Estimating and Scheduling a Tile Replacement With Heritage Constraints
You are quoting to replace the roof of a heritage-listed cottage. The existing roof is terracotta shingle-style tile, and the heritage adviser requires the new roof to match the original profile and colour. The roof area is 95 m2 at 30 degrees, with two valleys and a chimney. The original tiles are no longer made, but a compatible profile is available at a 20 percent premium and a 6-week lead time. The client wants the work done in 4 weeks and has a budget based on standard concrete tile pricing. Access is tight: a narrow side lane allows only a small truck.
1. What should your quote and programme include that a standard re-tile quote would miss?
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The quote and programme must reflect the heritage and access constraints:
- Material premium and lead time. Price the compatible profile at the 20 percent premium and show the 6-week lead time. The 4-week client deadline is not achievable with this material, so state the realistic start date and explain why.
- Heritage compliance. Include the cost of matching profile and colour, and any requirement to retain or salvage original tiles for reuse on visible elevations. Allow for the heritage adviser's inspection and sign-off.
- Complex detailing. Two valleys and a chimney mean extra flashing, valley work and cutting. Price these as measured items, not a lump sum.
- Access. A narrow lane limits truck size, so allow for smaller loads, more trips, or a transfer point, and include the labour and time this adds.
- Contingency. Heritage roofs often reveal unexpected conditions once stripped, so include a provisional sum and a process for variation approval.
- Disposal and protection. Include removal and disposal of the old tiles and protection of heritage fabric.
A quote based on standard concrete pricing would be understated and would set the job up to fail.
2. The client insists on the 4-week deadline and standard pricing. How do you handle this professionally?
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Be clear and firm, and put it in writing:
- Explain the two blockers: the compatible heritage profile has a 6-week lead time, and standard concrete tiles would not meet the heritage adviser's requirement for matching profile and colour. Standard pricing therefore cannot deliver a compliant roof.
- Offer options rather than a flat refusal: (a) accept the 6-week lead time and start when material arrives; (b) ask the heritage adviser whether an alternative approved profile is available sooner, and price it; (c) stage the work so urgent areas are done first while the balance is ordered.
- Do not sign a contract that commits you to an impossible date or a price that cannot cover the specified material. If you do, you carry the risk of delay penalties and a loss.
- Record the advice and the client's decision. If the client proceeds against your advice, document that the deadline and price were set by the client despite your warning.
Protecting the client's heritage obligation and your own commercial position are both part of a professional quote.