When was the work done?
The work was done in October, 2012. What was involved?
We had a very old bathroom that not only needed to be renovated but it was also causing a leak through the floor and onto the ceiling of the kitchen below. The kitchen ceiling was replaced and the bathroom was ripped out and a whole new made to measure, fitted bathroom was installed.
Additional work in the house involved knocking down and replacing a wall leading upstairs that had a bulge in it. We had tried to steam off old wallpaper that was there, but it caused the plaster to bulge underneath. It needed to be redone and plastered back up.
How did you choose Alan Doyle?
It was a family connection, Alan is married to my brothers sister in law. My brother is a painter, decorator and he has worked with Alan over the years, seen his work and recommended him to us. He told us that if we got Alan in to do the job, that it would be done well.
Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Alan Doyle?
Yes and no. We had a very young baby and we wanted the bathroom to be warm. At first we thought we could achieve that by getting rid of an ugly radiator and replacing it with a heated towel rack but Alan explained that the towel racks don't put off as much heat. We also needed help with ideas and design.
Did Alan introduce new ideas?
He did, yes. Alan changed the whole layout of the bathroom which gave us alot more floor space to move around in. The old bathroom felt cluttered and tight but now when you open the door, you see the window, bath and shower and the room feels nice and open. The toilet is hidden behind the door and a full mirror running the length of the wall makes the room look larger as well.
Alan also gave us good advice on the different costs relating to materials and fixtures that were available to our budget.
How did the project run?
It was really good. Alan sourced the materials and fixtures we wanted and made it work within our budget. We moved out of the house during the job because we had a young baby and the work was going to create a lot of dust. Alan told us the job would take a week and he would stay late at night, sometimes until 9:00 or 10:00 working to get the job done because he knew we wanted to be back in the house as soon as possible. True to his word, we were back in within the week.
What was the biggest benefit to you of using Alan Doyle?
Alan was very clear and precise in explaining exactly what needed to be done and he was a big help in advising us with regards to our budget. Another benefit was the fact that he got the job done on time. Despite the fact that Alan has a family of his own, he stayed and worked until late at night to get the job done within the week. We really appreciated that.
What's your favourite part now?
Aside from loving the whole bathroom, I would say my favourite part are 6 little LED kickboard lights at the bottom of a wallnut unit we had installed. We didn't know that they were going to do it, It was a nice surprise Alan kept under his hat until the grand finale. It really finishes off the room and gives it a fancy hotel touch. It adds atmosphere to the room and we leave them on when we have guests staying over so that they can find their way to the bathroom. The whole bathroom and the lights get lots of compliments.
Would you recommend Alan Doyle to others?
Yes, without a shadow of a doubt I would recommend Alan.
Any tips for other people?
Ask the guys who would be doing the work for ideas on different styles because they're the experts, they do it day in and day out. Make sure that you're getting value for money and don't feel pressurised to make a decision there and then if you're not ready.