Story

Our roof needs fixing quite soon. It’s not exactly my roof, as I’m here with permission, but with no rights or remedies (or obligations). The owner won’t fix it but he wouldn’t mind if I did. It’s an odd situation, and he’s a bit of an odd person. His daughter, also my stepdaughter (as I refer to her as), lives here too. Her mom died around four or so years ago and we both remain at the house.

Until my partner got cancer things were going well financially, but obviously things changed drastically and caregiving was priority over making money. I do work part time and my stepdaughter has a small income, but we can’t muster what’s needed right now. I can actually see daylight from the loft now, so the issue is getting worse, and it’s only a matter of time before the house starts getting flooded with water.

We need a line of corner tiles along one of the ridges, and perhaps some internal work. We may have some of the tile pieces so that will save money. ChatGPT suggests a cost of  between £400-1200. Not sure how it would work out but if they can access the roof from the adjacent flat roof then perhaps a roofer might charge 5 hours @ £50 PH X 2 workers, which is £500 plus materials, say £200 if we need them. If scaffolding is needed that will be extra – maybe £300. These are just my estimates based on common sense. In any event I think it should come to no more than £1,000. If we can raise a good proportion of that on here I’m sure we can find another few hundred between us and family and friends to make up any difference.

I’m due to retire in just over a year, and would like to stay in the house if possible. If we can’t get the roof repaired we may have to find alternative accommodation, and there won’t be a house to use for any other family members in the future (as all are welcome here). Plus a decent house will be ruined for want of a relatively minor repair, which would be a bit tragic.