Choosing a roofer - previously ripped off

chaotic_j

Hi,

I've some essential roof work that needs doing.. missing/loose slates, loose lead flashing to bay window, fascia board rotten etc.

Previous property paid a long established roofer £1500 for some works, had great reviews, gave written quote detailing work and a written 10 year guarantee on completion.

Turned out he subcontracted it, the subcontracted guy didn't do it as specified resulting in leaks. Promised to come back numerous times and sort.

Ended up finding out he'd closed his company, sold his premises and all assets in his wifes name.

Would I be best off using a confederation of roofing contractors member that can offer an insurance backed guarantee for any jobs more than a few slates?

Thanks in advance,
chaotic_j

digannio

It is a tricky one because I am sure you are aware that there is often a substantial (sometimes huge) difference in the quotes between the larger roofing confederation members and those who are not members although you will have the peace of mind with the extra back-up.

There are plenty of honest, reliable, long-established roofers who are not members but who will do a very good job. Often they are the ones who can't do the job immediately because they are in demand and work largely off recommendations.

And, of course there are those who don't have the skills and experience and will bash off the job in double quick time and leave you with problems in the most important part of the house.

If you can, personal recommendations from people who have had work done by established, local tradesmen is obviously always best. And do your own research for reviews, not just checkatrade etc, but also maybe facebook (where people can post negative as well as positive comments) and town and village forums. Find out about local roofers used by local estate agents and councils etc. And be wary of anything super-cheap.

Hopefully you'll give yourself the best chance of getting quotes from good smaller businesses alongside the bells and whistles operators with the extra back-up before making your choice.

Good luck.

Chickereeeee

"Get a personal recommendation" is always the suggestion given here, but that also has problems. A roof may look great for 10 years, but then show it was not installed properly. Or, as in a couple of cases I have had, the 'recommendation' was apparently just because he seemed a nice guy. His work, however, was expensive and not good quality, but the recomenders did not realise that....

Slinky

Roofing confederation can be extortionate. We had a loose ridge tile. Quote from the RC roofer was about £2K with scaffolding and the "overseeing of a site manager throughout the works."

Wayne with a bucket of muck and a ladder was £30.