Hiring a roofer isn’t something most of us do very often. So when it comes time to repair or replace your roof, it’s easy to feel out of your depth. One bad decision could lead to a leaky roof, wasted money, or a lot of stress you didn’t ask for.
That’s why knowing the right questions to ask is so important.
This guide walks you through the essential questions you should ask any roofer before agreeing to hire them—so you can feel confident you’re choosing the right professional for your home and your budget.
The Problem: Too Many Roofers, Not Enough Trust
Let’s be honest—there are a lot of roofers out there. Some are brilliant. Others? Not so much. You’ve probably heard horror stories of cowboy contractors who take the money and run, leave jobs half-finished, or disappear when the roof starts leaking six months later.
And even with well-meaning companies, communication can be unclear, timelines get missed, and surprises pop up on the invoice.
We understand how frustrating and risky that can feel, especially when you’re investing thousands of pounds in your home.
Meet Your Guide: Roofers Who Put You First
At CRS Roofing, we believe homeowners deserve clarity, honesty, and quality workmanship. We’ve repaired and replaced roofs for years, and we’ve seen first-hand what happens when people hire the wrong contractor.
We created this guide to help you avoid that. Because a roof should bring peace of mind, not stress.
Let’s get started.
Question 1: Are You Fully Insured and Licensed?
Any roofer you hire should have public liability insurance (at the very least). This protects you if something goes wrong—like accidental damage to your home or injury on your property. Ask for proof of insurance and check that it’s up to date.
In the UK, roofers don’t need to be licensed the way electricians or gas engineers do, but many choose to register with trade bodies like NFRC or CompetentRoofer. Membership with these organisations can offer an extra layer of reassurance.
Question 2: How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience isn’t everything—but it’s a good place to start. Roofing is a skilled trade, and like most things in life, it takes years to get really good at it. When a company has been in business for a long time, it often means they’ve built up the kind of knowledge, systems, and reputation that keep customers coming back (and recommending them to others).
Ask the roofer how long they’ve been trading under their current name. Be cautious if they’ve only been around for a short while or if they seem evasive. In some cases, less reputable contractors shut down and restart under a new name to dodge negative reviews or legal issues.
You might also ask:
- Have you worked in this local area before?
- Can I see some examples of similar projects you’ve done recently?
An experienced roofer will be proud to talk about their past work and show you what they’ve done. It’s not just about how many years they’ve been active—it’s about the depth of their experience with the type of roof you need.
Remember: a business with staying power is more likely to be there if you ever need support or warranty work in the future.
Question 3: Can I See Reviews or Speak to Previous Customers?
A reputable roofer should be happy to share customer testimonials or direct you to online reviews. Don’t be afraid to ask for a couple of references you can call.
And remember: one or two negative reviews don’t mean much—but how the company responded to them does.
Question 4: Will You Provide a Written Quote and Contract?
Always get everything in writing. A detailed quote should include:
- Materials and labour
- Start and finish dates
- Payment schedule
- Any warranties or guarantees
Verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings—and worse. Make sure you’re both clear on expectations before work begins.
Question 5: Who Will Be Doing the Work?
Will the person you’re speaking with actually be working on your roof? Or will they send a team you’ve never met?
Ask whether the workers are employees or subcontractors. A tight-knit, experienced team usually means more consistent quality and communication.
Question 6: What Materials Do You Recommend—and Why?
The best roofers won’t just give you a price. They’ll take the time to explain the different materials available (tiles, felt, GRP, EPDM, etc.) and help you choose what suits your home, budget, and long-term goals.
Watch out for vague answers or contractors who push one product without explaining why.
Question 7: How Will You Handle Unexpected Problems?
Roofs can hide surprises—like rotten timbers, outdated ventilation, or previous botched repairs hidden beneath the surface. These problems often don’t become clear until the old materials are stripped away.
So what happens then?
Ask the roofer how they deal with unexpected findings. A professional roofer should have a clear process in place. They should explain that they’ll pause the job, assess the situation, and present you with options—along with clear costs—before proceeding. Transparency is key.
It’s also worth asking how they document issues. Will they provide photos or videos? This helps you make informed decisions, especially if you’re not able to climb up and see for yourself.
A good roofer won’t carry out extra work without your knowledge or approval. They’ll keep you informed every step of the way, making sure there are no nasty surprises on the final invoice.
Question 8: What Guarantees or Warranties Do You Offer?
You want a roof that lasts. Make sure the roofer offers guarantees on both materials and workmanship.
Typical guarantees include:
- 10–20 years for materials (depending on the type)
- 5–10 years for labour
Also ask: is the guarantee backed by insurance, in case the company ceases trading?
Question 9: What’s Your Timeline—and How Will You Keep Me Updated?
Get a realistic estimate of when the work will start and finish. Ask how the roofer will communicate with you—daily check-ins, weekly updates, or only when there’s a problem?
You deserve to know what’s happening on your roof, even if you’re not the one up there.
Question 10: How Will You Protect My Home During the Project?
Roofing is messy work. Find out how the roofer plans to:
- Keep your property safe
- Remove waste
- Minimise disruption to neighbours
A professional roofer will take site safety and cleanliness seriously.
Question 11: What Happens After the Job Is Done?
Does the roofer offer a final walk-through or inspection? Will they provide you with paperwork for your warranty or building regs compliance (if applicable)?
The job isn’t done until you’re happy—and the roofer should stick around long enough to make sure that’s the case.
Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut
Even if someone ticks all the boxes on paper, your instincts still matter. Do they show up on time? Are they polite and professional? Do they answer your questions clearly?
Good communication and trust go a long way. You want a roofer who treats your home with the same care they’d give their own.
Conclusion: Ask Smart Questions, Get Better Results
Hiring a roofer shouldn’t feel like a gamble. With the right questions in hand, you’ll be able to spot red flags, compare quotes properly, and choose a company you can rely on.
At CRS Roofing, we welcome questions. We believe informed customers make the best decisions—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re replacing a roof, fixing a leak, or just gathering quotes, we’re happy to have a chat and answer any of the questions above.
Because when it comes to your roof, there’s no such thing as a silly question—only the peace of mind that comes from asking.
