Frequently Asked Questions

Local Roofers Reading & Wokingham ~ Benjamin James Roofing

Tile Roofing | Slate Roofing | Flat Roofing - Felt, Fibreglass (GRP), EPDM Rubber

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 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 also 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 be provided for all work (usually in pdf form by email) with the exception of small emergency repairs. These 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 £2 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

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us

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