How to Choose a Roofer You Can Trust: 8 Things to Check

Roofing is one of the trades most frequently targeted by rogue traders and cowboy builders. The combination of high costs, work that is difficult for homeowners to inspect, and the urgency that comes with a leaking roof creates the perfect conditions for unscrupulous operators.

The good news is that a few simple checks will help you identify a trustworthy roofer and avoid the ones who are not.

1. Check Their Reviews — and Read Them Carefully

Online reviews are one of the most reliable indicators of a roofer's quality and trustworthiness. Look for:

• A significant number of reviews (not just two or three)
• Reviews that are specific and detailed — generic five-star reviews with no detail are less meaningful
• How the company responds to any negative reviews — a professional response to criticism is a good sign
• Reviews on multiple platforms (Google, Checkatrade, Trustpilot) — a strong presence across several platforms is harder to fake

Be wary of companies with only a handful of reviews, or whose reviews all appeared within a short period.

2. Ask for Proof of Public Liability Insurance

Any reputable roofer should carry public liability insurance. This protects you if they cause damage to your property or if someone is injured during the work. Ask to see the certificate — a legitimate roofer will have no hesitation in providing it.

Working with an uninsured roofer leaves you personally liable for any accidents or damage that occur on your property.

3. Get a Written, Itemised Quote

A professional roofer will provide a written quote that clearly sets out:

• The work to be carried out
• The materials to be used (including brand and specification where relevant)
• The total cost, broken down into labour and materials
• Whether VAT is included
• The expected timescale

Be very wary of verbal quotes, vague estimates, or quotes that simply say "roof repair — £X" with no further detail. If you cannot see exactly what you are paying for, you have no way of knowing whether the work has been done correctly.

4. Get at Least Two or Three Quotes

For any significant roofing job, get at least two or three quotes. This serves two purposes: it helps you identify a fair market price, and it gives you the opportunity to assess how different roofers communicate and present themselves.

If one quote is significantly lower than the others, ask why. It may mean they are planning to use inferior materials, cut corners on the work, or that they have misunderstood the scope of the job.

5. Check They Are a Registered Business

Ask for the company's full name and Companies House registration number (if they are a limited company) or their sole trader details. You can verify a company's registration at Companies House online in seconds. A legitimate business will have nothing to hide.

Also check that the address they give you is a real business address — not just a PO box or a residential address with no other verifiable presence.

6. Be Wary of Cold Callers

One of the most common roofing scams involves someone knocking on your door claiming they have "noticed some damage" to your roof while working in the area, and offering to fix it immediately at a special price. This is almost always a scam.

Legitimate roofers do not cold-call homeowners. If someone knocks on your door with this approach, politely decline and, if you are concerned about your roof, call a roofer you have researched independently.

7. Do Not Pay Upfront

A reputable roofer will not ask for full payment before the work begins. It is reasonable to pay a deposit for materials on larger jobs, but the majority of the payment should be made on completion, once you are satisfied with the work.

If a roofer asks for full payment upfront, walk away.

8. Ask About Guarantees

A confident, quality roofer will stand behind their work. Ask what guarantee they offer on both the workmanship and the materials. A typical workmanship guarantee is 1–5 years; materials warranties vary by manufacturer.

Get any guarantee in writing, and make sure you know who to contact if a problem develops.

Why Choose Same Day Roof Repair?

We are a Peterborough-based company with a track record of five-star reviews, full public liability insurance, and a commitment to honest, transparent pricing. We provide written, itemised quotes on every job, and we never ask for full payment upfront.

Call us on 07878 827 758 or use our contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation survey.