Hiring a roofer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. A good roofer delivers quality work that lasts decades. A bad one can leave you with leaks, structural issues, and thousands of dollars in repairs. If you’re in Brisbane and need roofing work done, this 10-point checklist will help you find a reliable, qualified professional.
Why Choosing the Right Roofer Matters
Brisbane’s subtropical climate brings its own challenges — intense UV, summer storms, heavy rainfall, and high humidity. Your roof needs to withstand all of this, so it’s critical that the roofer you choose understands local conditions and uses materials suited to South East Queensland.
Unfortunately, the roofing industry attracts its share of unlicensed operators and “storm chasers” who appear after severe weather, do substandard work, and disappear. Our checklist will help you spot the cowboys and find a roofer you can trust.
The 10-Point Checklist for Choosing a Brisbane Roofer
1. Check Their QBCC Licence
In Queensland, all roofing contractors must hold a valid Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence. You can verify a roofer’s licence for free on the QBCC online licence search. Never hire an unlicensed roofer — you won’t have any legal recourse if something goes wrong.
2. Verify Their Insurance
A reputable roofer should carry:
- Public liability insurance: Minimum $10 million (protects you if they damage your property or someone is injured)
- Workers’ compensation insurance: Required if they employ workers (protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property)
Ask for certificates of currency and verify they’re current.
3. Look for Local Experience
A roofer who’s been working in Brisbane for 5+ years will understand local building codes, weather patterns, and which materials perform best in the Brisbane climate. Ask how long they’ve been operating in the area.
4. Read Online Reviews
Check Google Reviews, ProductReview, and Facebook recommendations. Look for:
- Consistent positive feedback over time (not just a handful of recent reviews)
- Detailed reviews that mention quality of work, communication, and timeliness
- How the roofer responds to negative reviews (professional responses are a good sign)
5. Ask for References and Photos
Any reputable roofer should be happy to provide references from recent jobs in Brisbane. Ask to see before-and-after photos of completed work, especially jobs similar to yours.
6. Get a Detailed Written Quote
A professional quote should include:
- Itemised breakdown of materials and labour
- Scope of works (exactly what’s included and excluded)
- Timeline for completion
- Payment terms and schedule
- Any potential additional costs (e.g., if hidden damage is found)
Be wary of verbal-only quotes or vague estimates. A written quote protects both you and the roofer.
7. Compare at Least 3 Quotes
Getting multiple quotes helps you understand the fair market price for your job and spot any outliers. If one quote is significantly lower than the others, it could mean corners are being cut on materials or labour.
8. Ask About Warranties
A quality roofer should offer:
- Workmanship warranty: Typically 5–10 years, covering any defects in the installation
- Material warranty: This comes from the manufacturer (e.g., BlueScope offers up to 36 years on Colorbond)
Get all warranties in writing before work begins.
9. Check Their Safety Practices
Roofing is one of the most dangerous trades. A professional roofer should have:
- A documented safety plan for your job
- Proper safety equipment (harnesses, edge protection, scaffolding)
- Workers trained in working at heights
If a roofer shows up without proper safety gear, that’s a major red flag.
10. Trust Your Instincts
A reliable roofer will be professional, punctual, and communicative from the first interaction. They should:
- Return calls and emails promptly
- Arrive on time for inspections and quotes
- Explain the work clearly without using excessive jargon
- Never pressure you into signing on the spot
If something feels off, trust your gut and get another quote.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Steer clear of any roofer who:
- Demands full payment upfront (a deposit of 10–20% is standard)
- Can’t provide a QBCC licence number
- Shows up unannounced after a storm offering “special deals”
- Won’t provide a written quote or contract
- Has no online presence or reviews
- Pressures you to make an immediate decision
Why Brisbane Homeowners Trust Apex Leads
Finding a trustworthy roofer can be time-consuming. That’s where we come in. Apex Leads connects you with licensed, insured, and reviewed roofers in Brisbane who have been vetted for quality and reliability. Instead of spending hours researching, you can get matched with up to 3 qualified roofers in minutes.
Get Matched with Vetted Brisbane Roofers
Skip the research and get 3 free, no-obligation quotes from licensed Brisbane roofers who’ve been checked for quality, licensing, and insurance.
Get My Free Quotes →Final Thoughts
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and the roofer you choose will determine how well it protects you for years to come. Use this checklist, do your due diligence, and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. A good roofer will welcome your thoroughness — it shows you care about quality, and so do they.
Ready to get started? Get 3 free quotes from vetted Brisbane roofers and take the stress out of finding the right tradesperson.