How to Choose a Roofer in Salisbury — What to Check Before You Hire

Choosing the wrong roofer is one of the most costly home improvement mistakes a Salisbury homeowner can make. Substandard roofing work is often invisible until it fails — sometimes years later — and cowboy operations frequently leave the area before warranty claims arise. This guide tells you exactly what to check before hiring anyone to work on your roof.

The Essentials: What Every Roofer Should Have

NFRC Membership

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors is the UK's primary trade body for roofing. NFRC members have been vetted for quality standards, carry appropriate insurance, and operate under a code of practice. Membership is not mandatory — there are competent roofers who are not NFRC members — but it provides a baseline assurance and access to a complaints process if things go wrong. Ask for the membership number and verify it on the NFRC website.

Public Liability Insurance

Any roofer working on your property must hold public liability insurance of at least £1 million (£2 million+ is standard for reputable operators). Ask for the certificate — any legitimate roofer will provide it without hesitation. Working with an uninsured roofer leaves you personally liable if a worker is injured on your property or causes damage to neighbouring properties.

A Fixed Business Address

A legitimate roofing business in Salisbury will have a fixed local address — not just a mobile number and a van. Search Companies House for the business name. Check the address exists. A roofer who cannot be located after completion and payment is a significant risk.

The NFRC operates a vetted membership requiring proof of insurance, quality standards and a code of practice — membership can be verified free on the NFRC website before you hire.

— NFRC membership standards

How to Assess a Quote

Always get it in writing

Never accept a verbal quote. A written quote protects you and reflects the professionalism of the business. It should itemise labour, materials, scaffolding and disposal separately. It should specify the material grades being used (tile type, lead code, felt specification). A one-line quote saying "re-roof your house — £6,000" tells you nothing and protects you nothing.

Get at least three quotes

For any job over £1,000. The middle quote is rarely the best or worst — you are assessing value, not just price. Compare what each quote includes. An apparently lower quote that excludes scaffolding, uses lighter lead code or does not include disposal is not cheaper.

Question any quote that is significantly lower than others

Roofing materials have fairly consistent costs. A quote that is 40–50% below two others is either using cheaper materials, cutting scope, or by a business with serious problems. Ask specifically what accounts for the difference.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• How long have you been operating in the Salisbury area?
• Can you provide references from recent local jobs?
• Are you NFRC registered? What is your membership number?
• Can I see your public liability insurance certificate?
• What is the workmanship guarantee period and what does it cover?
• Is scaffolding included in this quote?
• What material specification are you using? (tile type, lead code, felt grade)
• What is the payment schedule? (Never pay more than 25% upfront)
• Who will carry out the work — your own employees or subcontractors?

Checking Reviews

Google Reviews are the most reliable source for local tradespeople in Salisbury. Look for: a consistent pattern of detailed reviews mentioning specific job types and local areas (not generic "great service"), a response pattern from the business, reviews spanning multiple years (not a sudden cluster), and a balance of different job types. A roofer with 4.8 stars across 80+ reviews spanning three years is a fundamentally different proposition from one with 5 stars across 6 reviews in the last month.

Last reviewed: 21 July 2026 by Salisbury Roofing Experts