How to choose a roofer
Roofing attracts more doorstep scams than almost any other trade. Here's how to spot a dodgy roofer, what to ask a good one, and your rights if things go wrong.
Free, no obligation Fixed written price We never cold call
Warning signs
Doorstep visits
Someone knocks saying they've "spotted a loose tile" while working nearby. Trading Standards say not to deal with uninvited traders at all.
Pressure to decide now
A price that's only good today, or work that has to start this afternoon. A genuine roofer will give you a written quote and time to think.
No photos, no paperwork
If they won't show you the problem or put the price in writing, you have no way to check either.
Cash up front
Large cash deposits before any work, or offers to drive you to the bank. Pay for materials and work as they're delivered, by traceable methods.
Trading Standards services across England have warned about rogue roofers through 2026. Many cases start with a cold caller claiming to have spotted a loose tile, then "finding" more and more work once they're on the roof.
What to ask a roofer
- Can you show me the problem? Ask for photos of the damage before you agree to anything.
- Will you put the price in writing? It should list the work, scaffolding and waste removal.
- Are you a registered company? You can check a company's details free on Companies House.
- Are you insured? Ask for public liability insurance and see the certificate.
- What's the guarantee? Get it in writing, with the number of years.
- Can you self-certify? For a re-roof, ask whether they're registered with CompetentRoofer or will arrange building control.
Get more than one quote
Trading Standards advise getting written quotes from two or three roofers. Prices for the same job can vary a lot, and comparing them tells you whether a quote includes everything.
Your rights on the doorstep
If you agree a contract on your doorstep or in your home for work worth more than £42, you normally have 14 days to cancel. A trader should tell you this in writing. Never let someone hurry you past it.
If you think a trader has misled or pressured you, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, which passes reports to Trading Standards. If you feel threatened, call the police.
How we work
We never cold call or knock on doors. Every job starts with a free inspection, photos of what we find and a fixed written price, and you decide in your own time.
Want a roofer who puts everything in writing?
Questions people ask
How can you tell a dodgy roofer?
Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door saying they've spotted a problem, wants an answer on the spot, won't put the price in writing, or asks for a large cash deposit. Trading Standards advise not dealing with doorstep traders at all and getting written quotes from more than one roofer.
How do I choose a good roofer?
Get two or three written quotes, ask for photos of the problem, check the business is a registered company, ask about insurance and a written guarantee, and for a full re-roof ask whether they can self-certify under Building Regulations. Our guide to choosing a roofer has a full checklist.
Book a free roof inspection
Tell us what's wrong and where you are. We'll call you to arrange a time, inspect the roof, photograph every problem and send you a fixed written price.
Or call 01302 616311
- No charge and no obligation
- Photos of everything we find
- We never cold call or knock on doors