Sunday, 21 July 2013

10 Tips In Choosing a Domestic Roofing Contractor

With all of the recent media coverage in the UK (Cowboy Builders etc), choosing a roofing contractor to carry out work on your property can be a real dilemma. In this blog, we have tried to highlight some of the points to consider when choosing tradesmen for your project, with these 10 tips.



1. Keep It Local

It sounds obvious, but keeping your search local will undoubtedly offer the most competitive prices. You can also ask for references of previous completed work, and perhaps drive by to view completed projects. Roofing contractors further than an hour or so away will tend to 'make the job worth their while' in the quote.

2. Stick To 'Roofing Contractors'

Try not to be tempted by a general building contractor, or other multi-trade company. Roofing is a specialist field, and companies that operate solely in the roofing sector will have the most knowledge and experience in your projects required execution techniques.


3. Shortlist Three Companies/Businesses

Choose the three companies that stand out for you. You should obtain at least 2 quotes for projects over £500, ideally three. But before you jump into arranging an appointment...

4. Look Out For Accreditations

The two main accreditations you want to look out for are the NFRC & Trustmark. Both of these accreditations are achieved by strict vetting in work standards, health and safety, company policy and financial security. You can search for contractors in your area on the NFRC website by clicking here. I can personally vouch, that obtaining membership in these organisations is by no means easy. Many other accreditations are very easy to obtain... They all involve monthly subscriptions, so certain (although by no means all) trade organisations may want more monthly subscriptions, and prioritise member numbers over vetting process.

As a bonus, check if your contractors hold any roofing qualifications. NVQ's are available in many fields of roofing including Flat Roofing, Slating & Tiling and Heritage Roofing.



5. Check Previous Work Photographs & Reviews

It has become standard practice for serious roofing contractors to collect a portfolio of previously completed projects. Browse the contractors website. You may not know what you are looking at, but poor workmanship will be obvious to you. Compare photos with your three chosen companies.

Reviews are an excellent way to hear about previous customer experiences with your chosen contractor (so long as they are from a reputable source). Checkatrade is a brilliant review source, and is near impossible for companies to scam their own home-made reviews.

6. Obtain Your Quote 

Contact the company, arrange an appointment for the contractor to view the property, and obtain a quote. If the company produces an estimate, ask for a firm quote to avoid an price-bumping. Most roofing contractors will offer an estimate as standard (due to possible findings revealed when your existing covering is stripped back or partially stripped). Most of these companies will also be more than willing to issue a firm quote at your request. Payment terms for roofing works should be included somewhere on the quote. If they are not, ask for them to be added. Factor in VAT & credit card charges, if they are applicable.

7. If In Doubt, Call And Ask

If you have a query with the estimate/quote, email the contractor with your questions. Any reputable contractor will be happy to answer your questions, and will understand that you want to be clear on what is included in terms of method and materials. Common areas for query are:

- Materials being used

- Method being used

- Process for unexpected findings (for example, how much will it cost to top the insulation to the government required level, if it were found that no insulation was present) 

- Guarantee Lengths

8. Check That Scaffolding / Health and Safety Equipment is Included

Make sure that any necessary access or Health and Safety equipment has been included, and ask to have it in writing on the quote. Whilst on the subject of scaffolding, this would be the time to contact the roofing contractor with any specific time restrictions in erecting and 'striking down' the scaffolding.

9. Pencil In A Date To Commence Works

Arrange a date with your chosen contractor to commence works. The roofing trade is vulnerable to delays due to weather conditions, so this date should be treated as a target date, and not necessarily as a firm date. With that said, if the weather conditions were fine on the target date, you would be within your rights to question the contractor if they didn't show.

10. Obtain Your Guarantee Before Payment

Insist on receipt of your guarantee before you settle the invoice. It sounds obvious, but you've gone to all the trouble of the previous 9 steps, so you don't want to fall at the last hurdle.

Good Luck!

By Nicky Morris
Barris Roofing Ltd


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