BCP Homeowners Beware: Common Complaints About Checkatrade Roofers in Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch

When homeowners talk about hiring roofers through Checkatrade (a UK tradesperson review and recommendation platform), most of the biggest problems and complaints centre around work quality, communication, trust issues, and the platform’s vetting/review system - not necessarily the concept of using Checkatrade itself. These are common themes in reviews, news reports, and homeowner discussions online:

🔧 1. Substandard or Incomplete Work

Many customers report that even though a roofer is listed on Checkatrade, the work performed is:

• Poorly done, causing leaks, damage or safety issues soon after completion.

• Incomplete or requiring additional unexpected repair costs.

  
  

  One family was left £26,000 worse off after repairs by a Checkatrade-listed roofer failed and needed re-doing by another contractor.

😤 2. Communication and Responsiveness Problems

Customers sometimes experience:

• Roofers failing to respond after the initial job.

• Ignored messages or calls after work is finished.

• Roofers disappearing mid-project or not returning to fix issues.

💸 3. Misleading Listings or Reviews

Complaints include:

• Profiles that present misleading information (e.g., ratings appearing high but based on few or possibly manipulated reviews).

• Allegations of reviews being removed or pressures to delete negative feedback.

• Instances where photos and portfolios may be reused or inaccurate.

🛠️ 4. Trust & Vetting Limitations

Checkatrade vets tradespeople, but some customers say this doesn’t always prevent bad experiences:

• Inadequate background checks can let rogue roofers slip through.

• A number of roofing businesses applying to Checkatrade are rejected, indicating roofing can be particularly problematic as a trade.

• Even when removed from the platform later, by then damage or costs may already have occurred.

🔍 5. Guarantee and Follow-Up Challenges

Checkatrade offers a guarantee for work up to a certain amount, but:

• Customers sometimes find it hard to claim or get full compensation.

• Some complaints about the guarantee process being frustrating or limited in value.

📊 6. General Roofing Industry Issues

Many of the complaints reflect wider problems with roofers in the UK, not just those on Checkatrade:

• Roofers are often rated as one of the least trusted trades in industry surveys, partly because roofing work is hard for customers to verify until after completion.

• High costs and inconsistent quotes add to customer frustration whether or not Checkatrade was involved.

⭐ Tips to Avoid Problems

To reduce the risk of a bad experience:

• Always get multiple quotes and compare in detail.

• Ask for written contracts and full insurance details.

• Check reviews on more than one platform (e.g., Google Reviews / Yell) as well as local word-of-mouth.

• Verify accreditations and qualifications with trade bodies where possible.

Choosing the right roofer shouldn’t feel like a gamble. While platforms like Checkatrade can be a useful starting point, they should never replace thorough research, proper qualifications, and genuine local reputation. Always look for proven experience, verified insurance, clear written quotations, and honest communication from the outset. If you’re in Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole or the wider BCP area and want straightforward advice from a trusted local professional, Contact J Janes Roofing today for free advice or a quote!