Understanding Roofers' quotations

[Paul Bowden]

Apologies if this posting is inappropriate, but I would really appreciate any advice, as this job is well beyond a limited DIY-er like me. I have had two quotations to repair a flat garage roof, which has just started to leak. They are wildly different in price and, while there may well be other factors, I wonder whether the difference lies in the specifications which I will quote below. Both propose stripping away existing felt etc and then EITHER (quoted exactly in each case)

FIRST FIRM 1. Lay three separate layer soft 747 BS ruberoid flat roofing felt, each sealed with hot bitumen so to bond together 2. Finish all edgings with 36 KG green mineral felt 3. Cover whole of the roof area with solar reflecting alloy paint

SECOND FIRM

1. Fixing new built up felt roof covering comprising base layer of type 3B felt fixed to existing decking and a cap layer of MP400 torch-on high performance mineral surfaced felt including for MP400 mineral surfaced felt to all perimeter details.

We're on a VERY tight budget and won't necessarily be in the property for ever (but certainly for the next 5 years or so and, anyway, we'd like to be able to sell it in a good condition), so want to pay as little as possible, consistent with getting a reliable job done.

We would be so very grateful for any advice.

(PS: I haven't indicated which of the quotes is higher/lower and wonder whether the specs make it obvious?) Thanks so much in advance for any advice or comments

Paul

[omega man]

Go for the second option. We rarely use solar reflective paint these days unless it is specified. Problem is that you need to keep it painted every 18 months-2 years or so to keep it effective.

[Paul.A.Bowden]

Thanks for taking the time to reply: I appreciate it. Actually, though, I am now even more confused! Immediately after posting to you, I found another ng - ukdiy - and posted the same question. Two of the

3 people who replied said I should go for the other firm (the 3rd suggested doing it myself) - BUT they didn't say why! For the record, Firm 1's quotation was =A3650 and Firm 2's was =A31420. I'm INCLINED, naturally, to go for the cheaper option. Is the repainting that you mentioned a DIY job? I might just ask for another couple of firms to come and advise.... Any more thoughts would be welcome, but thanks for your advice so far Paul Lincolnshire

[omega man]

3 people who replied said I should go for the other firm (the 3rd suggested doing it myself) - BUT they didn't say why! For the record, Firm 1's quotation was £650 and Firm 2's was £1420. I'm INCLINED, naturally, to go for the cheaper option. Is the repainting that you mentioned a DIY job? I might just ask for another couple of firms to come and advise.... Any more thoughts would be welcome, but thanks for your advice so far Paul Lincolnshire

I assume that the garage in question is a pretty much standard size, for one car, in which case £1420 is a hell of lot of money. So yes, go for option one, If the quotations were fairly similar I personally would go for option 2. You can paint it yourself, no problem at all though most people don't bother. Ted

[Paul.A.Bowden]

Thanks for this, Ted. Garage is about 1 and a half times normal car size and it DOES strike me as a huge sum; wish I were more handy myself. Because of the huge disparity, I think I will go for another quote, just to see whether there is something exceptional about the job. I'm really grateful for your comments Paul

[Uno-Hoo!]

[Paul.A.Bowden]

That's the most encouraging post I've had - and not JUST because it's what I'd like to hear, given the prices I've been quoted (see above), but because it's based on experience. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply Paul B Lincolnshire

[Uno-Hoo!]

You're very welcome!

Uno-Hoo!