Roofing scams are unfortunately common. From doorstep cold-callers claiming to have spotted problems with your roof to online operators who take a deposit and disappear, the building trade has more than its share of bad actors. And because most homeowners only need a roofer once or twice in a decade, it can be hard to know what good looks like.

This guide sets out exactly what to look for — and what to avoid — when you need roofing work done in Southampton or the wider Hampshire area.

Start With Personal Recommendations

The most reliable starting point is always word of mouth. Ask neighbours, friends, or family in the local area if they've had roofing work done recently and who they'd recommend. A personal recommendation from someone whose judgement you trust is worth more than any number of online reviews, because you can ask specific questions: Did they turn up when they said they would? Was the quote accurate? Did they clean up properly? Would you use them again?

If you live in a terrace or semi-detached property, there's a practical bonus: you can often see the work your neighbour has had done. If the ridge line looks neat, the flashing is properly finished, and there's no visible mortar splatter down the tiles, that's a good sign.

Check Verified Review Platforms

Once you have one or two names, or if you don't have personal recommendations, look them up on verified trade platforms. The two most useful for local roofing work in Hampshire are:

  • Checkatrade — requires identity verification and insurance checks before a trader can join. Reviews are verified, meaning only genuine customers can leave them. A trader with 30+ reviews averaging 9.5 or above is usually reliable.
  • MyBuilder — uses a job-posting model where tradespeople apply for your work and are reviewed by homeowners. Reviews are tied to specific jobs, so you can see what type of work was done.

Google reviews are also useful, but they're less controlled. Be cautious of a business with a large number of very short, generic reviews — this can sometimes indicate purchased reviews. Instead, look for detailed reviews that describe the specific job, the tradespeople involved, and real outcomes.

Always Ask for Proof of Insurance

Public liability insurance is non-negotiable. If a roofer damages your property, your neighbour's property, or causes injury while working on your home, their insurance covers the cost. Without it, you could face a costly legal dispute, or simply be left out of pocket.

Don't just take a roofer's word that they're insured — ask to see the certificate. A reputable roofer will have no hesitation providing it. The minimum you should look for is £1 million public liability cover; most established companies carry £2 million or more.

Employer's liability insurance is also required by law if the roofer employs any workers. If they're operating as a one-person business with no employees, public liability alone may be sufficient — but ask the question.

Get at Least Two or Three Written Quotes

For any significant roofing job — a full re-roof, a flat roof replacement, or substantial repair work — you should get at least two or three written quotes. A quote should specify:

  • Exactly what work will be carried out
  • The materials to be used (brand and specification, not just "tiles")
  • Whether scaffolding is included
  • How waste is disposed of
  • The total price, including VAT if applicable
  • The expected timeline for the work
  • What guarantee is provided on the workmanship

A verbal quote is worth very little. Any reputable roofer should be willing to provide a written, itemised quote at no cost following a site visit. If they're reluctant to put it in writing, walk away.

Understand What a Guarantee Actually Means

Many roofers offer guarantees, but it's worth understanding what those guarantees cover. A manufacturer's guarantee on the tiles or membrane is different from a workmanship guarantee on the installation. If a tile slips because it wasn't battened correctly, that's a workmanship issue — the tile manufacturer's warranty doesn't cover it.

Look for a roofer who offers a workmanship guarantee of at least five years. CMW Repairs backs every job with a 15-year workmanship guarantee, which puts us in the top tier for the area. Read our detailed guide to what a 15-year roof guarantee actually covers.

Red Flags to Walk Away From

These are the warning signs that should prompt you to say no and move on:

  • Cold-calling at your door claiming to have spotted a problem with your roof while passing. This is one of the most common roofing scams. A genuine problem may exist, but get an independent inspection from a roofer you've chosen, not one who turned up uninvited.
  • Requests for a large cash deposit upfront. A 10–25% deposit for materials on a large job is reasonable. Asking for 50% or more upfront before any work begins is a red flag.
  • No fixed address or company registration. Check Companies House if you're in doubt. A legitimately registered company is easier to pursue if something goes wrong.
  • Pressure to sign immediately or the price will go up. Reputable tradespeople don't use high-pressure sales tactics. A genuine quote is valid for a reasonable period without pressure.
  • Unwillingness to provide a written contract or specification. If they won't write it down, don't hand over any money.
  • No scaffolding planned for a re-roof or significant height work. Working at height without scaffolding is dangerous and in many cases unlawful. Any reputable roofer will include proper access equipment in their plan and their quote.

Why CMW Repairs Ltd Ticks Every Box

CMW Repairs Ltd is a Southampton-based roofing and renovation company covering the whole of Hampshire. We're listed on Checkatrade and MyBuilder with verified five-star reviews, we carry full public liability insurance, and we provide written, itemised quotes for every job. Every roof we install or repair comes with a 15-year workmanship guarantee — in writing, not just verbally.

We don't cold-call. We don't pressure anyone. We turn up when we say we will, we complete the work to specification, and we don't leave until the site is clean and you're happy with what's been done.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and find out why so many Southampton homeowners come back to CMW Repairs for every roofing job.