Charged extra for a flat roof

[Dylan T]

Hi all - I've got an extension nearing it's end that's being built by a local builder. The original plans had a pitched roof, but after realising the architect had not accounted for the right pitch roof actually fitting below the upstairs window, we had no option than to go for a flat roof. At the time the builder said it was around the same price after I had asked if it would save me money, but I've just had the final bill where he says the flat roof is a lot more work and materials and has charged an extra £1000 for a 3x4m extension. He was going to get a roofer in to do the pitched roof but did the flat roof himself. From what I can read a flat roof is meant to be cheaper, but are there circumstances that this sounds fair that anyone can think of, or do people smell something fishy? And yup I should have got things more tightly agreed, this has been a huge learning curve for me.
Thanks everyone!

 

[johnny2007]

I'm not a roofer, but I find it easier and cleaner to build a pitched roof than a flat roof.
There's a lot more involved in a flat roof, whatever the final covering.
Roofers here will give better advice.

 

[^woody^]

Untitled

• ^woody^
• 20 Jan 2012
• 5

 

[^woody^]

Yes a flat roof is cheaper for labour and materials

 

[datarebal]

He's having a good Christmas

 

[Notch7]

What did he use?

Felt, fibreglass, EPDM?

It's hard to see a flat roof being dearer than pitched, unless you've got a lantern and fancy fascia detailing.

 

[JP_]

get the architect to pay?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

A flat roof is by a long way the cheaper option, the builder is pulling the wool. He has maybe not made as much on the rest of the job, so is trying to make up the difference of the cheaper revision of the job.

 

[JP_]

Did you speak to the architect about this?
Some builders like to ignore the drawings and do what works best for them - maybe the pitch did work if done properly?
Or did the architect really forget that there were windows?

 

[Dylan T]

What did he use?

Felt, fibreglass, EPDM?

It's hard to see a flat roof being dearer than pitched, unless you've got a lantern and fancy fascia detailing.

Thanks for reply. It's EPDM, and yes it includes a flat roof window but the pitched roof was meant to have 2 velux windows. He also had to add ventilation around the window as the extension is in an L (two existing walls) and the building inspector was worried the air couldn't pass through properly as couldn't come out the other side. So admittedly there is more work there, but i was just of the understanding as the flat roof is cheaper it all evened out or near enough.

 

[Dylan T]

Did you speak to the architect about this?
Some builders like to ignore the drawings and do what works best for them - maybe the pitch did work if done properly?
Or did the architect really forget that there were windows?

Cheers, yeah the architect got this really wrong - there's an argument that the builder should have noticed but oh well. He just hadn't accounted for the upstairs windows for the roof pitch and wasn't even close - the pitch of the roof ended up being about 6 degrees!

 

[JP_]

Crumbs. Well, the architect is to blame then, all very well saying the builder should have noticed, but so should have the draftsman!
Bear in mind that a large flat roof might increase home insurance.

 

[diy_fun_uk]

Cheers, yeah the architect got this really wrong - there's an argument that the builder should have noticed but oh well. He just hadn't accounted for the upstairs windows for the roof pitch and wasn't even close - the pitch of the roof ended up being about 6 degrees!

I don't know how it works contractually, do you not have some come back with the architect? Their mistake/oversight has caused unintentional additional cost for you?

 

[catlad]

Anyone with a little experiance should notice this straight away!
Sounds like he is learning as he is going along at your expense.

 

[^woody^]

It's a classic and all too common case of using a crap plan drawer (often cheap but not always so) who does some basic plans just to pass building/ planning regulations, gets paid then does one leaving it to the builder to sort things out.

The homeowner don't know until he gets hit with the extra costs.

It's getting less and less common to see plans that are actually for construction, not just passing building regulations.