The importance of choosing the right roofing contractor with the correct skill set, reliability and cost effectiveness, can seem a somewhat daunting tasks. Choosing a reputable company that you can trust is a good starting point and research to obtain this is invaluable.
Inevitably, you’ll want good value for money from a roofing company, but a cheap quote alone shouldn’t be the determining factor. The important thing is the quality of workmanship and materials used, because a cheap job done badly using shoddy materials will prove a false economy in the long run.
When choosing a roofing contractor you should consider your choice very carefully and you are advised to check them out before employing them. If you employ a good reputable roofing contractor in terms of price, reliability and workmanship, the potential for problems will be greatly reduced.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, of which we here at All Seasons are proud to be a member, offers the following advice:-
- Select up to three contractors to look at the job.
- Ask each of them to give advice on which materials they would suggest using.
- Invite quotes from each contractor but do not automatically take the cheapest option. Base your choice on the quality of the advice given and your confidence in the contractor. Also, if in doubt, consult your local NFRC Regional Manager.
- Ask for a guarantee on new or refurbishment work. NFRC offers guarantee schemes which back up, but are independent of, the contractor’s own guarantee. Remember that even the best contractors can go out of business whereupon their own guarantees become worthless, so make sure you will be covered.
- Ensure that the quote or estimate selected is given to you in writing.
- Bear in mind that ‘estimates’ for refurbishment work can change once the chosen contractor has removed the main covering to expose the sub-structure underneath.
- Agree payment terms before the work commences. Be careful on upfront payments ensure you know what you are getting for any upfront payment. It may be difficult to get monies back.
- Don’t expect to obtain free advice from contractors, unless you have a real intention to assign the contract to them.
Remember that a property owner is responsible for any planning permission that may be required on that property. Please be aware that when carrying out refurbishment work to 50% or more of a roof’s area that either a CompetentRoofer (a Competent Person Scheme for roofing) must be employed or your Local Authority Building Control must be contacted prior to work starting. This is in order to confirm that the roof should be upgraded to meet thermal requirements of Part L of the current Building Regulations.
For further information on the importance of choosing the right roofing contractor, please contact us here below:
