subject: I Have A Roof Problem - How To Source A Reputable Roofing Contractor Who Isn't Going To Let Me Down? [print this page] There are thousands of roofing companies in the UK all claiming to be the best at what they do, so if you encounter a problem with your roof how do you navigate through the minefield of choosing the right contractor?
The purpose of this article is to give both home owners and businesses some guideline as to the key information you should be gathering to enable you to make an informed decision and hopefully avoid the so called cowboy.
And the cowboys do exist. You only have to go onto Google, type in 'Cowboy Roofers' and there are many stories about consumers who have made the wrong choice and suffered the consequences. Equally recent television programmes such as Channel5's Cowboy Builders and BBC1's Rogue Traders have highlighted and featured roofing companies who, to put it bluntly, will rip you off given the chance.
The good news is that there are lots of reputable roofers out there, and if you live in a populated area, there will probably be one on your doorstep. The secret is being able to differentiate between the good ones and the not so good ones.
So what are the steps I should follow?
Qualified & Accredited
There are some specific and more general schemes offering recognised accreditations that all good roofers should achieve. Specifically, a reputable roofer should be a member of the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors), which is the roofing industries leading trade association. The NFRC "actively ensures that members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice and independent vetting procedure, including site inspections and adhering to the Government-endorsed TrustMark standards". The NFRC also checks that their members hold comprehensive insurance cover and provide insurance back warranties.
Other more general accreditations such as CHAS, Trustmark and Safe Contractor will further endorse a suppliers credibility. In particular, roofing contractor with CHAS (Contractors Health And Safety Scheme) accreditation will have undergone strict health and safety assessments in order to gain membership.
Track Record
When speaking to or meeting with a roofing contractor, ask for details of previous work similar to that which you require. Ask for specific and local examples, including the exact location. If you want to go that extra mile, ask the supplier if they would mind you speaking to those customers. A contractor with nothing to hide and work to be proud of is more likely to cooperate with this kind of request.
Insured
Before placing your order, ask for a copy of the suppliers insurance certificates.
Recommendation
Whilst places like the Internet and Yellow Pages are a great place to look for roofers, ask your family, friends or the neighbours if they have previously used any reputable firms. In doing so however, this does not negate the need to still carry through the other steps, as changes in personnel or circumstance can cause a contractors service to deteriorate.
Visit the website
Most roofers will have a website, which should tell you a little more about the business. The great thing about websites is that they allow you to vet the contractor without having to ask difficult questions either over the phone or face to face. If the website does not show the contractors accreditations, demonstrate a track record, present testimonials etc then this might raise doubt about their credibility. Print off their web pages so that you can ask questions when you speak on the phone or meet with their sales representatives.
