TL;DR: Always get 3 written quotes. Verify VAT registration at revenue.ie. Ask for public liability insurance proof. Never pay more than 25% upfront. Get a written workmanship guarantee. Avoid cold callers. Use the checklist below before signing anything.
The 10 Tips
10 Things to Check Before Hiring a Roofer in Ireland
1
Always Get 3 Written Quotes
Price variation for identical roofing work in Ireland can be 25–35%. Three comparable written quotes give you a reliable market rate and negotiating leverage. Quotes should specify the same material grade, include scaffolding and VAT, and cover the same scope of work. A quote that is significantly lower than the other two should be examined carefully — it may be excluding key items or planning to use inferior materials.
2
Verify VAT Registration at Revenue.ie
All legitimate roofing contractors in Ireland who turnover more than €37,500 per year in services must be VAT-registered. You can verify any contractor's VAT number at revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-registration/check-a-vat-number.aspx. A roofer who cannot provide a VAT number — or who offers to do the job cheaper "for cash" — is a significant risk. No VAT registration means no formal paper trail, no proper insurance in most cases, and very limited recourse if something goes wrong.
3
Ask for Proof of Public Liability Insurance
Any roofer working on your home should carry public liability insurance of at least €2.6 million — the standard minimum in the Irish construction industry. Ask for a current certificate of insurance before work begins. If a roofer is injured on your property and is not insured, you as the homeowner could be liable. This step is non-negotiable regardless of how highly recommended the contractor is.
4
Check Reviews — Google, Trustpilot and Neighbours
Google Business reviews and Trustpilot provide the most reliable independent feedback on Irish contractors. Look for a pattern across multiple reviews rather than relying on one or two. Pay particular attention to how the contractor responds to negative reviews — professionally handled complaints are actually a positive indicator. The most powerful reference is a neighbour who has used them in the last 2 years — ask to see the completed work directly if possible.
5
Never Pay More Than 25% Upfront
The standard payment structure for Irish roofing projects is: 25% deposit on contract signing, a second payment when materials are delivered to site, and the balance on satisfactory completion. Never pay 50% or more before work begins. Full upfront payment is a serious red flag. If a contractor claims they need large upfront payment to purchase materials, ask them to provide receipts for material purchases before releasing any further funds.
6
Get a Written Workmanship Guarantee
Reputable Irish roofers provide a written workmanship guarantee of 5–10 years. This is separate from the manufacturer's product warranty on tiles or slate (which covers material defects only). The workmanship guarantee covers installation errors — which is where most roofing failures actually originate. Get this in writing before work begins, confirm what it covers, and keep a copy safely. A contractor who refuses to provide a written guarantee should not be hired.
7
Ask About Material Specification in Detail
For slate roofs, always ask: is this Irish, Spanish or synthetic slate? From which quarry or manufacturer? What is the thickness and water absorption rating? For tile roofs: what brand and grade? Cheap imported concrete tiles with poor freeze-thaw ratings degrade quickly in the Irish climate. A contractor who cannot or will not specify the exact product they plan to use should be treated with caution — materials specification is where corners are most frequently cut on price.
8
Confirm Scaffolding Compliance
Scaffolding for residential roofing in Ireland must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations. Ladders propped against gutters are not compliant for full roof replacement work. Ask your roofer specifically whether scaffolding is included in their quote and confirm it meets current H&S requirements. If a roofer proposes to work from a ladder only on a full roof replacement, this is a regulatory compliance issue and a signal of a less professional operation.
9
Get Everything in Writing Before Work Begins
A verbal agreement is not enforceable in the same way a written contract is in Ireland. Before any work begins, you should have in writing: scope of work, exact materials to be used, start and completion dates, payment schedule, what happens if structural damage is found, workmanship guarantee, and how disputes are resolved. This does not need to be a legal document — a detailed written quote accepted in writing by both parties is legally binding in Ireland.
10
For SEAI Grant Work — Verify SEAI Registration
If you plan to claim SEAI Better Energy Homes grants for insulation alongside your reroofing project, the contractor must be registered on the SEAI contractor database. You can check at seai.ie. Work must not begin before SEAI approves your application — grants cannot be claimed retrospectively for work already completed. This step is essential to protect your grant entitlement and should be completed before signing any contract with your roofer.
Warning Signs
Red Flags — When to Walk Away
These warning signs suggest a roofing contractor is either operating below professional standards or — in the worst cases — may be fraudulent. If you encounter any of these, seek another contractor.
Cold caller at your door
Unsolicited door-to-door roofers claiming they spotted damage are the most common roofing scam in Ireland. Never hire a cold caller for roofing work.
Demands more than 25% upfront
Legitimate contractors don't need large deposits. Requests for 50–100% upfront is the primary mechanism of advance fee fraud in Irish roofing.
Cannot provide a VAT number
No VAT number means no proper paper trail, likely inadequate insurance, and severely limited recourse if the work fails or is never completed.
Quote only available verbally
Any roofer who refuses to provide a written quote is creating a situation where they can add costs after the fact. Always insist on written quotes.
No fixed business address
A legitimate roofing business in Ireland will have a traceable address. Mobile-only contractors with no fixed address are very difficult to pursue if problems arise.
Pressures you to decide immediately
"We have materials left over from a nearby job" or "this offer is today only" are high-pressure sales tactics. Reputable roofers are comfortable with you getting other quotes.
Before You Sign
10 Questions to Ask Every Roofer Before Signing
Are you VAT-registered and can you provide your VAT number?
Verifiable at revenue.ie — confirms legitimacy and proper tax compliance.
Do you carry public liability insurance and can I see a current certificate?
Minimum €2.6m cover is standard. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured.
What exact material will you use — brand, grade and origin?
Prevents substitution of inferior materials after you've agreed on price.
Is scaffolding included in this quote and does it comply with current H&S regulations?
Scaffolding is often excluded from low quotes to make them appear competitive.
What is included in disposal — is skip hire covered?
Old roof materials must be disposed of legally. Confirm this is included.
What happens if structural damage is found when the roof is stripped back?
Establishes the process — and price basis — for unexpected structural repairs.
What is your workmanship guarantee — is it in writing?
5–10 years is standard. Written guarantees are enforceable; verbal ones are not.
What is your payment schedule?
Confirms the contractor follows standard practice — deposit, materials delivery, completion.
Can you provide references from recent local jobs?
Willingness to provide verifiable local references is a strong indicator of legitimacy.
Are you SEAI-registered? (if insulation is included)
Mandatory if you plan to claim SEAI Better Energy Homes grants for insulation.
Know the Market Rate Before You Ask for Quotes
Use our free calculator to get a county-specific estimate — so you know if any quote is fair.
Printable Tool
Quote Comparison Checklist — Ireland 2026
Use this checklist when comparing written quotes from Irish roofing contractors. Print it out and check each item for every quote you receive.
📋 Roofing Quote Comparison Checklist
Check each item across all 3 quotes before making your decision.
✅ Contractor Credentials
VAT registration number provided and verified at revenue.ie
Public liability insurance certificate (min. €2.6m) provided
Fixed business address confirmed (not just a mobile number)
Google / Trustpilot reviews checked
Local references provided and contacted
✅ Quote Contents
Materials specified by brand, grade and origin
Scaffolding included (or separately quoted)
Strip and disposal of existing roof included
New felt / breathable membrane included
Ridge, flashings and vents included
VAT at 13.5% shown as separate line item
Start date and estimated completion timeline stated
✅ Terms & Guarantees
Payment schedule confirmed (max 25% upfront)
Written workmanship guarantee offered (5–10 years)
Process for structural repairs agreed in writing
Dispute resolution process stated
FAQs
Finding a Roofer in Ireland — FAQs
The most reliable ways to find a good roofer in Ireland are personal referrals from neighbours who have had recent work done, checking Google and Trustpilot reviews, and verifying the contractor is VAT-registered. For insulation-related work, the SEAI registered contractor database at seai.ie is a reliable source of vetted tradespeople. However, always get a minimum of 3 written quotes and never pay more than 25% upfront regardless of how recommended a contractor appears.
A comprehensive roofing quote in Ireland should clearly specify the material by brand and grade, the full scope of work including strip, disposal, scaffolding, new underlay, battens, ridges and flashings, a project timeline, the payment schedule, a workmanship guarantee and VAT at 13.5% as a separate line item. However, many quotes from smaller contractors omit scaffolding or show prices excluding VAT — always ask for written clarification on both before comparing competing quotes side by side.
The standard upfront deposit for a roofing project in Ireland is 25% of the total quoted price. A second payment is typically made when materials are delivered to site, with the balance paid on satisfactory completion of the work. Any contractor requesting 50% or more before work begins should be treated with caution, as this is the most common structure used in advance fee fraud in the Irish roofing industry. However, small additional material deposits for specialist or imported materials may occasionally be justified — always ask for a receipt.
Ireland does not have a mandatory licensing body specifically for roofers, which means anyone can legally offer roofing services regardless of experience or qualifications. The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA) have voluntary membership schemes, and SEAI maintains a register of approved contractors for energy-related work. However, VAT registration, public liability insurance and a verified track record of local work remain the most reliable indicators of a legitimate and competent roofing contractor in Ireland.