When was the work done?
From November 2012 to June 2013. What was involved?
It was a total renovation of a 1940s house into a modern home. A modern extension was added at the back as well as an extension at the front and the attic was converted. An old garage was knocked down at the back and a nice shed built. Polaris also landscaped the garden, front and back, including a driveway.
How did you choose Polaris Builders?
I was looking around for a builder, and I came across pickapro.ie. After reading the testimonials about Andrew, I decided to contact him. As soon as I met Andrew, I knew we could have a good working relationship. That was very important for me. It's stressful enough without having someone that wouldn't communicate at my level as I don't know all that much about building.
I also met with some of Andrew's previous clients, and went out to look at some of his work. I found that very reassuring.
I would also say Andrew's price was very competitive as well.
Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Andrew Rudenko?
Yes, I had drawings. But actually, as the building went on, there were changes. For example, we realised that some things might work better in a slightly different way and Andrew was open to that.
Did Andrew introduce new ideas?
Yes, Andrew was always very open to what would work best.
How did the project run?
Andrew's quality of work just exceeded my expectations. And he didn't go until every single thing was done, which was amazing. At the end, there was nothing I could say that was wrong, no little annoying things here or there.
I'd give him 100% for everything. He arranged everything everything and he didn't use lots of subcontractors, which was good as parking on my road is an issue. Andrew also got on very well with the neighbours, which was great. As he said, you have to live here. So he was very conscious of that as well which is very important.
Andrew was here at 8 o'clock every morning and didn't leave until after 6pm, or maybe 7pm sometimes if there was something to discuss. There was never a sense of 'I have to go'. He would already have been to the builders providers at 7am in the morning.
What was the biggest benefit to you of using Polaris Builders?
I would say his quality of work and the fact that the relationship was good were both very important to me. And the fact that he took pride in his work. I never thought that anything was going to be hidden, or 'that will do, she won't notice'. Andrew wanted to do the job well, quality was very important for him as well as me.
What's your favourite part now?
I just love it all, it's like a new house. I hadn't planned to do the attic, but now I have a view of the sea from the attic. So that was a really nice bonus. I'm stilling getting a feel for it all.
Would you recommend Polaris Builders to others?
Yes, absolutely! Whatever project Andrew does next, they're really lucky.
Any tips for other people?
Yes, pick Andrew!
