Key Takeaways
- Always verify the contractor's NSW licence with Fair Trading
- Be wary of door-knockers offering 'special deals' or claiming urgent repairs
- Get multiple written quotes and compare what's included
- Never pay full amount upfront—standard is deposit + balance on completion
- Check Google reviews and ask for proof of insurance
Unfortunately, the roofing industry attracts its share of dodgy operators. From door-knockers claiming your roof is about to collapse, to contractors who take your money and disappear, roofing scams cost Sydney homeowners millions each year.
The good news? Dodgy roofers are usually easy to spot if you know the warning signs. This guide will help you identify untrustworthy contractors and choose a roofer you can actually rely on.
8 Red Flags of a Dodgy Roofer
1. Door-Knocking "Specialists"
They knock on your door claiming they noticed roof damage while "in the area." This is a classic scam tactic to create urgency and pressure you into quick decisions.
2. No Written Quote
They give verbal prices or vague "estimates" instead of detailed written quotes. This leaves you vulnerable to price changes and disputes.
3. Cash Only, No Receipt
They want cash payment with no invoice or receipt. This is a tax dodge and leaves you with no documentation if something goes wrong.
4. Full Payment Upfront
They demand full payment before starting work. Once paid, they may do poor work, disappear entirely, or keep demanding more money.
5. No Licence or Insurance
They can't provide a valid NSW contractor licence number or proof of insurance. This is illegal for work over $5,000 and puts you at serious risk.
6. Pressure to Decide Now
They create false urgency: "This price is only good today" or "Your roof will collapse if we don't fix it immediately." This prevents you from getting other quotes.
7. No Physical Address
They have no verifiable business address—just a mobile number and maybe a PO Box. When problems arise, they're impossible to find.
8. Too Good To Be True Pricing
Their quote is dramatically lower than others. They'll either use cheap materials, do substandard work, or hit you with "extras" once started.
Your Roofer Verification Checklist
Before hiring any roofing contractor, verify these items. A legitimate roofer will happily provide this information—if they hesitate or refuse, walk away.
Essential Checks
- Valid NSW contractor licence — Verify at Service NSW or Fair Trading website
- Public liability insurance — Ask for certificate of currency (current date)
- Workers compensation — Required if they have employees
- Written, itemised quote — Should detail all work, materials, and total cost
- Google reviews — Look for consistent positive feedback over time
- Physical business address — Verify it exists and matches their claims
- Warranty documentation — Get warranty terms in writing before work starts
- Payment terms — Should be deposit + progress payments + final payment
Signs of a Trustworthy Roofer
Here's what to look for when choosing a reputable roofing contractor:
- Licensed & Insured — Provides licence number upfront and has current insurance
- Strong Reviews — Consistent positive feedback on Google over years
- Clear Written Quotes — Detailed quotes with no hidden costs or vague terms
- Warranty in Writing — Provides warranty documentation before work begins
- Professional Communication — Responds promptly, explains clearly, doesn't pressure
- Established Business — Real address, website, and history in the community
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a roofer's licence in NSW?
Visit the NSW Fair Trading website or Service NSW and search for the contractor's licence number. You can verify the licence is current, what type of work they're licensed for, and if there are any disciplinary actions. For roofing work over $5,000, a contractor must hold a valid licence.
What should I look for in a roofing quote?
A proper quote should include: the contractor's full business name and licence number, detailed description of all work, specifications of materials, total cost with GST, payment terms, start and completion dates, warranty details, and what's NOT included. See our guides on roof restoration costs and roof painting costs for price benchmarks.
How much deposit should I pay a roofer?
A reasonable deposit is 10-30% of the total job cost, never more. The balance should be paid on completion (or in progress payments for larger jobs). Never pay the full amount upfront—this removes the contractor's incentive to do quality work.
What if a roofer does poor work?
Document the issues with photos and notify the contractor in writing immediately. Give them reasonable opportunity to fix problems. If they refuse: file a complaint with NSW Fair Trading, consider NCAT for disputes under $40,000, and leave honest reviews to warn others.
Should I get multiple roofing quotes?
Yes, always get at least 3 quotes for significant work. This helps you understand the fair market price, compare what's included, and identify outliers. Don't automatically choose the cheapest—consider experience, reviews, warranty, and professionalism.
Protect Yourself—Do Your Homework
Dodgy roofers rely on homeowners not doing their research. By verifying licences, getting written quotes, checking reviews, and trusting your instincts when something seems off, you can avoid the vast majority of roofing scams.
If you need roofing work, take your time. Get multiple quotes. Don't be pressured by false urgency. And remember—if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
At RoofingCorp, we've built our reputation over 30+ years by doing quality work and treating customers fairly. We're fully licensed (#103559C), insured, and have 200+ verified 5-star reviews. Contact us for a no-pressure quote.
RoofingCorp
Verified ExpertExpert Roofing Team
Our expert roofing team has over 30 years of experience providing professional roofing services across Sydney. With extensive knowledge of all roofing systems and local building regulations, we're committed to delivering quality, compliant, and long-lasting roofing solutions.
