A second opinion on quotes, repairs and older homes
Plain advice from someone who has worked on people's homes for more than 20 years, in joinery, plumbing, decorating, repairs and design, and who has a degree in sustainable architectural design. Based in Comrie, for families in Strathearn and the villages around it.
A half-hour call and a written summary. One fixed price.
Quote for repair works
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Re-point south gable, scaffold included£2,400
Ask for the scaffold as its own line, so you can compare it with other quotes.
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Replace all windows with uPVC£11,800
Ask whether the existing windows can be repaired first. Often they can.
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Damp treatment to ground floor walls£3,100
Find the cause before paying for a cure. Blocked gutters are a common one.
My verdict: reasonable on the pointing. Pause the other two until the causes are confirmed.
For families with a parent in the area
If your mum or dad lives in Comrie or nearby and has been handed a quote for work on the house, you probably want someone local and independent to look at it.
You send me the details. I read them before we speak, and give you a straight answer. Homeowners are welcome to book for themselves too.
Can't be there yourself? I can visit your parent at home, see the problem for myself, and talk it through with you by phone afterwards.
How it works
- Book and pay. Choose a time at least three days ahead, which gives me time to read your details properly. The £30 covers everything.
- Send me the details. A short form after booking asks for photos, the quote and a few words about the problem.
- We talk for half an hour. By phone or video, and your parent can join. Prefer me to see it in person? Add a home visit.
- You get it in writing. A short summary of my advice and the questions to ask, within two working days.
What I can help with
- Whether a quote is fair, and what to ask for before saying yes
- Whether a problem is urgent, can wait, or is a job you could do yourself
- Damp, condensation and draughts in older houses
- Insulation, windows and heating changes that suit the building
- Painting and decorating: preparation, products, and what is worth paying for
Price
Advice call
£30 No VAT to add
A half-hour call and a written summary of my advice. Nothing else to add on.
Call and home visit
£85 No VAT to add
I come to the house, see the problem for myself, and talk it through with you and your parent. About 45 minutes on site, plus the call and the written summary.
The visit price covers about 10 miles from Comrie. Further out, up to about 30 miles (including Stirling), the price rises with the distance, so get in touch first and I'll quote you.
About me
I'm Peter. I ran my own home maintenance business in Scotland for more than 20 years, working in joinery, plumbing, painting and decorating, and design. I also have a degree in sustainable architectural design from Abertay University. I now live in Comrie, and I know the houses and weather we deal with here.
I don't take payment or referrals from tradespeople. My advice is about what to look for, not who to hire.
What this is not
My advice is an opinion based on what I see and what we talk about, whether that is photos and a quote or a visit to the house. I don't carry out or supervise work, or provide structural reports, surveys, certificates, building warrants or energy assessments. If you need one of those, I'll tell you, and you'll need a suitably qualified professional.
Questions
Do you visit the house?
Photos and a short description are often enough for the call. If you would rather I see the problem in person, you can add a home visit, and if I think a visit is needed I'll say so. I don't do the work.
Can my parent be on the call?
Yes. Many people find it easier with a family member beside them or on the line.
What if I need to change or cancel?
You can change your booking for free up to 24 hours before it starts, using the link in your confirmation email. If you need to cancel, tell me more than 24 hours ahead and I'll refund you in full. If something comes up at short notice, get in touch and I'll do my best to rearrange.
Do you recommend tradespeople?
No. I don't take referral fees or payment from tradespeople, so I'll tell you what to look for and what to ask, not who to hire.
Other questions before booking? Email peter@brysonbuildingadvice.co.uk.