Roof work is expensive, and it’s hard to inspect once it’s finished. Most of it happens above head height. That makes it hard for a homeowner to judge the quality on their own. Since a rogue trader can exploit that difficulty, roofing is one of the trades they target most often. That’s exactly why the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) publishes clear guidance. It sets out what to check before you hand anyone a deposit.
This post works through that guidance as a practical checklist. In particular, we cover the red flags that should make you pause before signing anything.
Why This Matters More for Roofing Than Most Trades
You can’t easily climb up and check a finished roof yourself. That means you’re relying almost entirely on trust. That trust covers the materials used and the workmanship under the visible covering. It also covers whether the job actually meets the standard quoted. Storm damage and emergency leaks add extra pressure to decide quickly. Rogue traders exploit exactly that pressure. They turn up uninvited after bad weather and offer an urgent “special price.” Then they push for cash up front.
As a result, a small amount of checking before work starts pays off. It’s worth far more in roofing than in almost any other home improvement trade.
The Checklist: What to Verify Before You Book Anyone
1. Trade association membership — verified, not just claimed
Anyone can put a logo on their van or website. The FMB recommends verifying membership directly with the trade body. Don’t just take a logo at face value. That’s because the FMB inspects members’ work and checks their credit and insurance before accepting them. The FMB monitors their work throughout their membership too.
2. Proof of insurance
Always ask for evidence of active public liability insurance before work starts. This protects you if something goes wrong. That could be a slipped tile causing damage, or an accident involving a passer-by. However, a legitimate contractor will have no hesitation producing it.
3. Recent, relevant experience
Ask for examples of similar jobs completed recently. Where possible, speak to a previous customer directly, rather than relying solely on website reviews. This matters because online reviews can be faked. Comparison sites aren’t regulated either, as the FMB has pointed out. So a personal reference carries more weight than a five-star rating alone.
4. Three like-for-like written quotes
Comparing three itemised written quotes side by side makes it much easier to spot what’s included. It also shows what’s quietly excluded from each one. The cheapest quote isn’t automatically the best value. For example, it might be missing scaffolding, waste disposal, or a proper specification of materials.
5. A written contract before anything starts
A proper written contract should set out the scope of work, the price, and the payment schedule. It should also cover start and completion dates, and how you’ll price any changes to the job. Verbal agreements leave both sides exposed if a dispute arises later.
6. Clear guarantees
Ask what guarantee applies to both materials and workmanship, and for how long. On approved roofing systems, manufacturer-backed guarantees are available. These often run well beyond the standard one or two years. It’s worth asking about these specifically, since not every contractor offers them.
Red Flags of a Rogue or Cowboy Trader
The FMB’s guidance also flags specific behaviours that should make you stop and reconsider. These include a trader who:
- Won’t provide a detailed, itemised written quote
- Refuses to use a written contract
- Asks for an unusually large payment upfront, before any work has started
- Suggests paying cash specifically to avoid VAT
- Pressures you into a decision on the spot, particularly after cold-calling or doorstepping
- Quotes a price dramatically below every other quote you’ve received, with no clear explanation why
- Turns up uninvited after a storm offering to “fix” damage they claim to have spotted from the street
Any one of these on its own is worth a second thought. More than one together is a clear signal to walk away. Still, that’s true no matter how urgent the repair feels.
What “FMB-Registered” Actually Means
It’s worth being specific about what membership involves, since the term gets used loosely. The FMB vets its members before they join. It inspects completed work and checks their credit history and insurance.
That vetting continues throughout their membership — it’s not a one-off box-tick. As a result, choosing an FMB member lowers the risk of substandard work. That ongoing accountability is the main reason why. It never entirely eliminates the risk, though.
Tecta Roofing is FMB-registered. We also hold CSCS and Asbestos Aware accreditation, plus manufacturer-approved installer status on the systems we fit. Specifically, these are the same checks this guide recommends you verify with any contractor, on us included.
Getting Quotes Without the Pressure
A sensible process looks something like this. Get a written, itemised quote from at least two or three contractors. Check trade body membership directly, rather than trusting a logo.
Ask a couple of straightforward questions about insurance and guarantees. Then take a day or two to compare before committing. Legitimate roofers expect this process and won’t push back on it. Be cautious of the ones who object to a fair comparison.
FAQ
Is it worth paying more for an FMB-registered roofer? Generally, yes. The vetting and ongoing accountability reduce the risk of poor workmanship or a contractor disappearing mid-job. It’s still worth checking references and guarantees on top of membership alone, though.
What should I do if I think I’ve already used a rogue trader? Keep all paperwork and photograph the work. Then raise it with your local Trading Standards service, which handles complaints about poor or fraudulent trading practices.
Do I need more than one quote for a small repair? For minor, low-cost repairs, it’s less critical. But for bigger jobs — scaffolding, a large area of roof, or a guarantee-backed system — get two or three quotes. It’s worth the extra day it takes.
We’re based in Orpington and cover Bickley, Chislehurst and the surrounding area. Our roof repairs team is happy to show you our FMB, CSCS and Asbestos Aware credentials. We do that before any work starts. Get a free quote to see how we compare.
