What is the sensible way to go about instructing a roofer etc?

[Flossam]

We have a written quotation with the 'total cost' written. However there is no mention of any VAT, youngish chap so might be not applicable to plan to question that. It is a fairly big ish job (for us not for him) and obviously we want to do our best to avoid being ripped off. So before I confirm we want him to do the work, what would you reccomend to try and stop this happening, if anything? TIA if anyone can be arsed with such a boring topic!!!!

I personally wouldn't accept a quotation with just the total amount on it. I like to see everything itemised, like the cost of materials, confirmation of clearing old tiles after job finished, labour costs, estimate of time it will take and VAT status. I'm quite anal about these sort of things

Hmm. Conformation of time it takes would certainly be a good plan. I will ask to get that in writing then. The quote does say they will tidy and he was the only roofer to put the ladder back for me!

You need it broken down so you know how much is labour, materials, hire of scaffolding etc and a Scope of Works to confirm that he has understood what needs doing, has quoted accordingly, and what order he plans to do it in.

There is a seven point list of what he plans to do but no indepth costing. TBH we have had a lot of quotes (about 6/7) and none have done this, even the (very much more) expensive one.

and please check how he is going to work safely on the roof....so many people are still getting killed & injured......

Stand in the garden and shout!

Urrgh. Recently ripped off by roofer.

Try to use someone who has been personally recommended if at all possible.

Get a more detailed quote, agree. Do you know what sort of flashing he's going to use? Something I wish I'd been more specific about.

Check what the guarantee is and if it's an insurance-backed guarantee (ie you're still compensated if he goes out of business).

Don't be at all afraid of appearing anal. There are a whole load of slapdash tradesmen out there.

Smaller firms don't have to be vat registered and don't have to charge vat.
Definitely get more than one quote and make sure they detail what type and style of flashing they will be using. What type of ventillation. And exactly what type of materials from the "paper" to the tiles. Make sure that any shafts coming up through your roof or any skylights and any future ones you intend to put in while doing the roof are all included in price. Make sure that debris removal is included in the price. And ask how long they intend to take and how the payments are going to be expected. Make sure all of this is in writing. And make sure you check references for previous jobs.

I would be tempted to ask if you could visit and look at previous work. If they are 'good', they will not have a problem with it.