How do you pick the right roofer

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Think of it as your homes shield to the elements, without it working properly you’ll face leaks, structural damage and safety hazards. To put it bluntly, when your roof doesn’t work - you’ll know about it (in most cases).

Finding the right roofer for the job is imperative to that shield working correctly. So we always recommend getting multiple quotes from multiple roofers. That’s why submitting your job through Localists can really help - because we’ll not only send you 5 free quotes from local roofers, but you’ll be able to see their full profile including work, insurance and more.

If you want the right roofer, heres the things you ought to be looking out for:

• Trade memberships: Membership in recognised associations like the NFRC (the largest roofing trade association in the UK) shows they follow industry standards. Accreditations such as CHAS or an NVQ Level 2 in roofing or similar, is also worth looking out for.

• Insurance: Public liability and employer’s liability insurance protect both your property and their team.

• Proven track record: Check references or reviews to see how they’ve performed for past clients.

• Written estimates and warranties: A professional roofer will provide a clear, written quote and guarantees on their work and materials.

• Proof of qualifications: Always ask for certificates or proof of training - they should be able to show they know what they’re doing.

How much does a new roof cost?

On average cost of a new roof is £7,000 in the UK. The cost per sqm usually falls between £120 - £275 – with the type of roof and materials used (such as slate or clay tiles) largely affecting the price.

The cost of hiring a roofer depends on several factors: the type of roof, its size, the materials used, and the complexity of the work. Labour costs are a significant part of the total, and hourly rates could be anywhere from £25 - £45 per hour. Smaller repairs and partial roofing, like patching, leak fixes, or tile replacement, you can expect to pay £150 - £500. Medium-sized reroofing or partial replacements generally range from £3,000 - £6,000.

Roof types explained:

• Flat roofs: Low-pitched or completely level roofs, often for extensions, garages, or small properties. A 30 - 40m² flat roof typically costs £2,500 - £7,000, depending on materials like felt, rubber, or composite.

• Gable roofs: The classic “triangular” roofs with two sloping sides meeting at a ridge. Common on most homes, covering 60 - 70m², costing £6,500 - £16,000 for a full installation.

• Hip roofs: Like gable roofs but with slopes on all four sides, making them more complex to build. Standard 60 - 70m² hip roofs can cost £8,000 - £18,000 due to additional labour and materials.