Why Getting This Right Matters
The roofing trade has a higher proportion of unreliable operators than most building trades. Roof work is difficult to inspect, consequences of poor work appear months later, and storm damage creates demand that attracts opportunists. Correct contractor selection is as important as correct specification.
The Non-Negotiable Checks
Verify NFRC Membership
Any contractor claiming NFRC registration should appear on the NFRC website with a current membership number. NFRC membership requires proof of competence, current insurance, and adherence to professional standards. We are NFRC registered — our details are on the register and we provide our membership number on request.
Request Insurance Documentation
Public liability insurance is mandatory for any legitimate contractor. The certificate should name the contractor, confirm cover of at least £2 million (ideally £5 million), and show an expiry date covering your project. A contractor reluctant to provide this is not a contractor you should hire.
Get Everything in Writing
A written quote specifying materials, scope, programme and price is the foundation of any roofing contract. Verbal quotes give you no recourse if the delivered work differs from what was discussed. Our quotes are written, itemised and fixed — we do not present bills that materially exceed the accepted written quote.
Red Flags — Walk Away
- Cold calling — legitimate local roofers do not knock on doors after storms
- Large cash deposits upfront — a deposit for materials on large jobs is legitimate; large upfront cash is not
- Pressure to decide immediately — any contractor requiring an instant decision is managing their own cashflow problem
- No written quote — if they won't put it in writing, ask yourself why
- Price significantly below others — it won't be efficiency; something will be missing
How to Check Reviews Properly
Google reviews require critical reading. Reviews that name a specific job type, a specific street or area, and describe a specific problem and its resolution are more credible than generic praise. Look for contractors with reviews that reference Horsham neighbourhoods like Roffey, Broadbridge Heath or Southwater — not just "great service." Reviews that mention specific issues (nail sickness, chimney flashings, flat roof failure) and what was done to resolve them indicate genuine work, not reputation management.
A contractor with 8 reviews dating back 5 years and 20 new 5-star reviews this month should prompt scrutiny. A steady stream of reviews over time with varied job types is a better signal than a recent surge. Our 127 reviews span multiple years, cover diverse job types and specific Horsham locations, and include reviews that describe the specific problem, the process, and the outcome.
What a Good Survey Looks Like
A legitimate survey involves getting on the roof — not a brief look from the ground with binoculars and an instant quote. We access every slope from scaffolding or a secured roof ladder, inspect tile condition, ridge and hip mortar, flashings, valley liners, and the eaves condition. The survey takes 30–60 minutes. The written quote that follows specifies exactly what materials we're using, why, and what the work involves. An instant quote produced after a 5-minute ground-level inspection is not a survey — it is a guess.
Quotes from Multiple Contractors — What to Compare
When comparing three quotes, you are not simply comparing prices — you are comparing specifications. A quote for concrete interlocking tile is not comparable to one for modern clay tile without knowing the difference in material cost, lifespan and manufacturer guarantee. Check that all three quotes specify the same materials, the same batten specification, the same underlay, and include the same items (scaffold, skip, disposal). Where specifications differ, ask each contractor to re-quote on a common specification so you can compare like for like.
Getting the Work Done in Horsham
All surveys in Horsham are free with no call-out fee. We attend within 3–5 working days for planned surveys and aim to reach emergency call-outs within 2–4 hours. Every job receives a written, itemised, fixed-price quote before any work starts — no verbal estimates and no bills that exceed the accepted written quote.
We are NFRC registered and carry £5 million public liability insurance. All work carries a written 10-year workmanship guarantee backed by a named, verifiable local contractor. Guarantee and insurance documentation is provided on request before any survey visit.
We cover Horsham and the surrounding West Sussex area including Roffey, Broadbridge Heath, Southwater, Billingshurst, Pulborough, Storrington, Henfield, Crawley, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead and Worthing. Call 0140 358 1272 to arrange a free survey.
Last reviewed: July 2026 by Horsham Roofing Experts.