nearly there, roof repair

[peggy]

Hello

We appear to be within a week of completing our purchase of our Grade 2 listed property, many thanks for the replies to my previous posts on mortgage and insurance, all the advice was taken (gratefully) and has helped us to reach this point.

And now that the paperwork is almost done my thoughts turn to the roof....Our first priority.

Like for like repair, recovering whilst retaining as much original tile as possible, some chimney stack repair, flaunching, gutters, battens and truss repair.

I am in the process of getting quotes and have been reading the forums archive in relation to contracts with builders etc, my understanding is that it is sensible to get several quotations, then a written quotation from chosen builder to include:

Work to be done
Cost of work
Timescale

And to check their insurance.

Am I missing anything vitally important? Does anyone have any further advice that could help us.

Thanks.

 

[Nemesis]

Ask if they can tell you of other listed or historic/traditional buildings they have worked on, and go and have a look. (Even knock and ask...)

Don't forget to ask if they will use lime or cement. Lime is best, hydraulic for chimneys.

 

[Penners]

Once you've had the written quote from your chosen builder, be sure to reply in writing, confirming that he/she is awarded the contract based on his/her quotation dated xxxxxxx. If he/she has failed to mention or clarify any particular points, make sure that your letter does so clearly.

This is not because you necessarily suspect the builder of trying to cut any corners. It simply makes life easier for all parties, and avoids later disputes, if every detail is mutually understood before the job starts.

 

[stickybeak]

.

 

[Nemesis]

The key factor could of course be finding someone willing and able to do it!

Sometimes there isn't the luxury of a vast choice. Depends where you live.

 

[Shippy]

I don't intend to hijack this thread, but it is related!

We are also looking at getting our roof 'done' this year after moving in last year. We knew the roof needed attention (and negotiated the price) and this was confirmed with a bad leak in the kitchen after being in for a couple of weeks.....

The roofer who came and helped was a nice chap recommended by a neighbour he and fixed our immediate problem, but declined to do any more remedial work to patch the roof as generally the tiles are so brittle he could see the job becong a never-ending one as more and more break as he worked. He is a one man band and doesn't take on such large jobs.

So, we are looking at a complete recovering for which plans are currently being drawn. Rather than try and source the several thousand good quality second-hand tiles that are required we are thinking of buying some new clay tiles made to look authentic. The companies we've seen state that their products have been used on listed buildings (ours is grade II).

Any thoughts? We were thinking that we would then have 25 or 30-year guarenteed roof, rather than do a big job then have to re-visit in 5 years when some of the tiles used have degraded.

 

[stickybeak]

Skippy, as ever the stock replies- check with your local conservation officer - if there is one- and talk to the neighbours with similar roof coverings to see where they source theirs from (altho we hope you don't have to learn Polish like another poster on this site might have to, in order to 'chat' to his).

Your CO will be able to tell you what s/he has allowed in the past, and the reputable suppliers/roofers to do the work.

Usual cavets apply re: get a proper contract, check the roofers' insurance, health and safety record, listed buildings credentials, etc etc.

Surely a really decent new clay tile roof will last more than 30 years???

 

[Shippy]

I think 30 years is a minimum as that's the guarantee period.