Roofing has more than its fair share of cowboy traders. That’s partly because a roof is hard for most homeowners to inspect themselves, which makes it easy for a dishonest quote to go unchallenged. Asking the right questions upfront is the simplest protection you have. Here are ten worth asking before you commit to anyone.
- How long have you been trading, and can I see recent local work? A roofer with a genuine track record in your area should be happy to show you examples or put you in touch with a recent customer. A firm that’s reluctant to share either is worth being cautious about.
- Are you a registered limited company? This isn’t proof of quality on its own, but it does give you a formal entity to hold accountable. An unregistered sole trader, by contrast, can disappear without a paper trail if something goes wrong.
- Will you provide a written, itemised quote? A proper quote breaks down materials, labour and scaffolding separately. That way, you can compare it fairly against other quotes rather than just comparing two lump sums.
- What happens if you find additional problems once the work starts? A trustworthy roofer will explain how they’ll communicate and price any extra work. They won’t spring a surprise final bill on you once the job is already underway.
- Do you offer a guarantee on the work? Ask specifically what it covers and for how long. A repair with no guarantee at all is a warning sign worth taking seriously.
- Can I see proof of insurance? Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong during the work, such as damage to your property. A genuine roofer will have this ready to show you without hesitation.
- Will you need planning permission or building control sign-off for this job? A roofer who knows their trade should be able to tell you whether your project — particularly a dormer or a conservation-area property — needs anything beyond a straightforward repair. See our guide to roofing in a conservation area for more on this.
- How will you protect my property during the work? This covers scaffolding, dust sheets, and clearing debris. A professional outfit will have a clear answer for all three, since they’re routine parts of the job.
- What’s included in the price, and what isn’t? Skip charges, scaffolding hire and waste disposal sometimes appear as “extras” on a low headline quote. Ask upfront, so the final bill doesn’t come as a surprise.
- Are you being pressured to decide immediately? Genuine roofers don’t need you to sign on the spot. This is especially worth remembering after a storm, when doorstep traders sometimes target affected streets — see our guide on storm damage and insurance for more on avoiding that trap.
Why this matters more than the price alone
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value, particularly if it’s missing detail that later turns into extra costs. Our 2026 new roof cost guide gives you a realistic sense of what a proper job should cost. That means you can spot a quote that looks too good to be true before you commit to it, rather than finding out the hard way once the work has started.
We’re a family firm that’s been trading in Twickenham since 2007. We’re always happy to answer every one of the questions above before you decide, because a homeowner who asks good questions is exactly the kind of customer we want. We work across Teddington, St Margarets and Twickenham.
Related reading
- Roofing in a Conservation Area: Rules for Richmond, Twickenham & St Margarets
- How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Twickenham & Richmond? (2026 Price Guide)
- Flat Roof Repair vs Replacement: Which Do You Need?
- EPDM Rubber vs GRP Fibreglass vs Felt: The Best Flat Roof Material for London Homes
- How to Tell If Your Roof Needs Replacing: 8 Warning Signs
- What to Do When Your Roof Is Leaking: An Emergency Checklist
- Slate vs Tile Roofing for Period Homes in Richmond upon Thames
- Fascias, Soffits & Guttering: A Homeowner’s Guide to Your Roofline