Your home is usually your most valuable asset, so when you need work done on it, choosing the right company matters. Exterior projects such as cladding, roofline replacement and roofing are a particular risk, because most of the quality sits in details you cannot easily see once the job is finished: fixings, ventilation, membranes and flashings.

This checklist explains what separates a reputable trade company from a rogue trader, and the questions worth asking before you sign anything. It draws on what we see every week when we are called out to put right poorly fitted cladding and roofline work across Milton Keynes.

It is tempting to go with the lowest quote, but the same job needs the same work and materials whoever does it. Big price differences usually come down to the quality of the materials, the experience of the fitters, or corners being cut on the parts you cannot see.

Lower grade products do not last as long, and poor installation can lead to repairs or having the job redone entirely. Our article on common cladding problems shows how many failures trace back to how the work was fitted rather than the material itself. That said, the most expensive quote is not automatically the best either, which is why the checks below matter.

Accreditations are not easy to earn, and that is the point. Health and safety schemes such as CHAS and SMAS Worksafe assess how a contractor manages risk, while manufacturer approvals show they have been trained to fit specific products correctly. Government endorsed schemes such as TrustMark are also worth looking for. Always check an accreditation on the scheme's own website rather than relying on a logo.

Reviews on independent platforms such as Checkatrade and Google, along with local Facebook groups, give an honest picture of how a company treats its customers. Look for detail and recent dates rather than a handful of five star ratings, and pay attention to how the company responds when something has gone wrong.

A reputable company will be proud to show its work. Before and after photos, case studies and examples of similar projects to yours are a good sign. Ask whether you can speak to a previous customer or see a finished job locally.

Your quote should set out the materials and brands being used, the preparation work included, any exclusions and how long the job will take. Vague quotes make it easy for costs to grow once work has started.

Ask what installation guarantee is offered on top of the manufacturer's product warranty, and check the company holds public liability insurance. A guarantee is only as good as the business behind it, so an established company with a trading history matters.

• Cold callers who say they have spotted a problem with your roof or walls
• Pressure to decide on the spot, or a discount that only applies if you sign today
• Large upfront deposits, or requests for cash payment only
• No landline, business address or written paperwork
• Reluctance to name the materials or manufacturer they will use

If something feels wrong, take your time. A reputable company will be happy to give you space to compare quotes.

We hold ourselves to the same checklist. M3 Property Maintenance is CHAS and SMAS Worksafe accredited, an approved Swish installer and a Roof Assured by Sika contractor, and you can see the full list on our accreditations page. Our cladding installations come with a 10 year installation guarantee and no deposit is required.

You can read what our customers say on our reviews page, browse our gallery, or see larger projects such as the Lakes Estate regeneration in Milton Keynes on our case studies page.

M3 Property Maintenance brings over 25 years of combined experience to cladding and roofline work across Milton Keynes and the surrounding counties. We provide honest assessments, clear written quotes and installations backed by manufacturer and installation guarantees.

If you are planning exterior work, get in touch or call 01908 984858 to arrange a free, no obligation site survey.