You’ve got a leaky roof. Or maybe it’s just time for a full replacement and you are looking for a roofer in Norwich. Whatever your requirements gathering quotes is the first step, but how do you choose the right one?
As with most things, the highest price does not always mean the best quality and the cheapest is usually too good to be true. So, how do you separate the cowboys from the expert roofers?
Ask Yourself: What’s Really in This Quote?
Before you start to compare the quotes you need to understand what you are comparing to see where the right roofer stands out. A proper roofing quote should include:
A detailed breakdown of labour and materials
Information about disposal and clean-up
Start and finish dates
Payment schedule
Warranty information
Insurance and licensing details
Red flag: If a quote is vague or isn’t presented professionally, think twice.
Example: One homeowner in Norfolk received two quotes for the same job, one for £4,200 and another for £4,100. But only the higher quote included scaffolding, skip hire, and a 10-year workmanship guarantee. The lower one didn’t cover waste disposal at all.
Which one is really cheaper?
Are They Transparent with Their Pricing?
Professional roofers are always open about how they price their work and the costs involved upfront.
Look for:
Clear hourly or daily rates
Defined costs per square metre of roofing
Labour vs. material costs separated
Question to ask: “If the job takes longer than expected, will the price change?”
A trustworthy roofer provides a fixed upfront cost no matter how long the job takes.
What’s the Timeline?
Timing matters. A roofer should give you:
An estimated start date
Expected duration of the work
A plan for weather delays
Example: Roofers in Norwich often build in buffer time during winter months. A job that takes 3 days in summer might be quoted as 5 days in January. If your quote doesn’t consider the season, it might not be realistic.
Do They Offer Guarantees And Are They Worth Anything?
Most reputable roofers offer:
Workmanship guarantees (typically 5–10 years)
Manufacturer warranties on materials (often 10–25 years)
But read the fine print. A guarantee is only as good as the business behind it.
Ask:
Is the warranty backed by insurance?
Will it still apply if the company folds?
Is it in writing?
Tip: Look for inclusion in schemes like the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) or TrustMark, which often require insurance-backed guarantees.
Are They Properly Insured?
Don’t take their word for it, ask to see their insurance document:
Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million cover)
Employers’ liability insurance (if they have staff)
Why it matters: If damage occurs to your roof or a worker falls off your roof and they’re not insured, you could be liable.
Look at Previous Work and Online Reviews?
A local roofer that carries out good workmanship at affordable prices will have lots of online reviews and examples of work just like our team at Point Roofing & Guttering:
Check online review platforms such as Google and Trustpilot
Check their website for before and after photos of previous work
Possibly even ask for an addresses you can drive by to take a look
Don’t settle for anonymous online reviews alone.
How Long Have They Been in Business?
Longevity doesn’t guarantee quality, but it’s a good sign that a roofer has experience and has been doing work in the local area for a long time.
Over 5 years in business? Promising.
Still using the same name and contact details? Better.
Can you find them registered on Companies House? Even better.
Red flag: If the roofer’s only trace online is a Facebook page made last month with a small amount of reviews, be careful.
What’s Their Communication Like?
For a lot of customers communication is the most important factor, you have people working at your home and you may not be there yourself so you need to have good communication from the roofer to know how the work is going. From your first interaction, notice:
Do they answer calls or reply to emails promptly?
Do they show up when they say they will?
Do they follow up with written documentation?
Good communication leads to good project management.
Bad signs:
Always rescheduling.
Vague answers to direct questions.
No quote within a few days.
If they’re this disorganised before you hire them, what will they be like once the scaffolding is up?
Are They Too Eager for Cash?
Professional roofers:
Rarely ask for full payment upfront.
Generally request a small deposit (usually 25%).
Offer staged payments as work progresses, although on large scale projects this is more acceptable.
Example: One Norwich homeowner paid £3,000 in advance. The roofer disappeared after one half-day of work. Police were involved but the money was gone.
Rule of thumb: Pay as you go. Never all at once.
How Do Their Quotes Compare?
Lay out your quotes side by side. Make a checklist:
| Criteria | Roofer A | Roofer B | Roofer C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear breakdown of costs | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Insurance proof supplied | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Warranty included | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Start and finish dates given | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Local references provided | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Total cost | £4,800 | £4,500 | £4,200 |
You might find the middle quote offers the best overall value, even if it’s not the cheapest.
Final Checklist Before Saying Yes
Before signing anything:
Have you read the contract carefully?
Are all verbal promises written down?
Is the warranty included and explained?
Have you agreed on a payment schedule?
Do you have a clear start date?
Don’t rush. Take a day or two. The best roofers will still be there. If you would like a quote for roofing works from Point Roofing & Guttering then please contact our team.
