HIRING GUIDES
Hiring a good local roofer
Updated 03/26
By: Olivia Scammell
Reviewed: Laura Macdonald
Whether you need a roof repair, replacement, or routine maintenance, choosing the right roofer is really important. Your roof protects your home from the weather every day, so it’s worth taking a little time to make sure the work is done properly.
Most roofing jobs go smoothly when the right person is hired. But poor workmanship or rushed repairs can lead to:
Leaks
Structural damage
Extra costs later on
This guide explains what roofers do, what to look for before hiring, how quotes typically work, and the practical steps that help homeowners choose with confidence.
What roofers do and when you may need one
What to check before hiring a roofer
How roofing quotes and costs work
Questions to ask before agreeing to work
Common mistakes homeowners make when hiring roofers
Quick checks: what to look for before hiring a roofer
If you’re comparing roofers, these simple checks can help you choose someone reliable and avoid common problems later on.
Before hiring a roofer, check that they:
Have experience with your type of roof or repair
Provide a written quote explaining what’s included
Hold public liability insurance
Can show recent customer reviews or examples of work
Clearly explain the work and expected timescales
Offer a guarantee or warranty for completed work
Knowing what to check before you agree to work can help you feel confident in your decision about who to hire.
What does a roofer do?
A roofer installs, repairs, and maintains roofs to keep homes weatherproof and structurally sound.
The scope of their services may include:
Repairing damaged or missing tiles
Fixing leaks or storm damage
Replacing roof coverings or felt
Installing gutters, fascias, and soffits
Carrying out routine maintenance and inspections
Some roofers specialise in particular materials, such as slate, tiles, flat roofs, or modern systems like fibreglass or rubber roofing.
If you're in need of emergency roof repairs, look for this service on their Checkatrade profile.
Find a roofer near you
When should you call a roofer?
Some roofing issues can wait for routine maintenance, but others need a quicker response. Acting early often stops small problems turning into more expensive repairs.
Common roofing jobs homeowners hire for
As we've just mentioned, many homeowners hire roofers for routine repairs, maintenance, and improvements to keep their property protected. These include jobs such as:
Repairing leaks or damaged tiles
Replacing worn roofing materials
Fixing guttering or flashing
Repairing storm or wind damage
Installing insulation or ventilation improvements
Carrying out roof inspections or maintenance
When do you need an emergency roofer?
Then there are the times when you might need an emergency roofer, for example, if you experience:
A sudden roof leak during heavy rain
Storm damage or fallen debris
Missing tiles exposing the roof structure
Water entering the loft or ceilings
Structural damage after severe weather
Emergency repairs are often temporary fixes designed to make the property safe until permanent work can be scheduled.
Skills and experience to look for in a roofer
A combination of experience and practical knowledge matters when hiring a roofer.
Roofing work is often carried out at height and exposed to the elements, so attention to detail and safe working practices are essential.
Look for roofers who can demonstrate:
Experience with similar roofing work
Clear explanations of how repairs will be completed
Knowledge of building regulations where relevant
Safe working practices and proper equipment
Reliable communication throughout the job
Qualifications and industry accreditations
Some roofers may also hold recognised training, apprenticeships, or membership of industry schemes. While not always required, these can give you additional reassurance when comparing contractors.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC): membership of a professional association often indicates a commitment to industry standards and ongoing technical guidance
The Roofing Competent Person Scheme (RCPS): if you’re replacing more than 50% of your roof, hiring an RCPS roofer can help simplify building regulations compliance and avoid the need for separate certification
RoofCERT: a recognised accreditation for roofing contractors. Roofers must demonstrate technical knowledge, health and safety awareness, and proven competence to achieve and maintain certification
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Questions to ask before hiring a roofer
Before you agree to any work, consider asking a few ‘qualifying questions’:
Can you explain the problem and how it will be fixed?
What materials will you use?
How long will the work take?
Will you provide a written quote or estimate?
Do you offer a guarantee for the work?
Who will carry out the work on site?
What happens if additional problems are discovered?
Will waste materials be removed after completion?
These conversations will help set expectations, avoid uncertainty, and build trust before work begins.
A reputable roofer will inspect your roof properly before giving a quote. They should be able to explain the problem clearly and show photos of the issue and the finished work.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Understanding quotes and hourly rates
The cost of roofing work depends on several factors including the size of the roof, the materials used, access to the property, and the complexity of the repair.
As a rough guide:
Minor repairs may cost a few hundred pounds
Larger repairs or replacements can cost significantly more
Emergency callouts may involve additional charges
Getting more than one quote helps you understand what a fair price looks like and compare like-for-like services.
Check whether the quote includes VAT, as this can add around 20% to the total cost. A deposit is usually reasonable, but it’s generally best not to pay the full amount upfront. Make sure payment terms are clearly set out in writing before work begins.
You can also look at our roofing cost guides to get an idea of typical prices for common roofing jobs:
A written quote should clearly explain:
The scope of work
Labour and material costs
Equipment or scaffolding costs
Waste removal
Estimated start and completion dates
Any guarantees or warranties
Any call-out or inspection fees
Comparing a few itemised quotes makes it easier to understand value, rather than comparing the price alone.
Common mistakes when hiring a roofer
Most roofing problems can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions before work begins.
Some of the common mistakes homeowners make when hiring a roofer include:
Hiring based on price alone
Agreeing to work without a written quote
Not checking insurance or reviews
Ignoring early signs of roof damage
Rushing decisions after storm damage
Taking time to read verified customer reviews, ask questions and compare quotes carefully can help avoid unnecessary stress later on.
Before hiring a roofer, make sure they have a physical address and a phone number. You need to be sure they’ll be around for the long term and aren’t just 'passing through' — especially if your only interaction is them knocking on your door. On Checkatrade, we do all the important checks for you — so you can be confident of hiring reputable, trusted trades.
Can you do roofing work yourself?
Some minor maintenance tasks, such as clearing debris from gutters, may be suitable for confident DIYers.
However, most roofing work creates safety risks and often calls for specialist tools and training. It involves:
Working at height
Handling heavy materials
It's often not worth the risk. Poor repairs can also lead to leaks, structural damage, or insurance issues.
Hiring an experienced roofer is usually the safest and most reliable option for anything beyond simple maintenance.
Hiring a roofer checklist
Find a trusted roofer near you
Finding a reliable roofer used to mean relying on word of mouth or taking a chance on the first name you came across. Today, it’s much easier to compare tradespeople and make an informed decision.
When you use Checkatrade, you can compare roofers who are:
Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work
Guaranteed - When you book through Checkatrade, your job is covered by our guarantee, up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
Enter your postcode to compare reputable roofers working locally to you and request quotes with confidence.
Browse checked local roofers in your area
Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you
Ridgeline Property Maintenance
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RooferAsphalt Roofing InstallationChimneys RepairFelt Roofing RepairRubber Roofing InstallationHybrid Roofing
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RooferLeadworks InstallationRoof Lights InstallationEmergency Roofing ServiceConservatory Roof ConversionsCrown Roofing & Leadwork Ltd
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(2 reviews)Services & skills
RooferAsphalt Roofing RepairRoofing RepairsRoof Lights RepairChimney Cowlings InstallationHomebuttons Ltd
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RooferBalcony Roofing InstallationFibre Glass Roofing RepairPitched Roofing RepairFlat Roofing Repair
Hiring a roofer FAQs
To check whether a roofer is reliable, look for consistent customer reviews, clear communication, written quotes, and proof of insurance. Reliable roofers are usually willing to explain their work and answer questions openly.
Getting at least three roofing quotes will help you compare prices, understand what’s included, and choose the best value option for your needs.
Roofers should have public liability insurance to cover accidental damage or injury during the job.
A reasonable deposit is common for roofing work, especially for larger projects. However, paying the full amount upfront is usually not recommended.
The timeline for roofing work depends on the size and complexity of the job. Small repairs may take a few hours, while larger projects can take several days or longer.
If your roof starts leaking suddenly, try to minimise damage by containing the leak if it is safe to do so, and contact a roofer as soon as possible. Prompt action can prevent further damage to your home.
Weather delays are common with roofing projects. Ask your roofer what contingency plans are in place and when the work will be rescheduled if conditions aren’t safe.
Some homeowners prefer to make final payment for roofing work until after the first rainfall to confirm there are no leaks. You can discuss this with your roofer, but always make sure payment terms are clearly agreed in writing before work begins.
Roofing work usually takes place during normal working hours, but it’s sensible to confirm the schedule in advance so you know what to expect and can plan around any disruption.
For larger roofing projects, there may be a project manager or lead roofer overseeing the work. Having a clear point of contact makes it easier to ask questions and resolve issues quickly.
Some roofing companies use subcontractors, especially for larger jobs. It’s reasonable to ask who will be carrying out the work and whether they are covered by the same insurance and guarantees.
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