The short answer
Choose a roofer on accreditation, references and a clear written quote — not on price alone. Look for membership of a recognised body such as NFRC or registration with CompetentRoofer or TrustMark, check insurance and recent references, and get at least three itemised written quotes for the same scope of work. Be wary of cold-callers, cash-only deals and pressure to decide on the spot — see how to spot roofing scams. Comparing quotes from vetted contractors is the simplest way to do this well.
A roof is a major investment, and the difference between a good roofer and a poor one shows up for decades. The good news is that the checks are straightforward and the same every time: confirm the contractor is accredited and insured, see evidence of their work, and compare like-for-like written quotes. This guide sets out exactly what to look for and ask before you commit. It is general information to help you choose well.
Choosing a roofer at a glance
- Get at least three written quotes
- Check membership of NFRC / CompetentRoofer / TrustMark
- Confirm public liability insurance
- Ask for recent references
- Insist on an itemised quote, not a lump sum
- Walk away from cold-callers & pressure
Accreditations worth checking
Recognised accreditations are the quickest filter for a competent, accountable contractor. The main ones in UK roofing are:
| Scheme | What it signals |
|---|---|
| NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) | Membership of the main UK roofing trade body; vetted standards |
| CompetentRoofer | Can self-certify re-roofing under Building Regulations |
| TrustMark | Government-endorsed quality and consumer-protection scheme |
| Manufacturer approval | Trained to install a specific covering (e.g. flat-roof system) |
Accreditation is not a guarantee of perfection, but a roofer registered with these schemes has met defined standards and has a body you can turn to if something goes wrong — which a cold-caller does not.
Questions to ask before you commit
- Are you a member of NFRC, or registered with CompetentRoofer or TrustMark? Ask for the registration to verify.
- Do you have public liability insurance? Ask to see the certificate.
- Can I see recent local references or examples of similar work?
- Will the quote be itemised — materials, labour, scaffolding, waste — rather than a single figure?
- What workmanship guarantee do you offer, and is it backed by an insurance-backed scheme?
- Who handles Building Regulations sign-off, and will I get a certificate? See Building Regulations.
How to compare quotes properly
The single most useful thing you can do is get at least three written, itemised quotes for the same scope of work. Prices for an identical roof can vary by thousands of pounds, so comparing them only works if each quote covers the same covering material, the same extent of work and the same extras like scaffolding and waste removal. Watch for quotes that look cheap because they leave something out — a missing scaffolding line, no allowance for timber repairs, or a lesser material. The cheapest number is not always the cheapest job once gaps are filled. See our new roof cost guide for what a complete quote should contain.
Red flags to avoid
Some signals should make you stop. Cold-callers who say they have spotted a problem from the street, pressure to decide immediately, cash-only deals with no paperwork, no verifiable address or accreditation, and prices that seem far below everyone else are all reasons to walk away. Reputable roofers are busy, work from written quotes, and do not need to door-knock. Our roofing scams guide covers these in full.
Compare vetted roofers near you
Skip the cold-callers. Get matched with vetted roofing contractors and compare itemised written quotes on the same scope of work.
Frequently asked questions
What accreditation should a roofer have in the UK?
Look for membership of NFRC (the main UK roofing trade body), registration with CompetentRoofer (which allows self-certification of re-roofing under Building Regulations), or TrustMark (a government-endorsed scheme). Manufacturer approval for a specific covering is also a good sign. Always ask for the registration so you can verify it.
How many quotes should I get for a roof?
Get at least three written, itemised quotes for the same scope of work. Prices for an identical roof can vary by thousands of pounds, and comparing only works if each quote covers the same material, extent of work and extras like scaffolding. Be wary of a quote that looks cheap because it leaves something out.
Should I pay a roofer a deposit?
A reasonable deposit for materials can be normal, and staged payments tied to progress are standard. You should never pay the full amount up front, and a demand for the whole sum in cash before work begins is a warning sign of a scam.
Sources & further reading
- NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) — finding vetted member contractors
- CompetentRoofer — government-authorised self-certification scheme
- TrustMark — government-endorsed quality and consumer-protection scheme
- GOV.UK / Citizens Advice — guidance on hiring tradespeople and avoiding rogue traders
This is general information, not advice for your specific project. Accreditation and references should always be verified directly. Choose a vetted roofing contractor for any significant roof work.