Stuart Viggers Portfolio

Horley Manor Stable Blocks (click photo to enlarge)
Horley Manor Stable Blocks thatch...
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Quality Thatchers
Thatching is highly-skilled work.The quality of the thatcher makes a major contribution, along with the quality of thatching materials, to the appearance and performance of a roof. Whatever kind of thatch is used, it is worth waiting for a good craftsman. A thatcher's work is affected by the weather and it not easy for him or her to be precise about when work on your house can begin.
Some thatchers have NVQ qualifications but there are no widely-held or accepted paper qualifications for thatching. The title ‘Master Thatcher’ traditionally means an experienced craftsman. However, the title is important to remember this is not regulated by any official body. This means that anyone can call themselves a ‘Master Thatcher’, whether or not they belong to a Master Thatchers’ organisation and whether or not they are an experienced craftsman.
You can choose a good thatcher on recommendation from friends or neighbours, and you can ask for estimates from several thatchers, Bear in mind that it is only fair that they should all be pricing up for the same work so this means that you should establish in advance what material you need a price for. If you have a Listed Building, the material you can use will depend on what is permitted by the Local Planning Authority.
Stuart Viggers will offer sound valuable advice, regarding any aspect of thatch. Specialising in advice concerning material change, which may be contrary to the conservation policy of your District Council. Stuart Viggers has access to the best possible quality material and, if that is not to hand, Stuart Viggers can make repairs until an adequate supply can be found. Stuart Viggers will give agree a specification, e.g. minimum depth of thatch over the fixings, so that all the estimating are to an exacting standard you are happy with.
