Most roofers are honest, but roofing is one of the easiest trades to scam people in. You can’t see the work from the ground, most people don’t know what a roof should cost, and a leak feels urgent. That combination is exactly what rogue traders rely on.
This guide covers the warning signs, how to get quotes you can trust, and what to do if something goes wrong. It’s written by Sam O’Neill, Company Director of Riverstone Roofing, who has worked on roofs across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk since 2015.
Red flags to watch for
Any one of these is a reason to slow down. Two or more, and you should say no.
- They knocked on your door. “We were working round the corner and noticed some loose tiles on your roof” is the oldest line in the book. A good roofer is usually booked weeks ahead and doesn’t need to find work by walking the street.
- They want to go up “for a quick look” for free, there and then. Some rogue traders break a tile or loosen flashing while they’re up there, or show you photos of damage from someone else’s roof. If you didn’t call them, don’t let them on your roof.
- The price is only good for today. “I can do it for half price if you say yes now” is pressure, not a discount. A genuine quote is still valid next week.
- Cash only, or full payment up front. A legitimate business can take a bank transfer to a company account. Be very wary of anyone who offers to drive you to the bank.
- No written quote. If they won’t put the price and the work in writing, there’s nothing to hold them to.
- No proper address. A mobile number and a first name aren’t enough. Look for a business address, a landline or a registered company you can check.
- The job keeps growing. Once the roof is open, they suddenly find rotten timbers, a dangerous chimney or something else that has to be fixed today at a much higher price. Real problems do turn up, but an honest roofer stops, shows you photos and agrees the extra cost before carrying on.
- Vague or scary language. “Your whole roof’s about to come in” with no photos or explanation. Ask them to show you exactly what’s wrong and why.
Getting quotes you can trust
Get at least three written quotes from roofers you contacted yourself. Then compare what each one actually includes, not just the bottom line.
A good quote should tell you:
What to look for Why it matters
The exact work, step by step “Repair roof” could mean anything. “Strip and re-felt the bottom four courses, new treated battens, re-lay tiles” can be checked.
Named materials Brands and types of tile, slate, membrane or lead let you compare like for like.
Scaffolding Whether it’s included, and who gets a council license if it goes on the pavement.
Waste removal Old tiles and timber have to go somewhere. Make sure skips or disposal are in the price.
VAT Whether the figure includes it.
Guarantee How long, what it covers, and that it’s in writing.
Payment terms The deposit, when the balance is due and how to pay.
What happens with surprises How extra work will be agreed if they find something once the roof is open.
When comparing:
- The cheapest quote is often cheapest for a reason. Check whether it leaves out scaffold, underlay or waste.
- Ask for photos. A good roofer will show you the problem, ideally from the roof itself.
- Ask questions. How long will it take? Who will actually do the work? What happens if it rains? An honest roofer is happy to explain.
- Check them out. Look the company up on Companies House, read reviews on more than one site, and ask to see public liability insurance. Membership of a scheme such as TrustMark, the NFRC or CompetentRoofer adds a layer of protection.
- Ask about Building Regulations. Replacing a large part of a roof can need building control approval. A proper roofer will know whether yours does and how they’ll handle it.
Deposits, guarantees and your rights
Deposits. Asking for a deposit is normal on bigger jobs, because it covers materials ordered for you. It should be a sensible share of the price, agreed in writing, and paid to a business bank account. Be wary of anyone asking for most or all of the money before they start.
Pay in a way you can trace. Bank transfer leaves a record. Paying part of the cost by credit card can give you extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, for purchases between £100 and £30,000.
Guarantees. Get the guarantee in writing, with the length and what it covers. A 20-year promise is only worth something if the company is still around to honor it, so ask whether it’s insurance-backed. Manufacturers’ guarantees on materials are separate and usually need the installer to register them.
Your right to cancel. If you agree a contract in your home rather than at the roofer’s premises, you normally have 14 days to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. The trader must tell you about this right in writing. If you ask them to start within the 14 days, you may have to pay for work already done.
Work done properly. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a trader must carry out work with reasonable care and skill. If they don’t, you can ask them to put it right at no extra cost.
Quick checklist before you sign
- ☐ I contacted them, not the other way round
- ☐ I have at least three written, itemised quotes
- ☐ I know the company’s full name and address and have checked it
- ☐ They’ve shown me photos of the problem
- ☐ Scaffold, waste, VAT and materials are all spelled out
- ☐ The guarantee is in writing
- ☐ The deposit is reasonable and paid to a business account
- ☐ I’ve been told about my 14-day right to cancel
- ☐ I’ve agreed how any extra work will be priced and approved
If you think you’ve been caught out
- Stop paying. Don’t hand over any more money until you’ve got advice.
- Keep everything. Quotes, texts, receipts, photos of the work and the van’s registration.
- Get advice. Call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. They pass reports to Trading Standards.
- Report fraud. If you’ve been deliberately conned, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
- Call the police if you feel threatened. Ring 999 if a trader is at your door and won’t leave.
- Look out for neighbours. Rogue traders often target older people living alone. A quick word with an elderly relative or neighbor can save them thousands.
A good roofer won’t mind you taking your time, asking questions or checking up on them. If someone does mind, that tells you all you need to know.
About the author
Sam O’Neill is Company Director of Riverstone Roofing, a fully insured roofing company covering Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, and a trained installer of EPDM rubber flat roofs.
