The Seven Questions You Should Ask a Roofer Before They Start Work

Most roofing problems don't start on the roof. They start at the kitchen table, when a homeowner agrees to work without asking the right questions first. A roofer who gives vague answers, gets defensive, or suddenly has somewhere else to be is telling you something. Here are seven questions worth asking before a single tile gets lifted.

1. Are you insured, and can I see the cert?

Public liability insurance is non-negotiable. Ask for the certificate, not just a yes. A legitimate roofer will have it to hand or get it to you within a day. If they hedge, that's your answer. Employer's liability matters too if they're bringing a crew.

2. Who exactly will be doing the work?

Some contractors price the job, then hand it to a labourer or a subcontractor you've never met. That's not automatically a problem, but you should know in advance. Ask who turns up on day one. If the answer is vague, push on it.

3. Can you give me a written quote, not just a price?

A number on a phone call means nothing. A written quote should list the materials, the scope of work, and what's excluded. It protects both sides. Anyone who resists putting it in writing is someone you don't want on your roof. This matters even more on larger jobs where the quality of materials and workmanship will determine how long the job lasts.

4. What's your payment schedule?

A reasonable roofer might ask for a deposit, often around 20 to 30 percent, then staged payments tied to progress, with the final amount held until you're satisfied. Anyone looking for the full sum upfront, or cash only with no receipt, is a red flag. Pay by bank transfer so you have a record.

5. How long have you been doing this type of work?

There's a difference between a roofer with fifteen years on slate roofs and one who's been doing flat roofing and is branching out. You're not being rude by asking. You're being sensible. Ask specifically about jobs similar to yours, pitched roof, flat roof, chimney repointing, whatever it is. Ask if they can show you recent work or give you a reference from a job in the last year.

6. Will you take out any necessary planning permission or building notifications?

Most straightforward roof repairs don't require planning. But if you're replacing a roof on a protected structure, adding a dormer, or making significant structural changes, permissions can apply. A roofer who says "ah you don't need anything for that" without checking is taking a guess at your expense. If in doubt, check with your local council before work starts.

7. What guarantee do you offer on the work?

Twelve months is a minimum. Some contractors offer longer, and certain roofing products carry manufacturer warranties that are only valid if fitted by approved installers. Get the guarantee in writing and check whether it covers labour as well as materials. A guarantee from a roofer who's dissolved their company in six months isn't worth the paper it's on, so look them up on the Companies Registration Office if they're trading as a limited company.

None of these questions are awkward. Any roofer worth hiring will answer them without flinching. The ones who don't are doing you a favour by showing you early.