Installing loft ladder and some other bits

LittleMissAspie

We've had a quote for some work that was much higher than we were expecting, not sure if our expectations are wrong? The job is to install a loft ladder but because our hatch is too small, it would involve cutting a joist to make a bigger hatch. Then to take out our old water tank and insulate/board where it was. Ladder, insulation and boards to be supplied by ourselves.

The quote says:

Labour to
- create opening for Abru loft ladder
- make framework for loftladder with 100mm by 38mm carcassing to strengthen joists and associated joist hangers where necessary
- install your supplied loft ladder
- fit architrave trim around outside of lofthatch
- seal perimeter gap around frame and loftladder with expanding foam
- remove disconnected water tank and cut up to fit through loft hatch
- remove associated disconnected pipework
- remove water tank platform and bracing
- fit your supplied loftboard to area approximately 2.2m x 1.3m

Materials
- 100mm by 38mm carcassing 3.6m
- joist hangers
- architrave
- expanding foam
- battens for loftboard

Total £492.

withabix

Seems reasonable. Get more quotes if you are not sure.

What price were you expecting?

Is this from a company or a self-employed joiner?

LittleMissAspie

We were expecting half that. The big loft ladder companies do it for £500 including the ladder (nice timber one) so that's £350 then we thought because he is a local handyman he would be cheaper than a big company and he doesn't pay VAT either.

We'll get some more quotes.

SailorSam

There's a lot of work involved to make the loft door bigger.
I tried once to move the old steel tank that was up there and after struggling to move it to the 'door' realised it wouldn't go through. Must have gone in 50yrs earlier when the house was getting built.