TL;DR: Protect yourself from rogue roofers by asking these 8 critical questions: accreditation status, insurance coverage, local references, written quotes, guarantees, workforce details, safety management, and payment terms. Download our free checklist to ensure you hire a trustworthy Birmingham roofer.

Choosing a Roofing Contractor in Birmingham: 8 Must-Ask Questions

Trading Standards across the UK have seen a sharp rise in roofing complaints, with rogue traders targeting vulnerable homeowners through cold calls and misleading quotes. In Birmingham alone, countless residents have fallen victim to overpriced, poor-quality work. That's why we've created this essential checklist to help you choose a legitimate, skilled roofer for your home.

Why Choosing the Right Roofer Matters

Hiring the wrong roofer can lead to catastrophic consequences for your home and finances. Poor workmanship often results in costly rework, potentially doubling or tripling your initial investment. More seriously, shoddy roofing can void your home insurance, leaving you exposed to thousands in damage claims.

When unqualified contractors ignore Building Regulations, you could face legal issues when selling your property. That's why selecting a properly accredited roofer isn't just about getting value for money—it's about protecting your most valuable asset.

The 8 Questions Every Birmingham Homeowner Must Ask

1. Are you NFRC or RoofCERT accredited?

Why it matters: The NFRC 'How to choose a roofer' guide emphasises that accreditation provides third-party verification of competence. NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) members undergo rigorous vetting, including triennial site inspections and compliance with industry codes of practice.

RoofCERT takes this further by certifying individual roofers' technical knowledge through comprehensive testing. Only contractors with properly qualified operatives can claim true expertise. When a roofer shows you their NFRC membership certificate or RoofCERT accreditation, you're seeing proof they've met the UK's highest roofing standards.

2. Do you have public liability insurance of at least £2 million?

Why it matters: Roofing work carries inherent risks—from accidental damage to your property to potential injuries. Without adequate insurance, you could be liable for any mishaps. Legitimate contractors carry minimum £2 million public liability cover, protecting both parties throughout the project.

Always ask for a copy of their insurance certificate. Check it's current and covers the work dates. Be wary of anyone who can't immediately produce this documentation or suggests lower coverage amounts.

3. Can I see recent local projects?

Why it matters: Birmingham roofs face unique challenges—from Victorian terraces in Moseley to modern estates in Sutton Coldfield. A roofer with extensive local experience understands regional building styles and weather patterns. Ask for specific Birmingham addresses where they've completed similar work.

Request at least three local references from the past year. When contacting previous customers, ask about punctuality, cleanliness, problem resolution, and whether the final cost matched the quote. The RoofCERT certified roofer register can help verify their claimed experience. For more inspiration, review our case-study gallery to see local projects we've completed.

4. Will you provide a fixed-price, written quotation?

Why it matters: Verbal quotes and vague estimates are red flags for potential scams. Professional roofers provide detailed written quotations specifying exact materials, labour costs, timescales, and payment terms. This document becomes your contract and protection against unexpected charges. Before signing, compare roof-replacement costs first so you know the going rate.

Your quote should itemise everything: tiles or slates (including manufacturer and type), underlayment specifications, fixings to GOV.UK BS 5534 roofing standard, scaffold costs, waste disposal, and VAT. Avoid anyone who adds "subject to change" clauses without clear parameters.

5. What guarantees and insurance-backed warranties do you offer?

Why it matters: Quality roofers stand behind their work with comprehensive guarantees. Industry standard is 10-year workmanship warranties, but these are only valuable if the company remains trading. Insurance-backed guarantees (IBGs) protect you if the contractor ceases trading.

Ask specifically about warranty coverage for materials versus labour, what actions might void the guarantee, and how to make a claim. Request written warranty documentation before work commences—verbal promises are worthless if problems arise.

6. Who will be on site and are they employees or subcontractors?

Why it matters: Knowing who's actually doing the work affects quality control and liability. Some contractors heavily subcontract, making accountability difficult if issues arise. Direct employees typically deliver more consistent standards as they represent the company's reputation daily.

Ask for workers' names, their experience levels, and who supervises the project. If subcontractors are used, verify they're also insured and qualified. Request the project manager's direct contact details for immediate issue resolution.

7. How will you manage health & safety and scaffolding?

Why it matters: Roofing is inherently dangerous work. Professional contractors prioritise safety through proper planning and equipment. They should discuss their health and safety accreditations, such as CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme), and provide site-specific risk assessments.

Scaffolding requires special attention—it must be erected by licensed professionals with proper permits from Birmingham City Council if it encroaches on pavements. Ask about edge protection, debris netting, and daily site security. Professional roofer teams also carry out thorough end-of-day inspections, ensuring your property remains secure overnight.

8. What's the payment schedule?

Why it matters: Which? rogue roofer warnings 2024 highlight that large upfront deposits are a major warning sign. Legitimate contractors typically request modest deposits (10-25%) with staged payments tied to completed milestones.

Never pay cash-only—it offers zero protection and suggests tax evasion. Professional contractors accept bank transfers, cheques, or cards, providing proper invoices for each payment. Be extremely wary of anyone demanding 50%+ upfront or full payment before completion.

Warning Signs of a Rogue Roofer

Protect yourself by recognising these red flags:

• Cash-only payments with no paper trail
• No fixed address or landline number
• Pressure to decide immediately without thinking time
• No written contracts or proper documentation
• Unusually low quotes that seem too good to be true
• Door-to-door cold calling or unsolicited visits
• Claims of "special offers" ending today
• Reluctance to provide insurance or reference details

If you encounter any of these warning signs, walk away. Genuine professionals understand you need time to make informed decisions about your full range of roofing services in Birmingham.

The JDowd Roofing Difference

When you choose JDowd Roofing, you're selecting a company that exceeds every standard on this checklist:

• NFRC and TrustMark accredited for verified quality
• 21 years serving Birmingham with proven local expertise
• £2 million public liability insurance for complete peace of mind
• 10-year insurance-backed guarantees protecting your investment
• 24-hour callback commitment for responsive service
• Checkatrade 5-star rating from satisfied customers
• Fixed-price written quotes with no hidden surprises
• Directly employed, RoofCERT-trained installation teams

Whether you need professional roof repairs or are considering new-roof installation specialists, our NFRC-certified team delivers exceptional results every time.

Download: Your Free 8-Question Roofer Checklist (PDF)

Don't risk forgetting crucial questions during contractor meetings. Download our printable checklist to ensure you cover every essential point. Keep it handy when gathering quotes and comparing contractors—your roof's integrity depends on asking the right questions.

Ready to speak to an experienced roofer who welcomes these questions? Call 0800 594 6504 for your free, no-obligation consultation.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How many quotes should I collect before choosing a roofer? We recommend obtaining at least three written quotes from NFRC-accredited contractors. This gives you a realistic price range and helps identify any outliers. Remember, the cheapest quote often costs more in the long run through poor workmanship or inferior materials.

Is it normal to pay a deposit for roofing work? Yes, deposits between 10-25% are standard practice for material orders and scheduling. However, never pay more than 25% upfront, and ensure you receive a written receipt. Large deposits or cash-only payments are major warning signs of rogue traders.

Does NFRC membership guarantee quality workmanship? NFRC membership indicates a contractor meets strict industry standards and carries proper insurance. Members must comply with codes of practice and undergo regular inspections. While it's not an absolute guarantee, it significantly reduces your risk compared to non-accredited traders.

What happens if my roofer goes bust mid-project? This is why insurance-backed guarantees are essential. With an IBG, another NFRC member will complete the work or you'll receive compensation. Without this protection, you could lose your deposit and face additional costs to finish the project.

---

Need a trusted Birmingham roofer? Call JDowd Roofing on 0800 594 6504 for your free quote today.