Replacement lead valley cost

3figures

We’ve had a leak in the ceiling in one of our bedrooms and the roofer who came today said it needs the lead replacing as it has cracked (3m lengths not 1.5m as it should have been!). We have a 1930s semi which has been extended and it’s the valley between the two where he says the problem is. He’s quoted £1100 for the replacement of all the lead - he thinks it’s 8-9m. Scaffolding will be needed and he’s said it’s a days work for 2 or 3 of them. Does that sound reasonable? I’ve got no idea, although I know lead is expensive, but it sounds a lot! 

Mickey666

Without a photo it's difficult to say, though it doesn't sound excessive.  Tile will have to be removed and replaced, probably with mortar flaunching where they meet the new valley, so it's not just a case of laying a few strips of lead.  A day's work sounds about right but consider how much 3 workmen would expect to earn in a day - 2x £250-ish plus a labourer at say £120, that's about £620 right there, add the lead cost (few £100s), some sand/cement plus scaffolding and it soon adds up.
Check whether the quote price includes vat (it should, if applicable, but doesn't always and another £220 would be a nasty surprise!  Also, did they mention what thickness of lead.  It should really be 'code 5' for a durable, but some might be tempted to get away with code 4 (thinner).  At least they seem to know about not laying excessive lengths, which is a classic reason for lead failure, so they sounds as if they know what they're doing.
You might be able to shave off a bit elsewhere but once the price is in the right ballpark the real issue is the quality of the work rather than saving a few bob - IMO anyway.

greatcrested

Scaffolding is expensive. Plus 2-3 men? Plus lead? Not outrageous at all.

But as with any job like this it makes sense to get at least 2 if not 3 quotes, both to verify the issue and to compare quotes.

What does your neighbour say? I imagine the cost will be shared between you.

AdrianC

You're right the lead isn't cheap.
https://www.roofingsuperstore.co.uk/browse/lead/6m-roll-1.html
So call it £200 for 9m.
Then two-three man days and scaffolding.

3figures

greatcrested said:

Scaffolding is expensive. Plus 2-3 men? Plus lead? Not outrageous at all.

But as with any job like this it makes sense to get at least 2 if not 3 quotes, both to verify the issue and to compare quotes.

What does your neighbour say? I imagine the cost will be shared between you.

Sorry, the valley is between our house and its extension, not between us and our neighbour. No one to share the cost unfortunately! 

3figures

Mickey666 said:

Without a photo it's difficult to say, though it doesn't sound excessive.  Tile will have to be removed and replaced, probably with mortar flaunching where they meet the new valley, so it's not just a case of laying a few strips of lead.  A day's work sounds about right but consider how much 3 workmen would expect to earn in a day - 2x £250-ish plus a labourer at say £120, that's about £620 right there, add the lead cost (few £100s), some sand/cement plus scaffolding and it soon adds up.
Check whether the quote price includes vat (it should, if applicable, but doesn't always and another £220 would be a nasty surprise!  Also, did they mention what thickness of lead.  It should really be 'code 5' for a durable, but some might be tempted to get away with code 4 (thinner).  At least they seem to know about not laying excessive lengths, which is a classic reason for lead failure, so they sounds as if they know what they're doing.
You might be able to shave off a bit elsewhere but once the price is in the right ballpark the real issue is the quality of the work rather than saving a few bob - IMO anyway.

Thanks, the VAT is included (phew!). They are specialist roofers, and recommended locally, but you never know whether that makes them more expensive. Agree though, if it’s in the ball park, I’d rather pay for a good job and not have to redo it in a few years!