Nine questions to ask before you book a roofer

Checking that a roofer is Hallmarked confirms their identity, insurance, and legal record. It doesn't tell you how they'll handle your specific job. These nine questions do.

• What gauge of mabati are you quoting for, and why that one? A thinner gauge is cheaper upfront and shorter-lived — you want to know which trade-off you're making, not discover it later.
• Am I supplying materials, or are you? Either is normal, but the quote should say which, clearly.
• What's the realistic timeline, including weather delays? Naivasha gets real rain — ask what happens to an unfinished roof if it starts.
• What happens to the old roofing once it's stripped off? Disposal is sometimes a separate cost, not included by default.
• Is there a workmanship warranty, and what does it actually cover? Materials often carry a manufacturer warranty already — the labour warranty is the one worth asking about.
• Do you need scaffolding or ladder access arranged, and who pays for it?
• What deposit do you need upfront, and what's it against?
• Who's liable if something is damaged during the job — a cracked ceiling, a broken gutter?
• Can I see a job you've completed in the last few months?

None of these questions are confrontational — a roofer who's used to doing the job properly will have straightforward answers to all nine without having to think about it.