Energy Efficient Extension

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Customer reference for KS Construction as told to pickapro by Malcolm Carter from Swords on 27-Apr-2009

When was the work done?
The work was done between September, 2008 and January, 2009.

What was involved?
It involved knocking down an old smaller extension and building a new one that ran along the whole of the back of the house. Inside the extension was a new kitchen/dining room, office, utility room and toilet. The extension was built with a pitched, high ceiling.

How did you choose KS Construction?
We looked online, on pickapro and a couple of other sites and we made a short list of builders to meet with. We met with four or five of those and received quotes from three. We felt that Kevin's quote for the job was the most professional. It wasn't the cheapest but it wasn't the most expensive either. Kevin came across as someone who would follow through on things and get the job done. We also met with someone he had done work for previously and they recommended Kevin as well.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Kevin Stanley?
Yes, we had worked with an architect for the extension and had a fairly good idea of what we wanted internally.

Did Kevin introduce new ideas?
He did, yes. The architect didn't think that we would be able to get a pitched roof on the extension because of the position of the upstairs windows but Kevin felt that he could do it. Kevin was willing to give it a go and said that if it didn't work, would build a flat roof or anything else we wanted for no additional cost. In the end, he was able to build the pitched roof with no problems.

How did the project run?
Very well. Kevin has a good team who always turned up on time and treated the property with a lot of respect. Even the neighbours commented on how punctual the guys were and how they seemed to be working all the time.

What was the biggest benefit to you of using KS Construction?
The confidence we got in terms of the price being spot on and the follow through. Kevin stands over every piece of his work and his after service follow up is very good. If anything ever needed sorting, Kevin was always there to fix it.

What's your favourite part now?
I think the cleverest part was how the previous utility and toilet space was changed so as to be able to maximise space and get additional light into the room. The angled pitch of the roof with the windows is also very nice.

Would you recommend KS Construction to others?
Yes, absolutely.

Any tips for other people?
Take your time to select your builder, do that up front. I've had a bad experience in the past. Don't automatically pick the most expensive or cheapest. Communication is very important with the person doing the work because all sorts of things will happen during the project, discussions will take place and there may be differences of opinion. It's important that you get along and understand each other.