When was the work done?
In 2010. What was involved?
A kitchen extension, an attic conversion and a new roof. The house is a dormer bungalow. First, we extended the kitchen out the back to make the house an L shape. Then during the build, we decided to replace the entire roof rather than having a new roof on the extension and an old roof on the rest of the house. The attic was converted as well. So in all, we got a bedroom and an office, a bigger kitchen and a new roof.
How did you choose Shinte Home Improvements?
Locally in Celbridge. I think it was an ad in a local newspaper or a church magazine. We got a few quotes in. Stephen came in well on price and he looked like he was reliable as well. He wasn't too cheap, we went somewhere in the middle.
Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Stephen?
The kitchen was straightforward. We wanted more space, open plan layout and a high ceiling. It was more a question of what to do with the space upstairs. Where to put the bedroom versus the bathroom and the office - what way to slice it up.
Did Stephen introduce new ideas?
Stephen did make several suggestions for the attic conversion and we weighed them up and went with the most practical option. Another good idea he had was for the kitchen lighting. It's an apex roof, like a dome. As well as downlights, he suggested a type of hanging light like a big modern chandelier . It looks great and the lighting is really good.
How did the project run?
Stephen was there every morning on time and he finished on schedule. When it came to taking the roof off, they got it off and a membrane skin on again inside two days. So the roof was water tight again within 2 days.
Their clean up was very good too. There was never a mess left. Stephen did what he said he was going to do.
What was the biggest benefit to you of using Shinte Home Improvements?
It was value for money. There was no running up on costs. Stephen worked very clean and was on time everyday. And he always kept us up to date on what was happening. He kept us prepared for any potential issues. We paid in installments and there was never any hassle about money from Stephen.
The house was done right, was done clean and it was done on schedule. You hear all kind of horror stories about builder starting and not finishing. Stephen did what he said he was going to do. He's a sound lad to deal with.
What's your favourite part now?
Well, the whole thing is good. The kitchen, in fairness is fairly impressive. But one thing that stands out for me is the plastering. I hate bad plastering. The plastering upstairs is absolutely immaculate.
Would you recommend Shinte Home Improvements to others?
Yes, I would recommend him. He's very down to earth and he just knuckled down and did what he said he was going to do.
Any tips for other people?
If it's within budget, and it's possible, it'd be nice if you could move out during the build. That's no reflection on Stephen. It's never going to be fun to extend your house, but there's nothing Stephen could have done any different to make it easier.
