How to choose a roofer in Edinburgh (without getting burned)

To choose a reliable roofer in Edinburgh, check they hold genuine accreditation (NFRC or TrustMark, with a number you can verify), insist on a written quote that itemises access, materials and labour, walk away from anyone demanding cash or a large deposit “today only”, and confirm they understand tenement and conservation-area work and statutory notices. A settled local firm with a fixed address and a real workmanship guarantee is a far safer bet than a mobile number on a magnetic van sign.

Every winter the same thing happens. A storm rolls through, slates come off roofs across the city, and within days the door-knockers appear with the line “we were just working next door and noticed your roof.” Some are fine. Many are not.

After nearly three decades roofing in Edinburgh, here’s how we’d tell a homeowner to separate a proper contractor from a chancer.

The quick checklist

Before you let anyone climb your roof, run through this:

• Accreditation you can verify: an NFRC or TrustMark number, not just a logo on a website.
• A written, itemised quote: access and scaffolding, materials, labour and exclusions all listed.
• No pressure tactics: be wary of cash-only, large up-front deposits or “decide today”.
• Local knowledge: they understand tenements, shared roofs, conservation areas and statutory notices.
• A real guarantee: a fixed address and a firm likely to be around to honour it.
• Proof of insurance: current public liability cover, which a proper contractor will show on request.

Check they’re actually accredited

Membership of the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) or TrustMark isn’t a logo you can buy off a website. It means audited work, vetted finances and a complaints process. Ask for the membership number and look it up.

Get it in writing, properly

A real quote breaks down the work: access and scaffolding, materials, labour, and what’s excluded. A lump sum scrawled on the back of a card is not a quote, it’s a guess. If someone won’t put a specification in writing, that tells you everything. The same goes for any survey: ask for the findings in writing, the way we do with our roof surveys and reports, so you can compare like for like.

Be wary of cash-only and “today only”

Pressure to pay cash, pay a large deposit up front, or “decide today before the price goes up” are the oldest tricks in the trade. A settled firm with a book of work doesn’t need to corner you.

Ask about tenements and statutory notices

Much of Edinburgh is tenement and conservation-area property, where roof repairs are shared between owners and sometimes fall under a statutory notice from the council. A roofer who knows the city will talk you through this without blinking. One who looks blank hasn’t done much work here. If a notice is involved, you want a contractor used to that process; see our statutory notice roofing page for how it works.

Make sure the guarantee is real

Workmanship guarantees are only worth anything if the company will still be around to honour them. A second-generation family firm with a fixed address is a safer bet than a mobile number and a magnetic van sign.

Talk to us

If you’re weighing up roof work in Edinburgh and want a straight answer, book a free no-obligation survey or call us on 0800 234 3243, including our 24-hour line for emergencies. If you’re dealing with storm damage, our guides on what to do about a roof leak and roof insurance claims are worth a read too.