How to choose a roofer (and avoid rogue traders)

The checks that matter

• NFRC membership. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors is the UK's main roofing trade body. Its members are independently vetted on workmanship, insurance and conduct, and re-checked annually. You can verify a roofer's membership on the NFRC's own "find a roofer" directory — if someone claims membership but isn't listed, treat the claim as false.
• TrustMark registration. A government-endorsed quality mark. Registered firms have been assessed against recognised standards.
• CompetentRoofer (NFRC Competent Person Scheme). Lets a roofer self-certify that the work meets Building Regulations without you paying separately for local authority sign-off — useful on a full re-roof, where 50%+ of the covering is replaced.
• Public liability insurance. Roofing is dangerous work at height. Ask to see a current certificate and check the expiry date.
• An insurance-backed guarantee (IBG). Means your workmanship guarantee still stands even if the company stops trading. Many NFRC members offer one.

What a proper roofing quote should include

A quote should be written, itemised and clear about what's in and what's out. Look for:

• The materials, by type and quantity (e.g. "natural Spanish slate", not just "slate").
• Stripping and disposal of the old roof (and skip/waste costs).
• New membrane, battens, ridge and verge, and flashings.
• Scaffolding — stated as included or extra. (It's a legal requirement for a full re-roof, so be wary of anyone who offers to skip it.)
• VAT.
• The workmanship guarantee and its length.
• Start date and rough duration.

Red flags

• Cash-only, or pressure to pay a large deposit upfront.
• No written quote, or a vague one-line price.
• Pressure-selling, "today only" prices, or door-knocking claiming your roof is dangerous.
• Offering to do a full re-roof without scaffolding.
• A price far below every other quote — something's usually been left out.