Painting, Cleaning, Repairs

Customer reference for Houseworks Property Services as told to pickapro by Wendy Richard from Bray, Co Wicklow on 25-Mar-2011

When was the work done?
The work was done in March, 2011.

What was involved?
I moved into the house three months ago and it was a mess. The back garden was filled with rubbish from previous work that had been carried out and needed to be cleaned up and cleared away. There was even an old washing machine out there. I couldn't even walk in the garden with the mess. They cleared away the rubbish and took it to the dump for me. The architraves and gutters needed to be repaired and the living room and dining room needed to be painted. There were holes in the walls everywhere in the house that needed to be filled and replastered. Gavin and Darragh did many, many things for me including things I didn't expect like cleaning up and polishing my fireplace which now looks like brand new.

How did you choose Houseworks Property Services?
I work in a cafe and my boss is a friend of Gavin Martin, Darragh's business partner. He left some business cards in the cafe and when I saw him next, told him about the work I needed done at the house. He came over a few days later, saw what needed to be done and gave me a quote to carry out the work. I told them about the housewarming party and that I needed the work completed on short notice if possible. I just felt that Gavin and Darragh were trustworthy and I didn't speak to any other contractors about the work. I was right to choose them because they did an amazing job.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Darragh Connolly?
I knew exactly what needed to be done and I gave Darragh a list.

Did Darragh introduce new ideas?
New ideas weren't necessary because the cleaning and repairs were pretty straightforward but they did things like cleaning my fireplace that wasn't on my list. I thought that was nice.

How did the project run?
Everything went perfect, the work, the schedule, everything. They arrived every morning at 8:00 AM and worked until 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening, a full days work. I left them the keys to the house for three days but I never worried because I trusted them completely. It was their house while I was at work. I was in contact with Darragh or Gavin every day and I always knew what was going on. I'm so happy with the work that was done and it couldn't have been better, the house looks amazing. I need to get the skirting boards done next and I'll be giving Gavin and Darragh the job, I'm not calling anyone else.

What was the biggest benefit to you of using Houseworks Property Services?
The fact that the work was done so quickly after I gave them short notice. Darragh knew that it was important to me because of the housewarming and organized his week to get the work completed on time. The job took three days and was finished just before St Patricks Day.

What's your favourite part now?
The difference that the painting has made. When I moved in the walls were painted orange, green, brown, every colour. Now it's all freshly painted white and looks so clean and fresh. I couldn't stand the house before but now it's like new and I love it to bits!

Would you recommend Houseworks Property Services to others?
I would recommend Gavin and Darragh to everyone. They're brilliant and I only have good things to say about them.

Any tips for other people?
I think it's important to trust your instincts when choosing someone to carry out work on your house. When I bought the house I got a couple of builders in I didn't really trust and it didn't turn out well. Gavin and Darragh are the first guys I've trusted and I couldn't be more happy with the job they did.