Does a Roofer Have To Have a License in the UK?
When choosing a roofer for your building project it may be of interest that a contractor can perform building and construction works, including roofing, on your property without an official license.It is perfectly legal for a company to charge for works regardless of their experience or background. This means you have to be particularly vigilant in this country when choosing a roofing contractor.
We hear terrible stories all the time from our customers about the bad experiences they have had from cowboy roofers. We often have to rescue roofs that have had an inadequate job, and the homeowner has had to get it looked at again because the roof is not watertight.
However, some homeowners are looking to get a highly skilled job, done at a rock bottom price. This means they will employ the contractor that gives them the cheapest quote.
And who are those contractors?
Well they are the companies that are not members of the NFRC, they are not VAT registered and they probably employ unskilled workers on cash in hand rates. This is how they are doing the job cheaper than a reputable company.
But people will always be seduced by a lowball price.
I’m afraid in the construction industry, you definitely get what you pay for. If you want a high quality, professional service from experienced roofing contractors who use high quality materials, then please expect to pay a fair price. If a company in this industry is not VAT registered, then you have to question why?
There are either doing a very low volume of work annually, or they are a brand new company.
Either option, do you want to trust these people with your roof?
What Does a roofer recognised by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors give you?
The NFRC is a nationally recognised roofing trade organisation who actively ensures that all members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice and vetting procedure, including site inspections and adhering to the Government endorsed standards. The Federation also offers training services, technical advice, and represents member interests to the wider construction industry and Government.
Because of this a homeowner can be confident that a roofing contractor is financially sound, has a proven track record and is insured should anything go wrong.
Our advice is to choose roofers with experience, integrity and a industry recognised trademark like the NFRC.
