CompetentRoofer is the only UK government-approved Competent Person Scheme for roofing under Building Regulations. It sits under the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). Using a CompetentRoofer registered firm means the same to your insurance and house-sale legal paperwork as using a NICEIC electrician for electrical work.

What it does

  • Assesses roofing contractors annually against a technical standard
  • Registers members with the UK government as Competent Persons under Part L (energy efficiency)
  • Allows members to self-certify their work for Building Regulations compliance
  • Provides insurance-backed workmanship warranties (typically 10 years)

What work needs to be notified

Any re-roofing that affects the thermal performance of the building falls under Part L of the Building Regs. That is:

  • Any full or partial re-roof larger than 25 percent of the roof area
  • Any change to insulation as part of a roofing job
  • Any change of roof covering type (e.g. slate to tile)

All of these are notifiable to Building Control. A CompetentRoofer registered firm notifies on your behalf automatically.

What happens if it is not notified

  • Home buyers solicitor picks it up in searches. Retrospective certification can cost £500 to £1,200.
  • Building Control can serve enforcement notices requiring the work be removed if it does not comply.
  • Your buildings insurance may reject a claim for related damage.

How to verify

Go to competentroofer.co.uk. Search by company name, postcode or membership number. Confirm they are shown as a current member. Ask them for their membership number in writing and cross-check.

Red flags

  • "We are with the NFRC" (that is a trade body, not the same as CompetentRoofer)
  • They say notification is your responsibility (it should be theirs when registered)
  • They will not give a registration number
  • They quote significantly under a proper competitor and skip the paperwork

Alternative schemes

There are no equivalent schemes for roofing. CompetentRoofer is the only Government-approved one. Do not accept alternatives like "we have insurance" or "we are members of the Federation of Master Builders" as substitutes. Those are useful but not the same legal standing.