Round roofing are a roofing company that has traded in and around Kidderminster for over 50 years.

When it comes to hiring a roofer in Kidderminster, choosing the right professional can mean the difference between decades of reliable protection and costly repairs just a few years down the line. A new roof or even a small repair is a major investment and the best way to protect that investment is by asking the right questions before you hire anyone.

At Round Roofing, we believe every homeowner deserves complete confidence in their roofing contractor. Whether you need a full roof replacement, roof repairs, or a simple inspection, here’s a comprehensive guide to the most important questions to ask your roofer before hiring them, and what answers you should expect.

1. Are You a Licensed and Insured Roofer?

This should always be the first question you ask. A reputable roofer in Kidderminster should hold the correct qualifications and insurance coverage for the work they carry out.

Ask your roofer to provide details of:

• Public liability insurance – This protects you if your property is accidentally damaged during the job.

• Employer’s liability insurance – This ensures workers are covered in case of an accident.

• Trade accreditations or certifications – For example, membership with recognised bodies like the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors).

If a roofer hesitates to provide proof of insurance or licences, that’s a red flag. You want a professional who operates safely, legally, and transparently.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters a great deal when it comes to roofing. While everyone has to start somewhere, a long-established roofer in Kidderminster is more likely to have a proven track record of quality work.

Ask:

• How long have you been trading under your current name?

• Do you have experience with projects similar to mine?

• Can you share examples or case studies of past jobs?

A company with several years of experience, like Round Roofing, will have handled a wide range of roofing materials, property types, and challenges, which means they can deliver reliable, high-quality results.

3. What Type of Roofing Work Do You Specialise In?

Roofing isn’t a one-size-fits-all trade. Some roofers focus on pitched roofs, while others specialise in flat roofs, repairs, or installations of specific materials such as slate or tile.

Ask your roofer:

• Do you specialise in domestic or commercial roofing?

• What materials are you most experienced with?

• Do you handle both repairs and full roof replacements?

For example, at Round Roofing we provide expertise across tiled, felt, slate, and flat roofing systems throughout Kidderminster and surrounding areas, meaning our customers always get a team familiar with the right techniques for their property.

4. Can You Provide References or Examples of Past Work?

A trustworthy roofer will always be proud to show examples of their work or share references from previous clients.

You can request photos of past projects, visit their website’s gallery, or even ask if they have any ongoing projects nearby that you could view.

Reading local reviews on Google, Facebook, or Checkatrade can also give you a good idea of a roofer’s reputation. Consistent five-star reviews mentioning professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail are strong indicators you’re choosing wisely.

5. What Warranties or Guarantees Do You Offer?

A quality roofing company stands behind its work. Always ask about both material warranties and workmanship guarantees.

• Manufacturer’s warranty – Covers the roofing materials themselves (tiles, membranes, etc.) for defects.

• Workmanship warranty – Covers the quality of the roofer’s labour and installation.

At Round Roofing, we offer clear guarantees for every project we complete in Kidderminster. This gives our customers confidence that if any issues arise, they’ll be dealt with quickly and professionally.

6. What Will the Total Cost Include?

Before agreeing to any roofing work, make sure you fully understand the breakdown of costs. A detailed written quotation should include:

• Labour costs

• Material costs

• Scaffolding or waste disposal fees

• VAT (if applicable)

Beware of unusually low quotes, they can sometimes indicate cheap materials or poor-quality workmanship. Always prioritise value and transparency over the lowest possible price.

Round Roofing provides honest, detailed quotes for all projects across Kidderminster, ensuring no hidden costs or last-minute surprises.

7. Will You Provide a Written Contract?

A written contract protects both you and the roofer. It should outline:

• The scope of work

• Timelines for completion

• Payment schedule

• Warranty details

Never rely solely on verbal agreements. Professional roofers in Kidderminster will always provide a written contract that clearly defines expectations and responsibilities.

8. How Long Will the Project Take?

Timelines can vary depending on the size of your roof and weather conditions. However, your roofer should be able to give you a clear estimate for:

• Start and finish dates

• Working hours

• Any potential delays (like material availability or adverse weather)

This helps you plan around the project, especially if scaffolding or temporary roof coverings are required.

9. How Will You Protect My Property During the Work?

Roofing work can be messy, with tiles, nails, and debris involved so ask how your roofer plans to keep your property safe.

Professional contractors will:

• Use protective sheeting or tarps to prevent damage to landscaping or patios.

• Remove waste responsibly, using skips or recycling facilities.

• Keep the site tidy and clean throughout the job.

At Round Roofing, we treat every home in Kidderminster as if it were our own, maintaining high standards of safety and cleanliness throughout the project.

10. Who Will Be Working on My Roof?

Some companies subcontract their work, meaning the people who give you a quote might not be the same ones completing the job.

Always ask:

• Will your own team carry out the work, or will it be subcontracted?

• How experienced are your roofers?

• Who will oversee the project?

When you hire Round Roofing, you get our own trusted local team, fully trained, insured, and committed to high-quality results on every roof we install or repair in Kidderminster.

11. What Payment Options Do You Offer?

Never pay the full amount upfront. Reputable roofers will typically request a small deposit, followed by staged or final payments once the work is completed to your satisfaction.

Avoid cash-only deals and insist on a written invoice or receipt for every payment. Transparency is key in professional roofing services.

12. How Will You Handle Unexpected Issues?

Sometimes, once work begins, hidden problems like rotten timber or damaged underlayment are discovered. Ask your roofer how they’ll handle such surprises.

A reliable company will:

• Inform you immediately

• Provide updated quotes before carrying out additional work

• Offer photos or evidence of the issue

This shows honesty and keeps you in control of the project’s budget.

13. Do You Use Local Suppliers or Products?

Hiring a local Kidderminster roofer often means they source materials from trusted regional suppliers. This not only supports the local economy but also ensures you get materials suited to local weather conditions.

At Round Roofing, we use quality materials that withstand the Midlands’ wet winters and unpredictable weather,, offering lasting protection for your home.

14. Can You Help With Planning Permission or Building Regulations?

In most cases, roof repairs and replacements don’t need planning permission. However, some properties, especially listed buildings or homes in conservation areas might require approval.

An experienced roofer should be familiar with these requirements and guide you through the process if needed.

15. Why Should I Choose You Over Another Roofer?

This is perhaps the most revealing question you can ask. A great roofing company should have a clear answer,, one that reflects their values, quality of service, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

At Round Roofing, we take pride in being Kidderminster’s trusted local roofing experts, offering:

• Decades of combined experience

• Transparent pricing and communication

• Premium materials and skilled craftsmanship

• Reliable guarantees on all work

We don’t just fix roofs, we build lasting relationships with our customers.