Moss removal from roof

My 86 year old Dad lives in Norfolk. He has been targeted over the last year by local ‘tradesmen’ persuading him to get various jobs done. Windows, exterior of the house painted, garage flat roof etc.
This week he got a call from East Anglia Roofing Services. They swiftly sent a surveyor to the house. The man who arrived spent 4 hours talking to my Dad. He started off with a quote for £11k !!! Came down to £7k and finally £5k. £5k to remove the moss off the roof and spray it with a treatment??? That sounds mighty high to me. I did some searching on the internet and I found an article that suggested £700 for this type of job. So the most I would’ve expected is £1000.00
Does anyone know roughly how much this job should cost?
Thankfully we have persuaded Dad to cancel and get his deposit back.
These people pray on the old and vulnerable. It’s disgusting.
Any advice greatly received.

Comments

  • Browntoa
    Browntoa Posts: 49,288
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    Moss on a roof isn't an issue
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  • tacpot12
    tacpot12 Posts: 7,894
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    It will take a skilled operator no more than two days to clear a house roof. A company that specialises in this work will have the access equipment needed, and while this needs to be priced into the job, I would expect it to cost no more than £1000.

    As others have said, it is not really necessary, unless one is preparing a house to be sold and the moss is very noticeable.

    The fact that the sales man spend 4 hours with your father is alarming and shows that the salesman is not to be trusted.

    I think I would make an appointment to see the Managing Director of the company and shout at him a bit, so that he is made uncomfortable to the point where he won't want another visit from your or anyone else's child. You don't need to be violent or threatening, just "shouty".

    I would probably make the appointment under false pretences; you could say you are a landlord with a large portfolio of properties, and have regular roofing work and want to retain a firm to do this work. Then when you are introduced, apologise and explain that you have made the appointment under false pretences because you weren't sure they would see in person and explain what you are there to complain about. Give him as much detail as you can and give him time to write it all down, if they are a good employer, they will need your evidence to discusss the salesmans misconduct with them. Initially I would assume that they will be as appalled as you and I are; so give them the opportunity to apologise, and only if they are unapologetic unleash your full fury.

    You might also want to get a CCTV camera fitted at your Dad's if the scammers can see that they are being filmed, it may pursuade them to try another door.
    The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.
  • tacpot12
    tacpot12 Posts: 7,894
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    And if you live some distance from your Dad, I would still go to see the MD. It will give you more ammunition if you can shout about how you have had to take the day off and travel x hundred miles to come and sort them out.
    The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.
  • basiluk
    basiluk Posts: 33 Forumite
    I would contact trading standards and send them the quote, along with a copy to BBC watchdog.

    These tactics are despicable, and the quote is an obvious rip off attempt.
  • Thanks for all the advice. My Dad has stopped the deposit payment and we have contacted Trading Standards. I expect Dad will receive a call from the roofing company when they receive his cancellation slip that he posted today.
    My Dad has learnt a lesson. Bless him!
    I may also let watchdog know too.
    Thanks again
  • longwalks1
    longwalks1 Posts: 3,712
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    basiluk wrote: »
    I would contact trading standards and send them the quote, along with a copy to BBC watchdog.

    These tactics are despicable, and the quote is an obvious rip off attempt.


    This!! show the trader up for who they are, disgusting. Nothing worse than preying on the elderly.


    I had all the moss swept off my room (4 bed semi, 1930's build) by a local lad who had the proper ladders etc, I didnt enjoy watching him do it but he done it for £200 (granted, he didnt treat the roof with anything)
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