It’s not every day you think about hiring a roofing contractor. But when you have a sudden leak that needs fixing or planning to have a full roof replacement in Adelaide, getting the right roofing contractor is crucial so that any repairs or renovations are done right and well the first time around.
Of course, not all roofing contractors are equal, and choosing the right roofer for you might boil down to asking the right questions. So, to help, here are some important questions you should ask any roofing contractor before hiring them in Adelaide.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
First and foremost, it’s worth confirming if your roofing contractor is properly licensed through Consumer and Business Services (CBS). In South Australia, for roofing jobs exceeding $12,000, it’s legally required that the roofing contractor be licensed by CBS and have a written contract in place.
Beyond licensing, the contractor should hold both public liability insurance (to cover accidental property damage) and workers’ compensation (to cover injuries to tradespeople onsite). Without these, the legal and financial risk could fall on you instead.
2. What Experience Do You Have With Roofing Projects Like Mine?
Not all roofs are built the same, and not all roofers have experience with every type. Adelaide properties can include everything from post-war bungalows with terracotta tiles to new builds with Colorbond® roofing, and it’s important to hire the right roofer for your needs.
Ask your Adelaide roofing contractor if they’ve worked with your roof type, pitch, and materials. Experience with local architectural styles and compliance with BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings, where applicable, is also critical in many parts of Adelaide.
3. Can You Provide a Detailed Written Quote?
A professional contractor should provide a clear, itemised quote that lists:
- Type and brand of materials (Colorbond, Monier, etc.)
- Labour costs
- Roof removal and disposal (skip bin hire, asbestos handling if relevant)
- Safety measures (scaffolding, fall protection)
- Site cleanup
- GST inclusions
This transparency not only helps you compare quotes more fairly but also prevents disputes later. You should also ask how long the quote is valid, especially with the current volatility in building material costs.
4. What Is Your Estimated Timeline for the Project?
Timing is everything when it comes to roofing. A good contractor won’t just tell you when they’ll start—they’ll give you a step-by-step timeline, from the delivery of materials to the final inspection. Since Adelaide’s rainier months can slow things down, they should allow for that in their planning.
Also, ask how many other jobs they’ve got on. Smaller teams often juggle multiple projects, and if things aren’t managed well, your roof might take longer than it should.
5. Who Will Be Onsite Doing the Work?
You want to know whether the team working on your property consists of trained employees or subcontractors. Both can deliver quality work, but consistency and accountability are key. Roofing contractors should also be using licensed roof plumbers when required, particularly for work involving box gutters or flashing installation.
Additionally, ensure someone with experience will be supervising the site and available to communicate with you throughout the process.
6. What Materials Do You Recommend and Why?
Every roofing material has its place. A competent roofer will consider not just aesthetics but also thermal performance, lifespan, local environmental conditions, and manufacturer warranty periods.
For example:
- Colorbond Ultra or Matt may be recommended in the coastal suburbs due to salt exposure.
- Terracotta tiles are long-lasting and well-suited to traditional homes but are heavier and require specific framing support.
- Concrete tiles are cost-effective but may fade more over time without sealing.
- Roofing membrane or sarking should be considered to reduce radiant heat and improve waterproofing.
Ask why they suggest a specific system – their answer should consider your roof’s pitch, orientation, ventilation, and location.
7. Do You Offer a Workmanship Warranty?
While most manufacturers offer product warranties, that doesn’t cover poor installation. Your contractor should offer a separate workmanship warranty (typically 5 to 10 years) that protects you if any faults arise from how the roof was installed rather than the materials themselves.
Be sure to get this in writing and ask if the warranty is transferable to a new homeowner should you sell the property.
8. What Steps Do You Take to Protect My Property?
Roofing isn’t just noisy and can affect more than you might expect. There’s dust, falling debris, and the heavy work can even affect ceilings or wall fixtures inside the home. A good contractor should have a plan in place to keep the rest of your property safe while the work’s underway.
Some good questions to ask would be if they will:
- Use tarpaulins or drop sheets to protect landscaping
- Provide skip bins or cleanup teams for rubbish removal
- Check and clear gutters at the end of the job
- Inspect and repair any damage caused during the installation
9. Do You Comply With Local Council Regulations and Permits?
Some roofing projects need more than just tools and materials; they need council approval, too. This is especially true for heritage-listed homes, major structural changes, or flat roof conversions. A good contractor should be aware of local council requirements and know what permits or planning rules apply. They should also be familiar with BAL ratings and AS 3959 standards, which are essential when choosing materials and designs in high-risk fire zones.
10. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
Any roofer worth hiring should be happy to put you in touch with past customers or show you some honest reviews. If possible, speak with someone who has a job similar to yours, whether that’s a full roof replacement or a small repair after a storm.
Ask specific questions such as:
- Were they reliable and responsive?
- Did the job run on schedule?
- Was the site left clean and safe?
Have a scroll through their website or socials too, as before-and-after photos can be really telling. Do also check whether they’re part of trusted industry groups like the HIA or Master Builders SA.
Make the Right Choice for Your Roofing Project
Hiring the right roofing contractor in Adelaide takes more than just picking the lowest quote. A quality roofer will offer transparency, technical expertise, and a willingness to communicate clearly at every stage.
By asking these questions and paying close attention to the responses, you’ll gain the confidence that your roof is in the hands of professionals who understand both the trade and the local conditions. After all, your roof protects your greatest asset. It’s worth getting the job done right the first time.
