Your roof protects everything and everyone under it. When it’s time for repair or a full re‑roof, choosing the right contractor matters just as much as choosing the right materials. Before you sign anything, sit down with your short‑list and ask these seven questions. You’ll save yourself time, money and stress and you will end up with a roof that performs for years in Auckland’s weather.
1. Are you a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) and a member of a recognised trade body?
In New Zealand, parts of roofing work that affect a home’s structure or weathertightness may be Restricted Building Work (RBW). RBW must be done or supervised by an LBP. Checking LBP status protects you and your consent documentation. Membership in an industry association (e.g., Roofing Association of NZ) also signals a commitment to best practice.
What to listen for
- Their LBP number and licence class.
- Confirmation they’ll sign the “Record of Work” where RBW applies.
- Active membership in a trade association and adherence to its standards.
2. What insurance do you carry?
Your roofer should hold public liability insurance (and, for larger projects, arrange contract works cover) to protect you from accidental damage to your property. Ask for a current certificate of insurance.
What to listen for
- Public liability insurance with adequate limits for your project.
- Willingness to supply evidence of cover before work starts.
3. How long have you been roofing in Auckland and what roof systems do you specialise in?
Experience with Auckland conditions (salt air in coastal suburbs, high UV, exposure on ridge sites) matters. So does familiarity with your roof type long‑run metal, concrete tile, or a mixed restoration scenario.
What to listen for
- Years in business locally and examples in your suburb.
- Specific expertise in your roof profile, underlay, flashings and penetrations.
4. Will you carry out an on‑site inspection and provide a detailed written quote?
A proper quote follows a proper inspection. You should receive a written scope that lists materials (brand/spec), underlay, flashings, ridge/hip treatment, fixings, edge protection/scaffolding, disposal, site protection and any allowances for rotten timbers or custom flashings. Advance Roofing openly promotes free, no‑obligation quotes and site visits.
What to listen for
- They won’t quote sight‑unseen.
- You’ll get a line‑item, written estimate and programme.
- Clear inclusions/exclusions and how variations are handled.
5. What warranties and workmanship guarantees are included?
Quality metal roofing products typically include manufacturer warranties; your roofing contractor should also stand behind their workmanship. Clarify what’s covered, for how long, and how claims are handled. Ensure you understand any maintenance required to keep warranties valid.
What to listen for
- Both product and workmanship cover, in writing.
- Who registers the warranty and supplies completion documentation.
6. How will you keep people safe and protect my property during the job?
Roofing is working at height. Your roofer should follow WorkSafe good practice for edge protection, access, fall prevention and site controls. Ask how they will protect your gutters, gardens, drive and interiors and whether scaffolding or guardrails are included in the quote. Advance Roofing notes they can organise perimeter safety rails and scaffolding when required.
What to listen for
- A clear site‑specific safety plan (not just “we will be careful”).
- Edge protection method (scaffold/rails), debris control and daily tidy‑ups.
- How they will minimise disruption and protect driveways and landscaping.
7. Do I really need a repair or a full re‑roof and what system are you proposing?
Honest contractors will tell you when a smart repair will buy you more years and when a re‑roof is the only sensible option. If it’s a re‑roof, ask exactly which system they recommend (e.g., long‑run metal profile, thickness and coating), how they’ll handle flashings, penetrations and ventilation, and whether any building consent is needed for associated structural changes or RBW paperwork.
What to listen for
- Clear reasoning backed by photos from your roof.
- A step‑by‑step install method (remove vs overlay where applicable), waste removal and site reinstatement.
- Confirmation of any council consent requirements and who manages them.
Quick Pre‑Hire Checklist
- LBP verified and trade‑association member.
- Current public liability insurance sighted.
- Recent local references and project photos supplied.
- Detailed written quote after inspection (scope, inclusions, warranties).
- WorkSafe‑aligned safety plan and edge protection included.
- Clear answer on repair vs re‑roof, with system details.
Why Auckland homeowners choose Advance Roofing
Auckland homeowners choose Advance Roofing because we are local specialists with a proven track record and practical solution-first advice. As proud members of the Roofing Association of New Zealand, we follow industry best practice and back it up with transparent, on‑site inspections and detailed written quotes that clearly explain what’s included.
We also prioritise safety on every project, arranging perimeter safety rails and scaffolding whenever required so your home and everyone on site stays safe.
Ready for an expert roof assessment? Book your free, no‑obligation inspection and quote with Advance Roofing today.