FAQ’s
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about our roofing services.
Why is scaffolding required, some of the quotations I have received don’t include this?
Unfortunately, scaffolding is sometimes required to complete the work safely. Where needed, we source through an independent supplier who ensures that all scaffolding is erected to NASC TG20:13 Standards so that safety requirements are met.
We recognise this can sometimes significantly add to the cost but the health and safety of our employees, customers and the general public is paramount to us. Taking short cuts by not complying with current Health & Safety legislation can, moreover, expose us to prosecution with unlimited fines and potential imprisonment.
Will a deposit be required for the works?
Deposits are sometimes required where the overall cost of materials is significant and these need to be purchased immediately prior to commencing work. Any deposit will be mutually agreed following acceptance of our quotation and prior to the commencement of the work.
Will stage payments be required?
For larger scale work where the costs of a project are significant and the project duration more than 1 or 2 days, stage payments may be required to assist with the ongoing cost of materials, scaffolding and labour. These will be in proportion to the overall costs quoted and mutually agreed once a quotation has been accepted and before any work commences. The final stage payment will always be scheduled after the successful completion of the works.
How can I make payment?
In order to keep our quotations competitive, we only accept payment by Bank Transfer. Unfortunately, we do not accept payment by either cheque or by Debit/Credit Card at this time.
What’s included in the quotation?
Quotations will include the cost of labour, materials and the removal of all waste. We will also specify the materials to be used and the full extent of the proposed works. When comparing quotations please consider any variation in the scope of works and the materials being used, this can sometimes be quite misleading in terms of cost when comparing on a ‘like for like’ basis. The truism ‘the devil is in the detail’ is usually correct.
Will the work have a guarantee?
All new roof coverings will come with a Benjamin James Roofing Ltd 10 Year Workmanship Guarantee. A certificate will be issued by us on completion of the work.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to guarantee repairs works for repairs or maintenance work for obvious reasons. We will, however, do our utmost to resolve issues in a sensible fashion and the limitations of any repair work will be discussed when assessing and agreeing the work to be undertaken.
All new roofing works can also be supplied with a fully insured back up guarantee (subject to payment). This protects customers in the unfortunate event that we cease trading for any reason during the guarantee period.
Additionally, the materials and roof coverings we use also come with product guarantees between 10 – 25 years, details of which will be discussed and confirmed at quotation stage.
Will there be any additional costs?
Refurbishment work can sometimes lead to unforeseen problems, for example when an existing flat roof covering is exposed revealing problems with the sub-structure underneath. In these instances, we will agree any additional costs with you before progressing with the work. We will also try our very best to ensure the cost of any unexpected remedial work is kept to a minimum. We don’t like giving bad news and will do our utmost to signpost potential problems well in advance at quotation stage but sometimes this isn’t always possible. Indicatively this happens in less than 5% of our projects.
Are you fully insured?
Our current insurance cover includes:
Public liability Insurance cover in place for £1 million – this covers Benjamin James Roofing Limited for injury, disease or damage to people we do not employ, for example visitors.
Employee liability Insurance cover in place for £10 million – this covers Benjamin James Roofing Limited for injury or disease to people we employ.
Are all your employees trained in Health and Safety requirements?
Health and Safety is taken very seriously for obvious reasons particularly given the inherent risks involved in working at heights. Our current competences include:
Fully trained for working at heights – this means we have attended and passed courses on the legislation, accident statistics, working at height procedures, types of work platforms, ladders and trestles, roof work and bad practices
Asbestos Aware certified – in accordance with regulation 10 of the control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and supporting ACOP L143 work with material containing asbestos PASMA competent – this means we have passed written and practical examinations in the use and erection of towers from the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufactures’ Association
How is roof waste disposed of?
We dispose of all excess roofing waste using hired skips sited at our premises, these being acquired from a licensed local waste management company. Benjamin James Roofing are also registered as Upper Tier Waste Carriers with the Environment Agency, which means we are permitted to carry waste from working sites for disposal.
Do I need Building Regulation approval to replace the roof covering on my house?
If you want to replace or repair more than 50% of the roof area, then Building Regulation Approval is required.
The purpose of this is too improve the thermal efficiency (u value) of the building and to reduce energy use. The Building Regulations 2010 Conservation of Fuel & Power section L1B provides the latest requirements for homeowners wanting to make alterations to an existing dwelling.
It may also make good economic & practical sense to consider the upgrading of thermal insulation in instances where the replacement or repair of the roof area is less than 50%.
Why should I use a NFRC Competent Person Scheme Registered Contractor?
When it comes to refurbishing your roof, you want to be sure that the company carrying out the work will not only do a good job but also that your legal obligations are met. By using Benjamin James Roofing Limited, an NFRC Competent Person Scheme (CPS) Registered Contractor, you can rest assured that we are continuously audited against a robust set of criteria including, a financial check, office audit, and site inspection prior to being recognised as an NFRC CPS contractor.
Our membership of the NFRC Competent Person Scheme shows we take seriously our commitment to our customers in providing quality work and peace of mind.
Additionally, our customers:
• Save time and money by being able to provide an all-in-one service to our customers with no need to pay for the services of a Building Control Officer
• Domestic works receive a 10 year insolvency warranty, included in the price of new work
We are also listed by Local Authorities as an NFRC Competent Person Scheme Registered Contractor
Replacing a section of the roof.
Reliable, great quality, very professional team. Ben came out to assess the problem, explained what was required, sent quote, dropped off sample tile as promised, and then his team completed the work on time and without fuss. Kept us informed throughout the job, showing us the damage and explaining exactly what was required. We were very impressed with every aspect of the work, everything left tidy afterwards too. Thank you Ben, Dave and the team. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these guys.
Adam Gibbons
Tiled a complicated extension and 2 front porches
Exceptional! I’ve used roofers before on building projects, but Benjamin James is by far the best. All the staff were customer-friendly and the quality of the workmanship and tidiness was exceptional. They gave me peace of mind so I could leave them to it without worry. One of the best trades I’ve come across. An absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Professional, competitively priced and really polite. Would absolutely recommend.
Darren Hamblin
Replaced the entire roof on our house.
Having used Ben on smaller jobs in the past we were very confident he was the man to take on the much larger job of sympathetically replacing our roof in keeping with the age of our house (several centuries old). Despite many tricky sections where different elevations met, plus two flat roofs, dormer windows and a balcony to contend with, Ben and his team did a brilliant job. Ben’s communication was great right from very early planning/quoting stages right through to the end. He and all his guys were very reliable, polite and dependable. We are extremely happy with the end result.
Graham & Rowan Turrell
Replace 25 year old felt on flat roof house extension.
Upgraded to a modern rubber roof system with purpose designed edging and trims; ventilation was incorporated on Ben and Dave’s advice. The finished job looks terrific, and so much better than before. Work was done efficiently, care was taken with the house’s wall coating, and all rubbish was cleared off site. All the workers were a pleasure to have around. Would definitely recommend BJ Roofing.
Patt Jeffcoate
Removal and reinstallation of extension roof.
Extremely professional from first contact quote through to completion of the job. The team on site were thoughtful and polite and kept me updated on the progress of the work. Would not hesitate to recommend.
