You’ve done the legwork. Three roofing companies have come to assess your home. You’ve asked the right questions. Now you’re holding three quotes in your hands—and they’re all different.
One is cheap. One is expensive. One sits somewhere in the middle.
So how do you choose the right roofing company?
Picking the right quote isn’t just about price. It’s about value, trust, and peace of mind. This guide will show you how to compare your quotes like a pro—and avoid a costly mistake.
Why the Cheapest Quote Isn’t Always the Best
Let’s get this out of the way first: cheap can be risky.
A low quote might feel like a win, but ask yourself:
- What corners are being cut to get the price down?
- Are they using lower-grade materials?
- Will the job be rushed or subcontracted?
Example: A homeowner in Sheffield accepted a quote £1,200 cheaper than the others. Two years later, they paid double to fix leaks caused by substandard tiles and poor fitting.
Saving money upfront can cost more long term.
What’s Actually Included in the Quote?
Not all quotes are created equal. Some seem lower simply because they leave things out.
Check for:
- Scaffolding – Is it included or an extra charge?
- Waste removal – Will they take away old tiles and rubbish?
- Materials – Are brands and specs listed clearly?
- Labour – Is this a full team, or just one or two workers?
- VAT – Is it included or will it be added on?
Red flag: A vague quote like “new roof, £4,000, all in” isn’t good enough. You need a detailed, itemised breakdown.
Compare Materials Like-for-Like
Pay attention to the type and quality of materials quoted.
Ask:
- Are they using concrete, clay, or natural slate tiles?
- What underlay or membrane are they using?
- Is insulation included?
- Are flashings (around chimneys and skylights) being replaced or reused?
Pro tip: If one quote uses premium-grade Marley tiles and another uses budget unbranded ones, that explains a price difference. But will you notice the quality 10 years from now? Probably.
Who’s Offering a Guarantee—and What Does It Cover?
Always check the guarantee terms. Not just the length, but the substance.
Look for:
- Workmanship guarantees – Does it cover poor fitting or damage?
- Manufacturer warranties – Do they cover defects in materials?
- Insurance-backed guarantees – These remain valid even if the company folds.
Real example: A roofing firm in Manchester offered a 10-year workmanship guarantee—but when they went bust, the guarantee disappeared. Another firm offered a 20-year insurance-backed warranty for only £300 more. That’s the difference between a risk and a safety net.
What’s Their Timeline?
Don’t just compare costs—compare availability and duration.
Ask:
- When can they start?
- How many days will the job take?
- Will they work continuously, or spread it out over weeks?
A fast quote might sound appealing, but be cautious. Are they rushing through jobs to stay on schedule?
Conversely, a delay of six weeks might mean they’re in demand—and worth waiting for.
Who’s Doing the Work?
Look at the company structure.
- Are they using in-house staff or subcontractors?
- Will the same team be on-site every day?
- Who’s managing the project?
You want consistency, accountability, and someone you can reach during the job.
If one quote comes from a big national chain and another from a local family-run firm, the experience may differ—even if the prices don’t.
How Professional Was Their Visit?
Go back to when each contractor came to quote. Think beyond the paper.
Ask yourself:
- Did they arrive on time?
- Did they inspect your loft as well as the roof?
- Were they clear, polite, and patient when explaining options?
- Did they point out risks or offer suggestions?
Observation matters. If someone takes 10 minutes to glance at your roof and fires off a quote the next day, that’s a red flag.
The one who takes their time, asks questions, and explains things clearly is more likely to take care on the job too.
Do They Comply with Regulations?
Any quote involving more than 50% of the roof being replaced needs Building Regulations approval.
Check:
- Are they CompetentRoofer registered (so they can self-certify)?
- Will they handle Building Control if not?
- Will you receive a completion certificate?
If they don’t mention any of this, walk away.
You don’t want to run into problems when you try to sell your home later.
Are They Transparent About Payment?
Good companies are upfront about money. Ask:
- How much is the deposit?
- When are further payments due?
- Do they accept credit card or bank transfer?
- Will you get a receipt?
Be wary of anyone asking for full payment upfront. A reasonable deposit is 10–25%, with the balance on completion.
Tip: Paying by credit card offers extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
What Do Their Past Customers Say?
Now’s the time to dig into their reputation.
Look for:
- Verified reviews on Checkatrade, Trustpilot, or Which?
- Photos of completed work (especially of similar properties)
- Local case studies
- References you can call or visit
Insight: If someone has 100 five-star reviews but no photos or real names, question it.
On the other hand, if a contractor is praised by three of your neighbours, that’s hard to beat.
