When you get quotes from conservatory roof specialists, they can sometimes lack detail and raise more questions. Different companies can recommend different solutions based on what they prefer to use or what is readily available to them.
You should always confirm that a company is registered with FENSA or CERTASS. If a conservatory roof replacement requires Building Regulations approval, the company you hire to do the work does not always need to apply for Building Regulations approval. Instead, a Building Regulations approval can be self-certified by the company. It is always a good idea to ask the company for their registration number.
Make sure you understand the guarantees that the company provides. Sometimes the guarantees are provided by the manufacturer and not the installer. It is the installer who should be guaranteed, and sometimes you need to check if the guarantee is provided by an insurance company.
If you are concerned about the longevity of a guarantee, you should always check that the company providing the guarantee will be in business to honor the guarantee. Insurance can be provided to companies to cover guarantees. If a company goes out of business, the guarantee is often worthless.
You want the product itself, not a description. When I say “insulated roof,” you might picture the same roof I do, a basic panel system. It could also be a more expensive system, say a replacement unit with low-E glass. To be sure, ask for the manufacturer and model, and the U-value (the lower the better). If they can’t give you that info, they’re probably not thinking too critically about the product.
Pics or it didn’t happen. Reviews are nice and give you a general feel good, but not much else. If you’re willing to take the time to go see a potential contractor’s work, you may be able to see what the finish looks like after the “wow” factor of a new conservatory wears off. Ask to see work done near you.
Most of the time a small deposit is standard. A big deposit or having to pay the full amount up front is a bad sign. A contractor asking for a big up front payment, and especially one that is not fully owned by the contractor, is a big warning sign, as is a contractor that is not licensed or bonded. These are signs that the contractor is probably going to take your money and run.
It’s worth asking what will happen to the existing frames. Some roofs can be replaced as a straight forward installation. Others may require extensive work to the existing conservatory frames. A specialist who provides a quote without inspecting the existing site conditions may be guessing.
People may be surprised to know that a conservatory roof replacement may include a wide range of schedules of work. A straight forward roof replacement may only take a day or two. More extensive work, such as the installation of a solid, fully tiled conservatory roof, may take a week or longer. Quotes for a tiled roof replacement which state the work can be completed in a day should be questioned.
A good starting place to locate a tradesperson may be a local trade association. A potential client may check the trade association membership of a conservatory installer prior to having the person come out to the home for a quote. While this may provide the client with peace of mind prior to meeting a tradesperson, it may be helpful in locating an individual who may provide the services required.