full payment before work starts.
• There is no written quote or business address.

If you agree to work at your door, you usually have 14 days to cancel. Use that time to get other quotes.

Because a roof is hard to inspect closely, past work matters more than usual. On Propvio, a review only appears once a homeowner has logged the job and the roofer has confirmed it.

Look for confirmed jobs of a similar type to yours, such as a full re-roof rather than only small repairs.

The quote should cover materials, scaffolding or other access, waste removal and the expected timeframe. It should also say how weather delays will be handled.

Our general checklist, What to Ask a Tradesperson Before Work Starts, covers the questions that apply to any job.