Long Straw

Strip off and dispose off site all the old thatching materials. Replace substandard rafters with matching material and treat all wood work as it becomes exposed against wood worm and fungal attack.  

Thatch in the best thrashed long straw the above property to a thickness above the battens of not less than 16" securing each yealm at least twice with high tensile steel sways and steel hooks driven into the rafters. The distance from the face of the work to the sway to be not less than 6"

Ridge the whole roof in long straw providing a flush pattern wrap over ridge appropriate to the style of property with a covering over the ridge roll of not less than 4" over the apex roll. All spars and liggers to be of Hazel nut-wood and the fasteners to be arranged so as to secure the material to a maximum of 6" length. 

Netting to be of 20 g, 3/4" galvanised wire netting covering the whole roof and attached to itself every 4" and fixed to the roof with 16.g galvanised wire. Fix flashings as needed. Clear site of rubbish.

 Norfolk Reed

Replace substandard rafters with matching material and treat all wood work as it becomes exposed against wood worm and fungal attack.

 Thatch in the best water reed ( Known as Norfolk reed ) the above property to a thickness above the battens of not less than 12" securing each bundle at least twice with high tensile steel sways and steel hooks driven into the rafters. The distance from the face of the work to the sway to be not less than 5"

 Ridge the whole roof in sedge providing a cut block pattern wrap over ridge appropriate to the style of property with a covering over the ridge roll of not less than 4" over the apex roll and a 3" cut at the pattern. All spars and liggers to be of Hazel nut-wood and the fasteners to be arranged so as to secure the material to a maximum of 6" length.

 Netting to be of galvanized  ¾ " 20g. mesh covering the whole ridge and fixed to the roof with 16.g galvanized wire Fix flashings as needed. Clear site of rubbish.

This is very basic but it does at least give a measure of what is to be done. If it is not mentioned you may have to pay extra. Look for scaffolding costs, VAT, rubbish removal. Most important look for the thickness quoted. An estimate can be increased by up to 25% ask for a quotation to fix the price.

If it is not specified it does not mean that someone is trying to cheat, there are still thatchers who give verbal or 'back of fag packet' estimates who are genuine. Just ask for more details. The genuine ones have nothing to hide, only the dishonest will complain. Some years ago a court case involving a thatch roof was thrown out even though it was only 2" thick. It is unusual for a guarantee to be given, although some do, you will have to decide if it would be honoured.

 There may be very good reasons why your estimate differs from any of the above, make sure you are told why, there are rare times when a thinner coat is better for example. In the future it may be important if you are selling to have a clear written specification

See   Specifications for more details, consider any contract carefully or any other services offered