Shoddy roofers cost UK consumers a staggering £1.4 billion annually, as per the latest findings
Protecting Yourself from Rogue Roofers: A Guide for UK Homeowners
The home improvement sector in the UK is facing a growing challenge of fraudulent and substandard work, with roofing becoming a particularly high-risk trade for homeowners. According to Checkatrade's latest UK Home Improvement Index report, one in ten consumers who hired home improvement services in 2024 experienced financial losses or poor-quality work, with roofing services being a significant concern.
In response to this growing issue, Checkatrade has intensified its vetting process, introducing stricter criteria such as proof of at least six months of incorporation and trading history. In 2024, 2,365 roofers were declined from Checkatrade's platform, nearly double the 1,219 rejected the previous year. The company has also launched a full re-vetting initiative, with a strong focus on higher-risk categories such as roofing.
David Richards, a property expert with over 36 years of experience, has warned about the increasing prevalence of roofing scams, particularly in areas hit by storms. He emphasises the need for greater transparency and accountability in the trade sector, particularly in roofing, due to the rising consumer demand for home improvements.
Jambu Palaniappan, CEO of Checkatrade, commented on the findings, stating that roofing has become a high-risk trade for homeowners. He advises homeowners to remain vigilant and prioritise working with verified professionals.
One homeowner, Jane Matthews from Birmingham, shared her experience of falling victim to a rogue roofer who disappeared after a few days, leaving behind damage and financial loss.
To avoid falling victim to rogue roofers, Checkatrade advises homeowners to follow these key steps:
- Hire licensed, insured, and experienced roofing contractors. Check their credentials carefully before agreeing to any work to avoid unqualified or fraudulent tradespeople.
- Verify that the roofer is registered with a Competent Person Scheme (CPS). This allows qualified installers to self-certify compliance with Building Regulations. Use the official Competent Person Register or relevant online portals to find and confirm verified professionals.
- Confirm that the work complies with Building Regulations. Such as Part L for insulation and energy efficiency, and ensure that Building Control is notified either by the homeowner or a professional overseeing the work. Obtaining a compliance certificate at the time of work prevents costly retrospective approvals and issues during property sales.
- Request detailed, written contracts including scope, timelines, and guarantees. Keep all communications in writing (preferably email) to maintain official records in case of disputes.
- Get multiple quotes, research companies thoroughly, and check references and reputations. Do not choose solely based on the lowest price, but consider the quality of materials, safety measures, and warranties offered.
- Understand your homeowner’s insurance policy and whether roof repairs may be covered, which can guide how you proceed with hiring and claims if damage is involved.
- If issues arise with the roofing work, start by communicating clearly with the contractor, set final deadlines for corrections, and escalate through formal complaint procedures if necessary to claim redress under the Consumer Rights Act for work not done with reasonable care and skill.
By combining these measures, UK homeowners significantly reduce risk and improve the chances of hiring verified, professional roofers compliant with regulations and industry best practices. It is crucial for homeowners to prioritise their safety and the quality of work when hiring roofing contractors.
- In light of the rising concerns about rogue roofers in the UK, it's essential for homeowners to hire only licensed, insured, and experienced roofing contractors to ensure the work is done with reasonable care and skill.
- To verify the legitimacy of a roofer, homeowners should check if they are registered with a Competent Person Scheme (CPS), which allows qualified installers to self-certify compliance with Building Regulations.
- In addition, homeowners should request detailed, written contracts that include the scope, timelines, and guarantees of the work to maintain official records in case of disputes.
- It's also advisable to get multiple quotes, research companies thoroughly, and check references and reputations to make an informed decision about the contractor.
- Homeowners should understand their homeowner’s insurance policy to know if roof repairs may be covered, helping guide decisions related to hiring and claims when damage is involved.
