Does this roofing quote look reasonably? Or too cheap even?

Question

HiLive in a terraced house in Yorkshire, on a hill so my roof ends andnext doors roof up the hill starts a few feet higher than mine.Does this seem a reasonable quote for re-roofing my yorkshire stoneroof:1. Strip-off the existing roof covering and store safely all re-usablestone slate2.Felt and re-lath the entire roof using marley breathable roofmembrane and 38x19mm tanalised slate lath3.Re-slate the roof using the existing slate replacing all breakageswith new reclaimed yorkshire stone slate4.Supply and fix new code 4 lead flashing to the chimney stack andgable riser on both elevations5.Re-bed and point the existing ridge tiles with sand:cement mortar6.Remove all debris and scaffolding upon completionTotal Cost £2350I had another quote which was for around £6000 pounds and thedescription of what they were going to do went into two a4 pages -they also charged for hiring scaffolding.  This quote is half theprice but seems to do what I need.  I am going to see if the roofercan give me a couple of references for the work he has done recently.One more question for those in the know.  When would be the best timeto have a digital aerial installed - before the roof repairs orafterwards.  I dont want the aerial man to damage the roof walkingaround on it, but I also dont want the roof man to knock a newlyinstalled aerial out of line!RegardsB

<me9 · Accepted Answer

Sounds quite reasonable as long as it is a good job.

Doesn't sound too much over the top for a good job, Friend's bungalow cost £5000 a couple of years ago, depends on size and complexity of roof.

Can you get a third quote? I'd definitely like to see some examples of the work of the cheaper contractor.

I'd have it done first, I wouldn't want (possibly) cowboy installers walking over a newly completed roof, who'd yopu blame for any problems?

I'd consider upgrading the insulation, possibly fitting a warm roof whilst you are at it. Much easier to combine the two jobs, and a warm roof does have several advantages over the usual ceiling insulated one.

keith_765 · Answer

The lower quote sounds just a little low, I would have thought about another £1000 - £700. Scaffolding is usually erected by a different contractor and charged on a 1 month fee and then 10% per week there after. The size of the lath is under size, for Yorkshire stone slates it should be

50mm x 25mm or 2" x 1" treated and fixed with 65mm or 2,1/2'' galvanized load bearing nails.Not clout nails. There are far better breather underlay felts than the Marley felt in my opinion. The code 4 lead is ok. You are only paying for scaffolding, labour,lath, felt, lead and waste disposal with a few reclaimed slates. The high cost would be a hell of a lot more if you had to replace all the stone slates.

Try another roofing contractor for a third quote and then compare.

Lobster · Answer

I would have thought (surely) the aerial (assuming it's attached to the chimney breast?) is going to way out of reach of a clumsy roofer, particularly as your quote doesn't include any work on the chimney breast itself, eg for repointing.

Where will your new cable be routed? That's probably the deciding factor (you'll need a new one for digital anyway). Neatest is usually down into the roof space, eg adjacent to the chimney breast, which avoids having cable running down the roof and over the guttering. However, an installer using that route is likely to mess up the tiles and/or the roof integrity, therefore would best be done before the roof is renewed.

David

Dave Plowman (News) · Answer

Eh? It makes sense to fit new cable with a new aerial and to use goodquality Sat cable, but you give the impression it's essential. My aerialand cable is yonks old but digital is just fine.

daddyfreddy · Answer

Yep, get references and check them out thoroughly. That's the mostimportant thing.

Lobster · Answer

Fair cop, guv.Was confusing myself...David

Bramble · Answer

Is a warm roof part of a typical loft conversion?  Is it somethingthat a roofer will be able to do, or should I ask a specialist in warmroof installation?

Does this roofing quote look reasonably? Or too cheap even?

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