Roofers are least trusted trade with an estimated £1.4 billion lost to rogue traders every year, according to a new report

A new report has revealed that UK homeowners are losing an estimated £1.4 billion each year to rogue traders, with roofers topping the list as the least trustworthy trade.

The findings have revealed that roofing has overtaken cowboy builders as the least trustworthy trade, with thousands of unqualified or dishonest roofers failing vetting checks.

As demand for roofing work remains high – particularly after storms and harsh weather – homeowners are increasingly falling victim to scams, facing financial losses and stress when repairs go wrong.

Rising concerns over rogue roofers

Checkatrade’s latest UK Home Improvement Index report highlights the growing challenge of fraudulent and substandard work in the home improvement sector.

The data shows that 2,365 roofers were declined from Checkatrade’s platform in 2024, nearly double the 1,219 rejected the previous year.

Jambu Palaniappan, CEO of Checkatrade, commented on the findings: “Roofing has become a particularly high-risk trade for homeowners, with a significant number of unqualified or unscrupulous traders attempting to operate. To combat this, we’ve intensified our vetting process, introducing stricter criteria such as proof of at least six months of incorporation and trading history.”

Homeowner Jane Matthews from Birmingham, who fell victim to a rogue roofer, shared her experience: “I paid thousands upfront for a roof repair, only for the contractor to disappear after a few days. It was a nightmare trying to recover my money and fix the damage they left behind.”

A growing issue for homeowners

The study suggests that one in ten consumers who hired home improvement services in 2024 experienced financial losses or poor-quality work.

Roofing, in particular, presents a unique challenge due to the nature of the work. Homeowners often struggle to verify the quality of a job until after completion, making them more vulnerable to scams.

The issue is further exacerbated by high demand following severe weather events, which can prompt opportunistic traders to exploit homeowners in urgent need of repairs.

David Richards, a property expert, warned: “Roofing scams are becoming increasingly common, particularly in areas hit by storms. Homeowners need to be extremely cautious and ensure they hire only verified professionals.”

David Richards

David has over 36 years of experience in residential property matters, alongside his expertise in commercial property and private client issues. He became a solicitor in 1982 and has since developed a strong background in residential property. His extensive career in property law includes advising clients on how best to manage their properties.

How homeowners can protect themselves

To avoid falling victim to rogue roofers, Checkatrade advises homeowners to:

• Always request proof of accreditation, insurance, and trading history.
• Obtain multiple quotes and be wary of unusually low pricing.
• Check reviews and ratings on verified platforms before hiring.
• Avoid paying large sums upfront and ensure contracts are in place before work begins.

Industry crackdown on fraudulent trades

In response to the growing issue, Checkatrade has launched a full re-vetting initiative, with a strong focus on higher-risk categories such as roofing.

The platform is also working closely with regulatory bodies to push for stricter industry standards to protect homeowners from financial losses and subpar workmanship.

As consumer demand for home improvements continues to rise, the need for greater transparency and accountability in the trade sector has never been more crucial. Homeowners are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritise working with verified professionals.