Hi i would like to ask builders if when agreeing to a build project which involves removing a roof should the builder know what work this involve ie what the roof was made of before giving a quote?
should my builder have known?
- Thread starter layyah
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What did the Building Regs drawings show?
Go on, give us the full story. What did they miss?
The tiles?
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Or ............. the rafters?
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My guess is the "A" word 
What about the battens maybe they forgot the battens and all the tiles fell off?
I was thinking 'A' as well. Gets missed all the time.My guess is the "A" word
Depends if there was access to the roof space and whether they were offered access I guess.
If the builders were given a drawing then they could provide an estimate based upon the drawing but with disclaimers relating to the accuracy of said drawing.
Likewise, the architect could have disclaimers stating that "builder to check roof structure on site" etc, etc.
There are many variables here depending on what was stated in the quote. More info' needed.
Sorry about the lack of info. Access was given to the property - in fact a set of keys were given to allow access at any time. The project entails removing existing roof to convert a bungalow into a 2 storey property.
My builder inspected the roof inside before giving a quote. When work progressed to removing the existing roof he found the majority of it was made of steel - excuse the fact that I don't know the technical names for anything- and not wood. He then had to bring in steel cutters to take the roof off. This has set the project back by 3 weeks.
What is worrying me is that my builder will claim that this was an unforseeable problem that i will have to pay extra for.
Should he have not known this? Will I have to pay an extra couple of weeks wages?
Thanks for your input
My builder inspected the roof inside before giving a quote. When work progressed to removing the existing roof he found the majority of it was made of steel - excuse the fact that I don't know the technical names for anything- and not wood. He then had to bring in steel cutters to take the roof off. This has set the project back by 3 weeks.
What is worrying me is that my builder will claim that this was an unforseeable problem that i will have to pay extra for.
Should he have not known this? Will I have to pay an extra couple of weeks wages?
Thanks for your input
You will have to pay him for the work he had to do. IF you don't bother with drawings that's the risk you take. Please say an SE is involved as well as Building Control?
If the presence of the metal structure was not obvious/evident or if the wording of the quote does not mention this then he may have grounds for discussion about an increase in costs.
The key here though is discussion. Do not give him free reign to swing the lead or hit you with extra costs on a whim.
Be firm but be fair. If the quote seems obviously low in terms of work carried out thus far then accept that you may have to pay more. An impartial independent arbiter i.e. specialist roof surveyor etc, could be brought in if things get awkward.
But, as the previous guys have said - do you have a drawing? There should be a suitable professional underwriting a project like this.
The key here though is discussion. Do not give him free reign to swing the lead or hit you with extra costs on a whim.
Be firm but be fair. If the quote seems obviously low in terms of work carried out thus far then accept that you may have to pay more. An impartial independent arbiter i.e. specialist roof surveyor etc, could be brought in if things get awkward.
But, as the previous guys have said - do you have a drawing? There should be a suitable professional underwriting a project like this.
I have full architects drawings if this is what you mean. Need to check what has been written on those.
I'm curious to know why the steel structure wasn't visible from the loft?
On the original question; it's going to depend on what sort of contract you have, how the works were priced and method of administration. The usual basis is that client pays for everything. It's your house - why do you think the builder should pay for your roof? On the other hand some contracts place certain elements of risk onto the contractor. i.e. fixed prices for all or certain parts of the works - contractor is made responsible for method and materials. But you can't have it both ways. If you place risk on a contractor it must be clearly stated and they must have the opportunity to assess and price it properly and you must expect to pay more.
On the original question; it's going to depend on what sort of contract you have, how the works were priced and method of administration. The usual basis is that client pays for everything. It's your house - why do you think the builder should pay for your roof? On the other hand some contracts place certain elements of risk onto the contractor. i.e. fixed prices for all or certain parts of the works - contractor is made responsible for method and materials. But you can't have it both ways. If you place risk on a contractor it must be clearly stated and they must have the opportunity to assess and price it properly and you must expect to pay more.
The plans say nothing about the structure of the existing roof. My thoughts were the same - the steel should have been visible especially seeing that there is so much of it!
I have a fixed price contract which states an increase only if I want something more expensive than what he provides.
My builder did not employ a separate SE saying that he would oversee that and he is also project manager.
I'm not sure as to whether he will ask for more money but he hinted towards the fact that he has lost 3 weeks because of the unforeseen roof situation. He is paid weekly.
I really just wanted opinions as to whether I have s right to disagree.
Thanks
I have a fixed price contract which states an increase only if I want something more expensive than what he provides.
My builder did not employ a separate SE saying that he would oversee that and he is also project manager.
I'm not sure as to whether he will ask for more money but he hinted towards the fact that he has lost 3 weeks because of the unforeseen roof situation. He is paid weekly.
I really just wanted opinions as to whether I have s right to disagree.
Thanks
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