What to ask a roofing contractor
The questions that separate a proper roofer from a cheap quote — ask these before you sign anything.
Fully licensed & accredited — Builders Registration BC105819 · Painters Registration PC102072 · Patent ID AU-A-2020100623
Before hiring a roofing contractor in Perth, ask about their licensing and insurance, exactly what the quote includes, what products and preparation they use, whether the applicator is accredited, and what the warranty covers and whether it transfers. The answers — not just the price — tell you whether you’re dealing with a professional or a corner-cutter.
“Are you licensed and insured?”
Start here. A legitimate roofer carries the appropriate registrations and public liability insurance, so that if something goes wrong on your property you’re covered. If a contractor is vague about this, that’s your answer. A professional will happily confirm it.
“What exactly does the quote include?”
This is where cheap quotes fall apart. Ask what’s actually covered: the clean, tile replacement, re-pointing, how many coats, and what’s extra. A proper restoration quote itemises the work; a suspiciously cheap one is often a single thin coat over a barely-prepared roof, with everything else billed later. Knowing what’s in and what’s out lets you compare quotes honestly.
“What products do you use, and are you accredited?”
The product and the applicator matter as much as the price. Ask what coating system they use and whether they’re accredited to apply it. We use Dulux AcraTex and are Dulux-accredited registered painters, which is what makes our 15-year paint warranty genuine. An unaccredited operator using unknown product can’t offer the same backing, no matter what they promise.
“What does the warranty cover — and does it transfer?”
“Warranty” means little until you ask what it actually covers and for how long. Ours is a 10-year workmanship warranty plus a 15-year Dulux AcraTex paint warranty, and it transfers to a new owner — a genuine selling point. Get the terms in writing, and be wary of a big verbal promise with nothing behind it.
“Can I see reviews and past work?”
A established roofer has a trail of happy customers and real project photos, not just stock images. Check independent reviews, ask to see jobs like yours, and trust the pattern. At Powerdrive our reviews and reputation do the selling — which is exactly what you want to see before you hand over your roof. If a contractor can’t point to real, verifiable work, keep looking.
“Who actually does the work?”
One question people forget: who’s on your roof? Some operators quote the job then sub it out to whoever’s cheapest that week, so the crew that turns up isn’t the one you vetted. Ask whether the work is done by their own team, and whether the coating is applied by accredited painters or general labour. With Powerdrive, roof painting — and especially Colorbond painting — is done by registered painters we trust, not handed to a random sub. Knowing who’ll be standing on your roof is a fair thing to ask, and a telling one.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a roofing contractor before hiring?
Ask about licensing and insurance, exactly what the quote includes, the products and preparation used, whether they’re accredited, and what the warranty covers and whether it transfers.
How do I avoid a bad roofer?
Judge on process, products, accreditation, warranty and verifiable reviews — not just the lowest price. Cheap quotes usually mean skipped preparation.
Should a roofer be licensed and insured?
Yes — always confirm appropriate registration and public liability insurance before any work starts.
Get a free quote → or call 0421 768 842. Backed by a 10-year workmanship and 15-year Dulux AcraTex paint warranty.