When it comes to roofing work whether repairs, full replacement, or specialised tasks selecting a trustworthy contractor is essential. In Bath, one name that consistently comes up is S&J Roofing Bath. Below, we look at who they are, why many homeowners trust them, and key criteria you should use when hiring any roofing contractor.
Who is S&J Roofing Bath?
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Established since 1981 by Mr Geoffrey Andrew Shellard.
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They cover a wide range of roofing work: domestic and commercial, pitched roofs, flat roofs, tiled and slate roofs, lead work, repairs and maintenance.
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New office/showroom opened in Bath (Walcot Street), making it easier to visit in person for advice, quotes, viewing materials.
Things to Check When Choosing a Roofing Contractor
To protect yourself and ensure quality work, here are the main areas to examine:
| What to Check | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Years of establishment / track record | Longer‐standing firms are more likely to have built reputation and experience; fewer surprises. | Ask how long the business has been operating. Look for examples of work, customer referrals, before & after photos. For example, S&J Roofing Bath has been trading since 1981. |
| Membership of trade associations / federations | Gives independent oversight, standards, potential recourse if things go wrong. These often require certain guarantees, insurance, conduct. | Check memberships (e.g. Federation of Master Builders (FMB), TrustMark). See whether the company is approved/checked by such organisations. S&J Roofing Bath are FMB members and TrustMark endorsed. |
| Insurance / liability cover & guarantees | Roofing work has risk (workers, weather, neighbouring property). Without insurance cover or guarantees, you may be exposed. | Ask for proof of Public Liability Insurance, Employer’s Liability Insurance. Also check if they offer warranties or guarantees for materials and workmanship. S&J are “fully insured” and offering 25 years maximum guarantee. |
| Reviews, references, customer feedback | Real feedback shows what actually happens on the job: punctuality, quality, clean‑up, communication. | Read recent reviews, ideally with photos. Ask for references. Visit the site if possible. S&J has many positive reviews (over 80 via their google page). |
| Clear quotes and contracts | Prevents surprises on cost and scope; ensures both parties agree on what is to be done. | Get a written quote. It should detail the scope of work, materials, timeframe, payment schedule. Ask about how changes are handled. Ask whether VAT, permits, neighbouring property protection are included. |
| Compliance with local building regulations / listed building constraints | In Bath, many buildings are Georgian, listed, or in conservation areas. There may be special materials, appearance, permissions required. | Ask whether the contractor has experience with listed buildings, or conservation area rules. Check whether they include permission / planning / approvals as needed. S&J do mention work in relation to listed building requirements. |
| Transparency and being local | Local firms are more likely to understand local weather, materials, and have accountability. Also easier to follow up. | Check office/showroom you can visit. Confirm local address. Ask if staff are trained, whether work is subcontracted or done by their own team. S&J Roofing have a showroom in Walcot Street and emphasise doing work themselves rather than outsourcing. |
Why Many People Choose S&J Roofing Bath
Putting together the checks above, here’s what stands out about S&J Roofing:
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Their long history (since 1981) gives confidence.
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Recognised industry memberships (FMB, TrustMark) that suggest work is scrutinised and standards maintained.
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Good feedback from prior clients: customers mention professionalism, communication, tidiness, keeping to schedules.
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A physical presence (showroom / office) which helps with transparency & trust.
- S&J branded scaffolding and vans visible throughout Bath.
Questions to Ask Before You Proceed
To feel confident in your decision, you might ask the contractor:
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Can I see your insurance certificates and guarantee documentation?
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Do you have examples of similar work in this area (especially if my home is listed or in a conservation area)?
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What is included in the quote? (Materials, labour, scaffolding, waste removal, any extra permissions)
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Who will be doing the work—employees or subcontractors—and what are their qualifications or experience?
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What is the payment schedule? (Often: deposit, mid‑work payment, final payment)
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How do you handle unexpected issues (e.g. once work begins, something hidden is found)? Is there a process for variation?
Final Thoughts
Roofing is a big investment and has long‑term consequences for your home. Choosing someone who’s reliable, well‑insured, transparent, and whose work is well reviewed will save you time, costs, and stress later on. If you apply the checks above—and S&J Roofing Bath is a good illustration of how these can look in practice—you’ll be in a much stronger position when making your decision.