How to Choose a Roofer in Kent: 10 Questions to Ask

The roofing industry has more than its share of cowboys, especially after major storms. This 10-question checklist helps you filter them out and compare proper roofers fairly.

The 10 Questions

1. Are you fully insured for public liability and employer's liability?

Minimum £2 million public liability is standard. Ask to see the certificate, not just hear it described.

2. How long have you been trading in Kent specifically?

Local trading history matters because Kent's coastal weather and chalk substructures create issues that inland roofers don't always know.

3. Can you provide three references from jobs in the last 12 months?

Real references should be in your area, recent, and willing to be contacted.

4. Are you a member of a trade body?

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors), TrustMark, or CompetentRoofer are the main UK schemes. Membership is voluntary but signals investment in standards.

5. What's your written quote include and exclude?

A proper quote itemises labour, materials (with specification), scaffolding, waste disposal, VAT, and contingency. "All inclusive" with no breakdown is a red flag.

6. What guarantee do you offer, and is it insurance-backed?

A workmanship guarantee (typically 10-25 years) is meaningless if the roofer ceases trading. Insurance-backed guarantees from bodies like Halo or QANW survive a contractor going under.

7. Do you use scaffolding or just ladders?

Above gutter height, proper scaffolding is required by HSE for all but very brief jobs. "We just use ladders" is both unsafe and a quality indicator.

8. Will you provide a written specification of materials before work starts?

Tile manufacturer, lead code, membrane type, fixing types, all should be specified. Ambiguity here is where cowboys substitute cheaper materials than you expected.

9. What is the payment schedule?

Reputable roofers usually take a deposit (10-30%) at materials stage and the balance on completion. "Cash up front" or "all on day one" is a serious red flag.

10. Will you handle building control notification if needed?

For re-roofs and structural work, building control sign-off may be required. Reputable roofers handle this; cowboys leave it to you and disappear.

Red Flags

• Door-to-door sales after a storm
• Pressure tactics ("decide today or the price goes up")
• Requests for full payment up front
• Quotes given without seeing the loft
• No written quote, no contract
• Sub-VAT-threshold "cash only" pricing
• Refusal to provide references or insurance details

Get a Properly Specified Quote in Kent

We are a Canterbury-based roofer covering all of Kent with full insurance, NFRC membership, and a 15-year insurance-backed workmanship guarantee. Free written quotes with full material specification across Canterbury, Margate, Faversham, and Folkestone. Call 07562690714 or request a quote.