Here are our top tips for avoiding rogue traders, making sure your work is completed to the highest standard and ensuring it complies with building regulations requirements.
Did you know?
If you are replacing the roof tiles on your property or renewing the existing ceiling, then it’s considered reasonable to insulate the existing loft space to provide 250mm mineral fibre or cellulose fibre, laid between and across the existing ceiling joists.
And if you carry out repairs to your existing roof, increase the load on it by replacing your slates with heavier tiles or making an opening for rooflights, you will need to make a building regulations application.
You will also need an application if you’re renovating 50% or more of the roof because it is a ‘thermal element’.
This means even if you replace the slates or tiles with the same material, for example, because the roof has no underfelt or has rotten nails, you need to submit an application to building control, and you’ll need to insulate the roof to current standards.
Other circumstances where you may need building control approval are:
- If you’re changing the roof covering to something that performs less well than your current covering (even if it affects less than 50% of the roof area).
- If the boards or decking need to be replaced when you’re replacing felt covering on an existing flat roof as a repair – you’ll also need to insulate the flat roof.
How do I choose a professional roofing contractor?
When looking for a contractor, consider the following points:
- Select up to three roofing contractorsto look at the job. If possible, obtain recommendations from family, friends, neighbours or a reputable trade association.
- Ask (and check) whether they are part of a trade body or a Competent Persons Scheme.
- Ask whether they can self-certify or will need to apply for building regulations approval. Check whether they will do this or are expecting you to, as compliance is ultimately your responsibility.
- Find out whether they hold appropriate insurance.
- 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.
- Ask for a guarantee on new or refurbishment work. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) recommends purchasing an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG), which is an additional backup, but is independent of, the contractor’s own guarantee. Remember that even the best contractors can go out of business, after which 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—except possibly for small emergency repairs.
- Bear in mind that ‘estimates’ for refurbishment work can change once the chosen contractor has removed the main covering (e.g. tiles/ slates or flat roof coverings) to expose the sub-structure underneath.
- Agree payment terms before the work commences. Be careful when making upfront payments- ensure you know what you are getting for any upfront payment. It may be difficult to get monies back. Contractors offering cash / VAT-free deals are not easily tracked down if things go wrong.
- Don’t expect to obtain free advice from contractors unless you have a genuine intention to assign the contract to them.
- Remember that a property owner is responsible for any planning permission, listed building consent, or building regulation approvals that may be required on that property.
It can be difficult to know where to start in an industry plagued by rogue traders and those intentionally working outside of the regulated system. It is a good idea to choose a contractor approved by a professional body such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. You can use their approved contractor directory to find a roofing contractor in your area.
NFRC operates a Competent Person Scheme for Registered Contractors.
By joining the Competent Person Scheme, professional roofing contractors can self-certify their roof refurbishment work, so may not need to apply for building regulations approval, depending on the scope of the work.
How do I find an NFRC Competent Person Scheme registered contractor?
Use the NFRC Competent Person Scheme Find A Contractor function to locate a CPS-registered contractor in your area.
If you choose to use an NFRC contractor, before signing anything, you should check that their sales contract provides written confirmation that all work performed will be in accordance with the NFRC CPS scheme requirements, including:
- 14-day cooling-off period
- 10-year workmanship guarantee
- Where appropriate, the works will be registered through the NFRC Competent Person Scheme so that a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate can be issued along with a ten-year Insurance Backed Guarantee if required.
NFRC CPS Registered Contractors are rigorously vetted as part of the application process and subsequently inspected every year to ensure continued compliance with building safety regulation. They must pass a probity check, ensuring their business is financially stable. In addition, all relevant work is backed by a 10-year Insurance-Backed Guarantee, protecting your work even if your contractor ceases trading.
Worried about your existing roof refurbishment work?
Perhaps you have already had roof refurbishment work completed, and you’re unhappy with the quality of work or are unsure if it is compliant. Initially, you should try to get in touch with your contractor. It is advisable to contact your Local Authority Building Control department, which can check to see if the works have been registered by a member of a Competent Persons Scheme and signed off as compliant or whether Building Control approval was granted. If your contractor is unable to assist and they were an NFRC member, contact the NFRC CPS Support team at admin@nfrccps.com for further advice. Alternatively, you may need to seek further advice from Citizens Advice or file a complaint with Trading Standards.
The NHIC wishes to thank WG2 | Consumer Voice members for contributing to this guide.
Please note that this guidance document produced by the NHIC was correct when created. However, information and regulations may have changed since its publication. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek the most up-to-date information and expert advice before deciding to improve your home.
