Central Heating Upgrade

Customer reference for C And S Plumbing as told to pickapro by Conor Richardson from Cabinteely, Dublin 18 on 24-Aug-2011

When was the work done?
Stephen has done two major jobs for me, the first one was in 2007 and Stephen did a very big job for me in October 2009. The most recent work would have been just completed in July, 2011. In addition to the larger projects, Stephen would have done other small jobs for us over the years.

What was involved?
In 2007 we redid the bathroom. Our house is an old one, built in the 1950's and the bathroom definitely needed upgrading. Stephen took the old bathroom out and installed a new one which included shower units, bath, wash hand basin and vanity. Stephen put in a whole new water system as well.

The big job in 2009 involved a project where we were extending onto the house but by doing so it impacted on the whole of the downstairs including where the hot water cylinder and piping were located. At the time we had an oil system and wanted to switch over to gas. Everything was completely upgraded and made more efficient. Stephen removed our old gun barrel piping system and replaced it with a new energy efficient gas central heating system. It was a major works job.

In July, 2011 Stephen replaced our kitchen tap and sink unit.

How did you choose C & S Plumbing?
Stephen came to me as a recommendation from a colleague and friend of mine. My friend met Stephen through a local football club they're both members of. He had used Stephen two or three times himself and told me that he found his work to be very good. We brought Stephen in originally for a small job about six years ago and he proved himself. He was quick, efficient, did a good job and everything he said made sense. when we had the larger projects come up later, we rang Stephen without a second thought.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Stephen McGovern?
We had ideas on the design, colours of the tiles and where we wanted the bathroom units, but as a plumber, we wanted Stephen's perspective and ideas as well.

Did Stephen introduce new ideas?
There were small things like the suggestion to move the vanity unit further from the bath to allow for additional storage space and larger considerations. Stephen's the only tradesperson I've used over the years who doesn't just tell you what you should put in, he asks about your family profile and what your future needs would be. He really considers all aspects of the project. Obviously things such as units, fixtures, colours and tile were discussed but Stephen also asked me about the family members. How many boys, girls, ages, current water usage, etc. Stephen was looking at the situation in the house four or five years down the road when the kids would be getting older, using the water more frequently and going out. Stephen suggested putting in a second shower unit, one of them a pump unit because girls like it better and a secondary electric shower for quick usage in freshening up or cleaning up after football. Stephen struck us as a fellow who had been around the block, done a lot of work and we found his advice great.

How did the project run?
Stephen made things easy for us and handles all of the projects from start to finish. I consider Stephen to be "user friendly". He's communicative, he considers all aspects of the project and his work is excellent. Stephen provides what I consider to be a "complete service" of high quality workmanship with excellent aftersales followup.

What was the biggest benefit to you of using C & S Plumbing?
Two things for Stephen stand out for me, quality of the work, that's a definit plus and the practical and common sense approach that Stephen takes to the project. Stephen doesn't just focus on the current needs but your future needs as well.

What's your favourite part now?
Aside from the quality of Stephens work and his advice, it's his amazing aftercare service. I remember about a year after the gas central heating was put in, we had a rattle in one of the pipes one night. I tried to find the problem myself but couldn't. Being relatively new to gas I was a bit concerned. This was happening at 11:00 PM at night and I rang Stephen at home. He explained that he didn't mind the late call and after we explained what was happening, Stephen quickly identified the problem and told us what to do. It turns out that my daughter had accidently hit the wrong valve and left it open. Stephen told us how to close the valve and the problem was sorted. Stephen made it very clear that if there was ever a problem, even if it's the middle of the night, to ring him. That's what you love to hear, someone whose going to look after you. It's very reassuring.

Would you recommend C & S Plumbing to others?
Yes I would and I have done. I am very quick and happy to recommend Stephen as a high quality plumber.