Quote for rubber flat roof over dormer, am I being fleeced?

[Yiiiioo]

I’m on my own and feel like I’m at risk of being fleeced as have no knowledge of these things!

The area being replaced (have a leak) is around half of a single garage. It’s being replaced with rubber flat roof and had a guarantee with it. I’ve had three quotes, one for 1,750 for a felt roof, one for 1950 for rubber and one for 2,100 for rubber.

I wanted to go for the middle one but it seems a lot! They seemed an ok company and have good reviews but then when the guy came out to look at the size, he was nice but seemed extremely chilled out. I haven’t had work done on a house before. Is this just what it costs?

I put a rubber roof on my workshop which is about 3m x 5m. I can't recall the exact price, but I do recall it being ferociously expensive even to do myself. I used Firestone rubber, and the recommended adhesive. I doubt I will do another one like that. My garage needs doing (also a flat roof), and I will do that with fibreglass although I don't suppose that will be much cheaper.

We had half of our garage’s pitched roof replaced with rubber around 18 months ago and it cost about £2,000. It doesn’t sound like you were fleeced, unless I was too.

Midlands here. Double length garage roof, boarded and replaced with rubber (can't remember the name but 25y guarantee) £2600 in April this year.

God, zone 3 London, GRP which is more expensive than the rubber, 6m x 3m, £6,900 incl VAT. Nearly cried.

sooooo OP I don’t think that’s outrageous what you’ve been quoted, but the very chilled guy is a bit concerning. You want someone right on it. What about the more expensive one.. . Better / sharper vibe?

That seems reasonable (admin for a construction company here). EDPM rubber is more expensive than a replacement felt roof but is much more durable. It will be cut as a single piece and therefore less prone to leaks.

Those three quotes aren't wildly apart which is usually a good sign – felt at £1750 vs rubber around £2k is about what I'd expect for half a garage. EPDM (rubber) should last longer than felt if it's done properly.

What I'd check before picking

• Are they replacing or overlaying the deck? If the timber underneath is wet from the leak, it needs sorting or you'll get another leak soon.
• Proper upstands at the walls/edges and how they detail around any pipes or vents that's where most flat roofs fail.
• Written guarantee in the company name (not just the fitter's), and whether it's insurance-backed.
• Brand of rubber and whether it's one sheet or joined.

A chilled survey isn't automatically a red flag – some of the best roofers I've worked with are like that – but do ask them to walk you through what's included so you're comparing like for like. The middle quote sounds reasonable if the deck work and detailing are in it.