Finding a good thatcher is not difficult if you know what to look for. The problem is that thatching is a relatively opaque trade — most homeowners only deal with a thatcher once or twice in a lifetime, so it can be hard to know whether you are getting good advice and a fair price. This guide explains what to look for and what questions to ask.
Check for Professional Association Membership
The most reliable indicator of a competent, reputable thatcher is membership of a professional association. In Wiltshire and the surrounding area, the relevant body is the Oxford, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Master Thatchers Association. Members must meet quality standards and carry adequate public liability insurance.
There are also national bodies: the National Society of Master Thatchers and the Countryside Alliance Rural Trades scheme both maintain registers of qualified thatchers.
Membership alone is not a guarantee of quality, but it does mean the thatcher has been assessed and is accountable to a professional body. A thatcher who is not a member of any association should be able to give you a very good reason why.
Ask for References from Recent Local Work
A thatcher who has worked regularly in Wiltshire will have references from recent jobs nearby. Ask for two or three and follow them up. Ask those customers:
- Was the work completed on time and to the agreed price?
- Was the site kept clean and tidy?
- Has the roof performed well since?
- Would they use the same thatcher again?
You can also often see a thatcher’s recent work simply by driving around local villages — a good thatcher is quietly proud of finished roofs and will point you to properties they have worked on.
Get at Least Two Written Quotes
Always get more than one quote, and make sure each quote is in writing and covers the same scope of work. A written quote should specify:
- The materials to be used (water reed, long straw or combed wheat reed)
- The scope of the work (full re-thatch, re-ridge, repairs)
- The expected timescale
- What is and is not included (scaffolding, disposal of old thatch, etc.)
- The total price including VAT
Comparing quotes on price alone is not always meaningful — a quote that specifies higher-quality materials or a longer ridge guarantee may be better value in the long run even if it costs more upfront.
Understand the Material Options
Part of choosing a thatcher is understanding the material they recommend and why. A good thatcher should be able to explain clearly:
- What material is currently on your roof
- Whether like-for-like replacement is the best option or whether a change of material would be beneficial
- Any planning or listed building constraints that affect the choice
Be wary of a thatcher who pushes one material regardless of the property or who cannot explain their recommendation clearly. If your property is listed, the planning authority may specify the material in any case — your thatcher should know this and be prepared to help you navigate the consent process.
Check Insurance and Listed Building Experience
Ask to see proof of public liability insurance before any work begins. Most reputable thatchers carry at least £2 million of cover.
If your property is listed — and in Wiltshire, a large proportion of thatched properties are — make sure the thatcher has experience working on listed buildings and is familiar with Wiltshire Council’s requirements. Listed building consent is usually required for any significant thatching work, and the wrong choice of material or ridge design can lead to enforcement action.
What a Good Thatcher Will and Won’t Do
A good thatcher will:
- Visit the property before quoting and assess the condition of the roof properly
- Give you an honest opinion on what needs doing — including telling you if the roof has more life in it than you thought
- Explain clearly what will happen during the work and how long it will take
- Leave the site tidy each day and fully cleared at the end
A good thatcher will not:
- Quote without visiting the property
- Pressure you into work that isn’t needed
- Be vague about materials, timescales or price
- Ask for a large upfront deposit
Getting the Timing Right
Thatching work can be carried out year-round in most conditions, but there are practical considerations. Very wet or very cold weather can slow work down, and scaffolding erected over winter may need additional attention. Spring and early summer tend to be the most popular time for major re-thatching work — which means good thatchers in Wiltshire can be booked up months in advance.
If your roof has a specific problem — slipped thatch, a failing ridge, water coming in — do not wait for the perfect time of year. Small issues become large and expensive ones if left.
Stuart Jones: Wiltshire Master Thatcher
I have been thatching in Wiltshire since 1994 and have been a member of the Oxford, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Master Thatchers Association since 2002. I work across the county — from the Vale of Pewsey and the Kennet Valley to the villages around Salisbury and the Cotswold fringe north of Chippenham.
If you would like an honest, no-pressure assessment of your roof, get in touch. I am happy to visit, take a look and tell you exactly what I think — whether that is good news or bad.