Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 12, 2013 Share Posted September 12, 2013 Some of you may remember a couple of years ago, our dormer roof blew off and I had a real job persuading the insurance company to pay out. We've had a leak in the dining room and as I couldn't get hold of the original roofer, called another firm to look at it. Turns out the original roofer did a completely botched job on the roof . It's going to cost us £1,700 to put it right and the (very nice) roofer said it's just inside the small claims amount and it's really not worth trying to pursue the original roofer . Thankfully the insurance paid for the repair 2 years ago but I'm so angry that they did such a bad job and we'll have to pay to put it right. How are you supposed to know if a job has been done well or not ? Although this new guy seems very nice and we got a very professional looking quote with all sorts of stats and certificates, how do I know they'll do a proper job ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 12, 2013 Share Posted September 12, 2013 Could you approach the insurance again? after all they are the ones that paid for a bad job, they should have used a decent roofer so may well be interested in taking this up as many builders are part of trade associations who may well intervene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 Good luck ANH, Redwing has some sterling advice there. I had something similar a few years back when a roofer did a horrendous job on my attic when I was replacing the Velux windows. I got expert opinions (very important) from Velux and another roofer, took loads of photos, and took the original scally to small claims. Got my pay-out in the end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 You could ask the new roofer for references from satisfied customers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 As long as it was a roofer that the insurance company supplied I would definitely contact them. If you got the work done and then the insurance company paid you then it would be different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 I would have thought the insurance company would take a rather dim view that a contractor they employed has done such a poor job. Also, I would think there should be some form of guarantee with the work that was carried out (two years is NOT long enough for roofing work to last - the words "not fit for purpose" spring to mind). I would DEFINITELY contact the insurers ... good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbug Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 I would contact the insurers too!! £1,700 is a lot of money I am surprised you cannot go through small claims? Think that it is difficult to get good workers these days....maybe contact council...building regulations to see if jobs have been passed by new roofer + see other jobs he has done. Also see if he is accredited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 13, 2013 Author Share Posted September 13, 2013 Good advice but sadly, it was a roofer I'd used in the past so I probably don't have much chance with the insurer - especially as they tried to say it was bad workmanship that caused the roof to blow off in the first place. The roofer had the gall to say that wasn't true - I believed him and so must the insurer as they paid out. We'll just have to view it as a wear and tear repair that would have needed doing anyway and forget the storm damage repair (which at least didn't cost us). I have a very extensive document from the new roofers with all kinds of certificates and reports. They are members of the Consumer Protection Association, Confederation of Roofing Contractors & Home Improvement Protection. I've asked for photos of the roof after the work (they took lots of it for the estimate). I feel a fool for using a couple of blokes I knew nothing about to fix my roof for quite some years . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbug Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 Sounds like they have good certificates and reports. Have you seen any of his previous work? Seems unfair that 1st roofer will get away will shoddy work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 I'd report the first one to Trading Standards and also to Building Regs at your local council. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatieB Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 Can I also suggest that you get a second quote / opinion. You will then be confident the advice is correct and quote accurate if two reputable businesses say the same. The year before last we needed a complicate roof and chimney job doing for our Rayburn which cost a small fortune but we knew we were on the right track when two companies diagnosed the same problem and gave similar quotes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 13, 2013 Author Share Posted September 13, 2013 I did wonder about another quote but it's getting quite urgent that we get it fixed - the ceiling is very badly stained and damp and we were warned that it might come down if we don't get it sorted soon. This does appear to be a very professional outfit and the chap that came was very presentable, polite and helpful so I think we'll just go for it. I have asked for "after" photos! I may well consider reporting that bunch of cowboys . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
