Quotes-tips for a beginner!

glossgal

Hi,
I'm in the process of trying to get quotes for some minor roof work (small flat roof re-felt) but am finding the whole process quite stesssful. It doesn't help that being female I can feel the 'flannel' starting almost immediately on the end of the phone/doorstep! (do have OH but not always practical for him to make enquiries). I was hoping for comments/advice regarding a few issues that seem to be cropping up:

1) Workmen saying I don't need to be in when they do the job-my instinct is someone should be around even if we're not 'beedy-eyeing 'them.
2) The few people I've had quotes from all want to do the job within 24 hours. Its only a few hours work so I can understand it doesn't need weeks of planning but I feel pressured and end up deciding not to go with them. I appreciate problems with leaks can't wait forever but if Im not in a hurry why are they?
3) Written quotes-Ive not been offered one yet, probably due to point two. Obviously with a big or expensive job I'd insist on it but is it normal to do without for smaller jobs?

I should point out that I'm not totally gullable but I really hate dealing with things I know nothing about!

cheers

Canucklehead

Good evening: The best way to approach the situation is to arm yourself with as much info on the subject as possible...you're off to a good start by posting on here. People are less likely to try to take advantage of you,regardless of gender, if you can demonstrate that you have investigated the job at hand and have a handle on the jargon etc. Get 3 quotes from trades recommended to you by a source you trust...compare each quote like for like, and take your time making a decision.You could post your quotes on this forum and those in the know i.e. experienced tradespersons (there are a few still giving advice on here but that seems to be on a downward swing at the moment tbo) could lend you a virtual hand.

HTH

Canucklehead (also a female )

andyhop

one thing i hate when giving quotes is folk giving you incorrect information and thinking there know it all....just because there have read it from some diyer on the net!

ask around and get some recommendations, the world is a small place

Canucklehead

andyhop wrote: »

one thing i hate when giving quotes is folk giving you incorrect information and thinking there know it all....just because there have read it from some diyer on the net!

ask around and get some recommendations, the world is a small place

Good morning: I agree....the problem is everyone is an 'expert' : incorrect/dangerous advice giving flourishes on the internet (as it did pre-internet;)) but searching for reliable sources of information isn't fruitless eg. every day MSErs provide excellent links on the subjects at hand. As in anything, the end user needs to sort the wheat from the chaff (and ignore the sarcastic comments from the windup merchants who are an unfortunate feature of every internet forum). As I've said many times, go with personal recommendations: if this isn't possible the OP could source a roofer through a professional trade association.



HTH

Canucklehead