Appointing the wrong roofing contractor on a commercial scheme costs you three things: programme, build cost, and reputation. The right one protects all three. Here's what should be on every developer's, main contractor's and consultant's checklist before signing.
Accreditations are the entry ticket
SMAS Worksafe (SSIP-recognised), NFRC membership and CORC membership. These aren't badges. They're a signal that the contractor has been independently audited on health & safety, financial standing and workmanship.
Directly employed teams beat labour-only
Ask the question directly: is the team on the roof employed by the contractor, or sub-contracted? Employed teams mean retained skills, predictable quality and a single chain of accountability — which matters when something goes wrong at 4pm on a wet Friday.
Manufacturer approvals matter
Topseal Approved, RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Approved, VELUX Approved — these unlock the manufacturer-backed system guarantees that protect your client for 20+ years. A contractor without them is asking you to take warranty risk on your books.
Detailed quoting is non-negotiable
A serious commercial quote shows you take-off from drawings or BoQ, itemised materials, scaffold, plant, labour and disposal, plus clear options for value engineering. If you can't reconcile their number to your cost plan, walk.