My wife and I used this company as we were looking for someone to do some water damage repairs to our small flat in Bristol. We are a young couple and this is our first property. The man that initially came to see us seemed like a decent guy and provided an impressive looking "estimate" after the first meeting. The price seemed a little high, but we naively accepted it as we trusted him to do a good job for that price.
After a short time into the work we started getting letters from them with "additonal estimates" attached that wanted to increase the cost of the job by about half-again. There were three of these in total - and this was only to fix some water-damage to floor joists and a small section of wall!! Not a big job by anyone's standard
As the kitchen was a total building site (dangerous gaps in the flooring and tools everywhere) we had no other option than to proceed as they said they were awaiting confirmation before they would get back to work.
The "additional estimates" only related to do extra parts of flooring to the same rooms initially discussed. The work was not for rot that had spread up more walls, nor was it for damage that had gone through into other rooms. How a "professional" builder would not anticipate this I have no idea.
In total there were three "additional estimates". I feel like a total mug to fall for this. It seems that these people are out to bleed customers for as much money as possible.
At one point we were left without a toilet for many days over a bank holiday weekend. When I looked at it, all they had to do was attach one more pipe! They know the property was habitated, so if this kind of thing is going to happen, surely a customer should be warned as soon as possible?
Of course we queried what made up these extra bills and no full-breakdown of materials and/or labour was provided. Nor did the man that first met us take or return phone calls. We could only ever get through to the secretary! Dreadful service and terrible communication.
To further worsen things, the final bill submitted by them had a weak relationship to the "estimates". It really felt like these people pluck figures from the air.
In my opinion, it is building firms like this that give all the other firms, and small businesses in general, a REALLY bad name. I beg other people to absolutely avoid this company.
The actions of these people are in my opinion dis-honest, deceptive and sly.
On a general note of professionalism, their staff were poorly dressed, used our toilet without flushing it, and never wore safety equipment such as protective footwear, even when nailing and drilling.
I feel bad writing this as I know there are some very honest and open companies out there (I have sinced used some) that will let you know before they start whether or not costs are likely to go up.
On a wider basis I advise anyone to be wary of an "estimate". By its nature it is likely to change. Always request a "quote". If the builder is unable to provide a fixed price, at least get them to confirm what extra costs there might be and what these are likely to be. But most of all avoid Bristol and West Preservations. read more
