Roof repairs are often urgent, high-cost projects, and unfortunately, this makes the industry a target for unscrupulous individuals. The fear of a leaking roof combined with a lack of technical knowledge about roofing can make homeowners vulnerable to scams and high-pressure sales tactics. At Rated People, we want to instil confidence in every homeowner by providing you with the tools to protect yourself and ensure you hire a high-calibre, reliable roofer.
Avoiding rogue traders isn’t about being suspicious of every tradesperson; it’s about being informed and asking the right questions. Here are the five critical red flags to look out for and the essential contract clauses you must check.
5 red flags to look out for
A trustworthy contractor will always be happy to follow a fair, professional process. Any deviation should raise your alarm.
Red Flag 1: The ‘coincidence’ inspection and high-pressure sale
A trader unexpectedly knocks on your door, often claiming to have been working on a neighbour’s roof and “just noticed” a major, urgent problem with yours (e.g., “a slipped tile that’s about to cause massive damage”).
- The pro’s approach: A reliable roofer will not cold-call a significant emergency repair. They will wait for you to contact them. Never agree to work on the spot.
Red Flag 2: Cash-only payment demands
If a tradesperson insists on cash only, particularly before the work starts, it’s a huge warning sign. Cash payments are often used to avoid tax and leave no paper trail, making it almost impossible to follow up if the work is shoddy or incomplete.
- The pro’s approach: Trustworthy contractors accept bank transfers (BACS), cards, or cheques. They will issue a formal, itemised invoice and usually only require a small, reasonable deposit (if any) before work begins.
Red Flag 3: The ‘too good to be true’ upfront quote
A quote that is dramatically lower than others you have received should be viewed with extreme caution. This often indicates the trader plans to use substandard materials, cut corners on crucial work (like flashing or underlay), or intends to hit you with significant “unforeseen” extra charges once the roof is open.
- The pro’s approach: A balanced and fair quote will reflect the cost of quality materials, skilled labour, and necessary safety equipment like scaffolding.
Red Flag 4: Lack of proof of insurance or poor/no references
Any professional working on your property must have up-to-date Public Liability Insurance (PLI) to cover any damage to your property or injury to a third party. If they hesitate or fail to provide a copy, walk away. Similarly, if they have no online presence or verifiable reviews, be wary.
- The pro’s approach: A reputable contractor will proactively show you their PLI and be listed on reliable platforms (like Rated People) with transparent customer feedback.
Red Flag 5: No formal contract or vague scope of work
Roofing jobs, even small ones, should be governed by a written agreement. If a contractor wants to start work based only on a handshake and a verbal price, you have no legal recourse if things go wrong.
- The pro’s approach: They will provide a clear, detailed, and written contract.
Essential roofing contract clauses to check
A formal contract is your best line of defense. You want to ensure the final document is comprehensive and includes the following clauses:
- Scope of Work: This must be detailed and specific. It should list:
- The exact area of the roof being worked on (e.g., “front porch flat roof” or “rear main roof slope”).
- The materials to be used (Brand, type, and colour of tiles/membrane).
- The depth/type of underlay and battens.
- Any inclusion of specialist work (e.g., new lead flashing, chimney re-pointing).
- Payment Schedule: A clear timeline showing when payments are due. A common structure is: 10-25% deposit, interim payment upon completion of a major stage (e.g., scaffolding up, old roof stripped), and final payment upon full completion and your satisfaction.
- Warranties and Guarantees: The contract must state the duration of the workmanship guarantee (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 years). Check if this is backed by an insurance-backed guarantee (IBG) for major projects.
- Insurance Details: A clause confirming the contractor holds valid Public and Employer’s Liability Insurance, including policy numbers and coverage amounts.
- Start and Completion Dates: Although weather can affect roofing, the contract should provide reasonable estimated start and completion dates.
Hire with confidence, not confusion
Choosing a reliable roofer is simplified when you start with a trusted source. Rated People helps you move beyond the guesswork by connecting you with reviewed and rated professionals. Our platform instils the confidence that you are hiring an experienced roofer, giving you a positive experience from start to finish.
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.
