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AIBU?

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Original poster

How the hell am I supposed to pay this

66 replies

Netheip · 28/01/2026 22:57

Roof is in a bad state. Not actually leaking yet but there’s broken tiles and it’s old. Had three quotes and it’s basically going to cost around 10k to re do.

I am so stressed. I‘m a single parent and have 3k savings. I am saving more each month around 300.

My mum has said she will give me 2k. But that still leaves 5k left. And then I will have no savings. I just feel so shit. I thought I was getting on top of things this year and now this.

OP posts:
INeedAnotherName · 29/01/2026 08:11

If it's not leaking yet then don't panic. Broken tiles can be replaced individually so ask about to see if it can be patched rather than re-roofed entirely although having to have scaffolding for H&S does add to the cost considerably. Just because it is old doesn't mean it needs replacing. My previous house had a 110yr roof with only three tiles replaced, it was perfectly fine.

CDTC · 28/01/2026 23:55

GarrySlarry · 28/01/2026 23:18

You said then you will have no savings. So you can afford it, you just don’t want to use your savings???

That isn't what she said.

Shedeboodinia · 28/01/2026 23:50

That sounds very expensive.
How many quotes have you had?
Get some more quotes. Ask for minimum repair to make good. . Do you know anyone with a connection to a roofer or builder to ask an honest opinion?

Driftingawaynow · 28/01/2026 23:49

GarrySlarry · 28/01/2026 23:18

You said then you will have no savings. So you can afford it, you just don’t want to use your savings???

Read the posts again Garry

Loulouboho · 28/01/2026 23:27

Im so sorry. It’s tough to save at the best of times and it’s just a kick in the teeth when something like this happens and you were just starting to build some financial resilience. I totally get why - with a sole income - you would be potentially more concerned with running down your reserves to zero. Just wanted to send some support and empathy.

dependjng on where you are located - eg if Scotland there can sometimes be options such as support for energy efficiency improvements or options to tap into statutory repairs grants if it’s a listed, shared ownership property. Might be worth a chat with citizens advice or energy savings trust. Good luck and keep doing what you’re doing. You are doing everything that you can

Beakthrough · 28/01/2026 23:24

Broken tiles can be replaced without it being a major job.

Beakthrough · 28/01/2026 23:24

Have you had more than one person look at it? Obviously rooves do sometimes need work, but my friend had someone tell her the roof needed £££££ and when she asked 2 more builders to quote they said it was fine.

Ponoka7 · 28/01/2026 23:21

I agree that first consider if any of it can be covered by insurance. Then see what grants your local council is offering. It might have to be a remortgage.

KnickerlessParsons · 28/01/2026 23:20

Isn’t that the kind of thing savings are for?

GarrySlarry · 28/01/2026 23:18

You said then you will have no savings. So you can afford it, you just don’t want to use your savings???

Gabitule · 28/01/2026 23:17

Op, if it doesn’t leak, do you need to have it replaced now?
When I moved into my house my roof was also VERY old. I stressed like mad about the need to replace it straight away. Three years later, I managed to save the money I need to replace the roof…but I won’t do it yet because it doesn’t leak.

LVhandbagsatdawn · 28/01/2026 23:17

Another thought is that if the roof has been damaged by recent weather, would insurance cover it?

Alternatively, could you explain to the roofers and ask them for a revised quote that only covers what absolutely must be done right now to keep it going until you can afford a full refurb?

£10k seems to suggest some quite substantial repairs - that may need doing long term but ask about what really needs doing right now to keep the house dry and watertight. Then you can save towards the main repair.

I know a patch job isn't ideal, but it could be a solution.

Pippa12 · 28/01/2026 23:15

I’d explore borrowing more on your mortgage. We have just done this for a roof.

LVhandbagsatdawn · 28/01/2026 23:12

As a PP said, I'd explore how much it would cost to release some money by way of the mortgage.

Another alternative would be to see if you can get a credit card - lots of companies offer a 0% interest rate for two years. Now you might not be able to pay the roofer with this but you could use it for every day spending and funnel everything you can towards the roofing costs.

This could cost you less in interest than a remortgage - I would weigh up the pros and cons carefully.

Original poster
Netheip · 28/01/2026 23:03

@Chicagodog I have looked. It seems so expensive to borrow on the mortgage and things are tight

OP posts:
Chicagodog · 28/01/2026 23:00

It’s often possible to get a home improvement loan or remortgage to release money for bigger jobs like that. Could that be an option for you?