Hi
I need to get quotes for a complete roof replacement. Ideally want 3 before choosing.
Got 1 contractor on the case.
Any recommendations? Roof is thatched, thatch is near perfect unfortunately the structure holding it up is not and has to completely be replaced.
I would be very surprised if you could find even one contractor to do both the structural timber work and the thatch. You'll probably end up with a primary contractor subbing to either a timber construction specialist or a master thatcher - getting their diaries to match up will be a nightmare. I can't speak for the timber side but when I had the ridge here replaced a couple of years back I finally got quotes of circa £3k and £10k. I think you can expect something in the order of £30k to £50k and a few months with scaffold and tarp covers over the building. Also, most thatchers operate on a peripatetic basis and frequently travel considerable distances to worksites and can have long waiting lists.
It may be an idea to break the job down into lots and engage the trades on the basis of the thatchers availability for the strip and re-thatch elements.
We’re having our cottage Re-thatched this summer. A couple of the companies who quoted had 2 to 3 year waiting lists. We were lucky to find a very local Thatcher who comes out of retirement to do local work.
I think I read once (could of been a senior moment ) that Dorset has the highest concentration of Thatched Roofs in the country, so I would of thought a Thatcher would be easier to find than in some areas.
Are the roof timbers terminal? Seems such a shame because the Thatch looks in really good condition. Assuming it was replaced recently did the timbers not show signs of decay at the time?