Pointing quote Victorian terrace

Clairabella

I have two quotes for repointing the front of my small, stone Victorian mid terraced house front and chimney.

One is £1200 done in cement the other over £2000 + VAT done in lime. Are these fair quotes for Leeds area? I know that lime is better but does it cost more for the actual materials? Could I ask the cheaper builder to use lime for the same price? I do trust his work as I've used him before.

Clairabella

I'd really appreciate help with this. Anyone?

Doozergirl

How many square metres? Of course you can ask the other builder to quote in lime. It's not great that he hasn't, to be honest. It does need it.

Please ask to see other houses they have pointed up. You don't want a mess on your hands.

Clairabella

Thank you for your help , it is approx 34 square metres.

Doozergirl

Are they providing scaffolding to work from?

Clairabella

Yes he has his own scaffolding. I have now seen his pointing with brushed finish and it looks fine.

Doozergirl

It's pretty cheap. Handy that he has his own, really.

Did the other price include scaffold.

Clairabella

Yes it did inclue the scaffolding.

Is the lime mortar more expensive? Is it the same to work with as a cement mortar? Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated.

Doozergirl

Lime mortar is a bit more expensive, but I'd expect the scaffolding to take a significant chunk of the bill. If the cheaper guy has some and in effect isn't charging you, then that pretty mich explains the difference.

Do use lime mortar. It is softer and will move with the house.

Clairabella

Thanks for your advice Doozergirl.

He says he's never used lime before but puts something in the mortar mix to make it elastic so it moves with the building and doesn't crack...?