Roofing quote South London 1930's semi detached

[jbolo]

I am a joint freeholder in a converted 1930's semi detached. The flat above is let. There was a leak to the upstairs and the landlord via the managers of his property sent a roofer around who confirme the roof was in need of repair

We were given a quote of £1300, plus VAT for scaffolding to the front and then a quote of £5,500 plus VAT to do the work.

The landlord got a few quotes and we just decided to go with the original contractor who had installed windows to both our flat the year before. We pay half the deposit of £4,400

The contractor comes and installs the scaffolding to the front without telling us and now has quoted a further £2900 plus VAT for scaffolding claiming not to have had access to the back now realises the roof is very steep and for health and safety issues.

When the roof was first inspected pictures were taken of the front back and sides so he had a full idea of the cost of a three side scaffolding. Its a 1930's standard 3 bed house converted so there really should be no surprises

I am thinking he put his foot in the door and is asking for more money

I really just want the job done and obviously the tenants upstairs need the repair so ultimately I would like the contractors to just get on with it.

If not I want a full refund and they take their scaffolding down.

The landlord is having the conversations, the management to the landlords flat are incompetent when I rang them no idea what was going on even that the payment had been made to the contractor via them. They said they would speak to the contractor about an issue they had little grasp off. I feel all conversations to the contractors and management company should be in writing and that I may need to take this further

Any advise from someone in a similar position?

 

[jj4091]

Not sure if a written quote is the same as a contract that would be enforceable.

 

[stevie888]

This is a try on. This is not an issue that he could not have forseen so you are entitled to rely on his quote. This is a very different scenario to finding say rotted timbers that could not be seen until the roof was opened up.

A contract exists as there has been an offer and an acceptance and there is the service and the recompense.

Cynically I'd guess he' realised there are several parties involved and is trying to capitalise.

 

[Si_]

A quote is not an estimate. Once agreed it's a legally binding contract obliging him to do the work for the fee he specified, with the exception of reasonably unforeseen issues, which don't apply here. If he quoted without assessing the job properly that's his problem.