My 1st floor masonette is fitted with asbestos halfpipe guttering on
the front and rear which is is in dire need of cleaning inside and
out. Also the soffits (wooden panels) have become rotten and loose in
places. On the rear there are birds nesting in one of the cracks
between the panels.

I have had quotes from various contractors and I am thinking of
settling on a CORC (www.corc.co.uk) approved contractor who will
charge me £640 for installation of uPVC halfpipes and sanding down &
repainting and repair of the soffits. This is the cheapest quote I
have had from the 3 quotes I have had. All are from trades guild
members.

The questions I have a

- his work is garunteed for 12 months - is this acceptable? I have
been told that 5 or even 15yrs should me a minimum for guttering. I
would have thought 12 months would expose the work to all the years
seasons and the upvc manufacturer garuntee may be seperate. I've also
been recommended to use double-glazing companies as they generally
have much more experience and a longer garuntee.

- i am in no rush to get the guttering & soffits fixed - would it be
best to wait until summer? is there a best time?

Any advice much appreciated