How to choose the right roofer?
Comparing roof quotes can be confusing and can often be hard to compare beans for beans.
Prices can vary widely, and not all quotes include the same details, scope of work, materials, or guarantees.
It’s important to look beyond just the numbers and understand exactly what you’re getting, who you’re engaging, and what to expect during and after the work is done.
We have put this checklist together to help property owners make informed, confident decisions when choosing the roofing company for your project.
We hope that this can help guide you through the process, and ultimately, no matter who you select, find the right company for you.
Company registration and licenses
Does the company have:
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A current and valid ABN
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A current Contractor’s Licence on the Fair Trading Register
All work over $5,000 AUD requires a valid Contractor’s Licence from Fair Trading NSW.
Insurances
Is the company fully insured? For most jobs, this includes:
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Public Liability Insurance – minimum $10 million cover is standard. Protects against damage or injury to property or people.
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Workers Compensation – required if the business employs anyone. Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property.
Note: Because Workers Compensation rates are so high in the industry, this one is most commonly missing.
- Home Building Compensation (HBCF) – required for residential work over $20,000. Must be provided before work starts. It covers you if the builder/roofer cannot complete or fix the work (due to insolvency, death, etc.).
Tip: HBCF certificates are project-specific, so check the job address matches yours.
Safe work
Are they using appropriate safe working methods and height safety equipment?
Depending on the job, this could include scaffolding, roof edge protection, elevated work platforms (machinery), or others.
When comparing quotes, it can be hard to determine what methods and equipment are required, especially if it’s included on one quote but not on another.
Tip: If one quote specifies scaffolding or roof edge protection and the other quote does not, we recommend asking both companies why they have included or excluded these items. Based on their answers, you might gain more insight. Safe Work requirements can also be easily checked yourself here at:
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/working-at-heights
Remediation work:
Is the work being done to remediate or solve a particular issue?
If so, how confident do you feel that the contractor has identified the problem and that their scope will fix it?
Tip: This can be hard to determine if you are not a specialist in the area.
We recommend questioning the contractor and asking them to explain the problem and the proposed solution.
If they cannot explain it to you in a way that you understand, it either means they do not have a proper grasp of it themselves or do not care to take the time to ensure you know what you will be paying for. Either way, it’s probably a red flag.
Materials and specifications:
Has the quote listed the exact materials being used in the job?
Does it include quantities, profiles, material thickness, and any other specifications?
Do the materials have any specific requirements or details, and are those listed on the quote? E.g. Colorbond Ultra for close proximity to salt water etc.
If you have drawings, documents, or engineer specifications, does the quote list those details?
Tip: Do not assume that materials will be the same on each if not specified.
Example:
| Contractor A | Contractor B |
|---|---|
| Supply and install 55mm Anti-condensation insulation blankets | Install roof sheeting, battens, insulation, downpipes |
| Supply and install treated H2 timber battens | |
| Supply and install Colorbond Ultra roof sheets in 0.48 BMT (Base Metal Thickness) in the profile Kliplok | |
| Supply and install 3 x new downpipes in 90mm round Colorbond Ultra fixed to existing gutters and bracketed to wall | |
| Remove and dispose of all materials and rubbish when the job has been completed |
Warranty
Have they clearly stated the warranty they’re providing on the work?
If no warranty can be provided for some reason on the work that has been requested, a good contractor should explain why and provide you with an alternative option they can warranty.
A good contractor should advise and recommend that you go with the option they can guarantee and will be clear and confident about their warranty coverage.
If a contractor provides no warranty details, with no reason and no alternative option, it is a bad sign.
Note: All roof replacements should have a warranty. The majority of repairs should be able to be warrantied.
Under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW), licensed builders must warrant their work for 6 years (structural) and 2 years (non-structural).
Warranty clauses should only occur occasionally when dealing with client budgets or other circumstances that prevent the proper recommended solution.
Contractors should offer the proper recommended solution as the first option.
Tip: In addition to their warranty, it is worth checking that they also have their own internal “call back” or “returning” policy or procedure. Some companies might have different procedures when it comes to warranties and call-backs, and some may be faster to act than others. With some, it could be like pulling teeth.
Tip: Contractors who do work off the books (cash jobs with no contracts), in addition to voiding insurances, you may have no recourse for dishonoured warranties.
Experience and past performance
Have you checked over the past projects of the company to ensure they have the correct skills and experience required to carry out the work?
Are photos, videos, and information about their work publicly available on their website, social media, Google profile, or other online platforms?
Do they have any reviews visible on Google or other platforms?
Would they be happy to connect you with any of their previous clients or give you addresses of jobs to look at in real life?
Obviously, the size of the job may determine how much effort you may want to make on some of these points, but they are all valid ways of verifying previous work.
Communication and transparency
How easy are they to communicate with?
Do they have a publicly advertised phone and email address?
Do they readily answer their phones or emails, and do they have anyone in the office handling communication?
These are important questions because if there are any issues with the work now or in the future, you will need to know you can contact them.
It is also important to look for transparency across the board in your dealings with them.
Do they answer questions to your satisfaction?
Are they open and giving of information, and do they make it easy for you to understand the work, the process, and the procedures both on the job and administratively?
Do they prepare all job information into a detailed and signed job contract?
Note: Jobs over $5,000 must be accompanied by a signed contract.
Are they right for you?
Once you have gone through the above points and compared them, you should ask yourself which one is the right company for you.
We suggest asking yourself this — what is my priority with the work being done?
If the main priority is only price (to the potential exclusion of other factors), then the decision should be quick and easy.
If, however, it is important that the job is done right, that the job solves the problem, that the work will be durable and last for a long time, and that all risks and legal liabilities are accounted for, then it will benefit you to run through all of the above points prior to selecting and engaging with your contractor.
Start with your own values and expectations and find the company that aligns best with those.
Tip: One final tip, stick with your gut! If something doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t.
You don’t need to tolerate being talked down to, lack of courtesy and professionalism, vague or sloppy information and details, being pressured for oversized deposits or any other nonsense that doesn’t add up.
Not all tradesmen are like that.
There are good contractors out there who know their craft and do the right thing – find them!
Good luck!
Best of luck to you navigating the often daunting process of finding the right Contractor. I hope this helps.
If there is anything we can assist with to make it easier, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or my team!
Mitch Diggins
Owner – Sky Dog Roofing
Want a quote you can compare properly? Book an inspection or call 0414 011 888.
