Garages

[bluebird34]

My brick built garage is in a terrible state of repair. When we moved 10 years ago the roof leaked slightly - this has gradually got worse and the bricks are a bit rocky along at top' The previous owner was a bit of a do it yourselfer and I believe he built the garage himself. The roof is that sort of corrugated asbestos sheeting I think. I believe it would cost me a small fortune to have this all repaired and while surfing for a new shed came across various new garages which I believe would probably cost less. As a female I have no idea how good these are but am sure someone out there will know something about them, they include metal (steel???) plastic and concrete I know about concrete and these are the most expensive so I would appreciate advice on the others please.

[alidoc]

I have exactly the same problem, I asked some advice and you would probably need to replace some of the top brickwork. However it was suggested to me that some of the new flat roofing available nowadays is both long lasting and waterproof, I would suggest getting a few reputable local builders to give you a quote.

[The Builder]

I would certainly look at repairing what you have now, Janet.
Don't forget, if you replace the garage, you will have the expense of demolishing and removing the old one as well.

Perhaps take off the old roof and replace with something like this...

http://www.onduline-roofing-sheets.co.uk/

It's available from Wickes, Builders Merchants, and others.
Once the existing has been removed, the top course(s) of brickwork can be easily re-bedded. A piece if timber laid on top of that (called a wall-plate) will help hold them all together. The new sheets will then be nailed to this.

Is the garage for a car, or just general storage?

Can you post a link to any of the alternative garages you're interested in? If not, then perhaps you could give us the Company name and product.

[bluebird34]

Thank you alidoc and nice to speak to you again Mr Builder. I just cannot find the website but will keep looking and let you know if i find it, although I had not factored in the cost of removing my old garage!!!!. I'm sure you are both right and I need to get a couple of quotes but hate asking anyone to look at it really, I am so ashamed of the state of it. I will bite the bullet call in some local builders and let you know how I get on. Those brand new steel and plastic garages did look lovely tho' lol...........x thank again will be in touch

[bluebird34]

Found it leisurebuildings.com soz no idea how to post a link xx

[The Builder]

Right, I've had a look, and I can see what you mean. They are not eyesores are they? Metal/plastic/timber ......... certainly no problem with any of them. Very durable and secure, I'd imagine. If you do go for one, just pick whatever you like the look of. I can't see you going wrong with any of them.

The prices are attractive when you compare it to the cost of renovating an old one. They would need a concrete base. Your existing garage floor should be fine.
Don't forget to consider the cost of someone's labour to put it up.
For demolition .... I would guess a builder's skip. For a simple one-brick thick garage with corrugated roof........... I took one down recently in order to build an extension. It took me a day to take off the roof and throw it in the skip along with the brickwork (which didn't take much demolishing.)

The corrugated sheets are low grade, non-notifiable. That is, absolute minimum hazard. In short, no asbestos concerns. Anyone pricing for you might not know that, and try to charge a lot more for disposal. I can point you to the relevant Health & Safety Executive website if necessary.

So........ prices needed to renovate, and then price up the costs involved with replacement.

[bluebird34]

Thank you Mr Builder, I have telephoned 3 builders on the safe traders list and left messages for them to ring me back. I had looked up the asbestos roof and like you believe it to be asbestos cement which is not notifiable. Will wait and see what they all say and how the prices compare with a new one. They look lovely but a bit like warehouses and I would just like to see one in the flesh before I decide, however that is unlikely. Thanks again xx