How to Find a Reliable Roofer in the UK (And Avoid Cowboys)
There is no licensing requirement for roofers in the UK. Anyone can buy a van, print business cards and call themselves a roofing contractor. That is the root of the problem. Every year, Trading Standards offices across the country deal with thousands of complaints about rogue roofers — botched work, vanishing contractors, invoices for repairs that were never needed. The good news: five basic checks take 20 minutes and filter out 95% of the cowboys. This guide shows you exactly what to verify, how to compare quotes properly, and the red flags that should make you walk away immediately.
Essential Checks Before Hiring
Before you accept any quote, run through this checklist:
- Companies House registration - Search the company name on the Companies House website. A legitimate business should be registered. Check how long they have been trading and whether there are any red flags like frequent name changes.
- Public liability insurance - Ask to see their certificate, not just a verbal confirmation. Minimum £2 million cover is standard. If they cause damage to your property or a worker is injured, you need to know they are covered.
- Trade body membership - The NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is the main industry body. TrustMark and competent person scheme membership also carry weight.
- Employer's liability insurance - Required by law if they have employees. If a sole trader uses subcontractors, those subcontractors need their own cover.
Getting and Comparing Quotes
Always get at least three quotes. Here is how to make them genuinely comparable:
- Insist on written quotes - A verbal price means nothing. A written quote should detail the work, materials, timescale and total cost including VAT.
- Check what is included - Scaffolding, waste removal, skip hire and material delivery all need to be accounted for. A low headline price often excludes these.
- Ask about guarantees - Workmanship guarantees of 5 to 10 years are reasonable. Some materials come with manufacturer warranties of 20 to 30 years, but these are only valid if the installer is approved by the manufacturer.
- Be wary of the cheapest quote - If one quote is significantly lower than the others, ask why. They may be cutting corners on materials, underlay quality or preparation work. Our new roof cost guide and repair cost guide give you realistic price benchmarks to compare against.
Red Flags to Watch For
These warning signs should make you walk away immediately:
- Cold callers and door knockers - No reputable roofer needs to knock on doors to find work. This is the single biggest indicator of a rogue trader.
- Pressure to decide immediately - Phrases like "we are in the area today" or "this price is only valid if you commit now" are classic high-pressure tactics.
- Cash only, no receipt - Legitimate businesses accept bank transfers and provide invoices. Cash-only operators are usually avoiding tax and have no paper trail if things go wrong.
- Large upfront payment - A deposit of 10 to 20 percent is normal for larger jobs. Never pay more than that before work starts. Never pay the full amount until the job is finished and you are satisfied.
- No fixed address - A mobile number and a van are not enough. You need a traceable business address.
Where to Find Good Roofers
The best sources for finding reliable roofers:
- Personal recommendations - Ask neighbours, friends and family. Someone who did a good job for someone you trust is the most reliable starting point.
- NFRC member search - The National Federation of Roofing Contractors has a "find a member" tool on their website. Members are vetted and must meet technical standards.
- Checkatrade and Which? Trusted Traders - These platforms verify credentials and collect genuine customer reviews. Not foolproof, but better than a random Google search.
- Local Facebook groups - Community groups often have recommendations from people in your area. Take these with a pinch of salt, but they can be useful leads.
A reliable roofer is busy. If someone can start tomorrow, that is not necessarily a good sign. Most good firms are booked two to four weeks ahead, sometimes longer in peak season. Know what to look for before you call — our diagnostic guide helps you describe the problem accurately when requesting quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Do roofers need a licence in the UK?
There is no legal licensing requirement for roofers in the UK, which is part of the problem. Anyone can call themselves a roofer. This makes it essential to check credentials, insurance and track record yourself.
Should I pay a deposit before work starts?
A small deposit of 10 to 20 percent is reasonable for larger jobs where materials need to be ordered. For small repairs, many roofers will not ask for a deposit at all. Never pay more than 25 percent upfront and never pay the full amount before the work is complete.
What should I do if work goes wrong?
Start by raising the issue directly with the roofer in writing. If they are a member of a trade body like the NFRC, you can escalate through their complaints process. For serious disputes, Trading Standards and Citizens Advice can help. Small claims court is an option for amounts up to £10,000.