Customer reference for building, converting services as told to pickapro by Susan Burke from Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on 01-May-2007

When was the work done?
Eddie started the foundation work in October 2006, while we were away on holiday, and finished the extension in early February 2007.

What was involved?
Our dwelling house is a standard 3 bedroom semi detached. The work involved a large 18 foot extension to the rear of the house, extending the width of the house and giving us a second large family room, a large utility room, and a down stairs loo. They also created access to both rooms from the existing kitchen. Additional access was made to the back garden by a newly created back door and double french doors from the family room.

How did you choose Eddie Rainsford?
I knew Eddie from the Motor Industry - so when I learned of his new organisation Kelly & Rainsford and that Eddie was a builder by trade, I asked him along with two other builders to quote for the extension.

I choose Eddie because of the 3 builders picked to quote, Eddie was the only builder to do a complete project site survey, he spent extra time gathering up additional information and called in an engineer to assess the drainage.

Eddie got architect's plans drawn up and these proved invaluable to the end result. The advice Eddie gave on planning permission was fully correct, when we checked it through with South Dublin County Council and all paperwork provided met the approval of our Building Society surveyor. Eddie also provided a Contract and Payment plan so at all stages of the project, I was aware of how much was due against the work schedule.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Eddie Rainsford?
I had spent a long time considering whether to extend or move and had drawn up an outline of what I wanted the extension to achieve, i.e. an additional large family room and a fully functional utility room, with separate access to the back garden from both rooms and lots of light. Eddie achieved all of this and more.

Did Eddie introduce new ideas?
Yes indeed. Some of the improvements suggested by Eddie were:
- A brick finish to the extension, which is a very attractive feature when viewed from the back garden.
- Pitched roof, which gives height in the family and utility room - and creates an open airy feel to the room, and remarked upon by everyone who comes to see the work.
- Dwarf walls leading to the Double French Doors, extending proud of the main walls - which again creates an attractive feature rather than a straight end wall with double doors.
- Down stairs loo, located under the stairs in the hall (as opposed to being part of the utility space). Now that I'm living the new space, this was absolutely the right decision.

How did the project run?
The entire team were totally professional. They arrived everyday on time and worked the full day on site. The team brought their own lunches etc and had provided an outside loo for their use. Cleanup was ongoing throughout the time period - skips arrived and were removed and equipment arrived and moved on.

They were a really friendly professional group of guys and I was happy with the length of time taken to complete the work.

What was the biggest benefit to you of using Eddie Rainsford?
Firstly that they are fully insured and made sure that a Health & Safety notice was mounted in front garden

Secondly, their total reliability. Telephone calls were answered promptly and all queries followed up immediately.

Thirdly, their flexibility. We had two after-thoughts during the building process - the creation of an additional window in our original kitchen and levelling the garden. Not a problem - our request was added into the schedule and funding calculated and payment agreed.

Last but not least, the 10 year guarantee which is more than just a piece of paper - Eddie Rainsford stands over his work and has checked back in with us to see that we are happy with the building construction. Anything raised with Eddie was sorted. They restored my faith in the building industry.

What's your favourite part now?
For my kids, it's the privacy of their own living room. For me, it has to be the utility room - it created such an amount of additional storage space, washing machine, additional sink, location of the boiler. After 20 years my kitchen now looks tidy!

Would you recommend Eddie to others?
Without hesitation.

Any tips for other people?
Really take the time to think out what you want from the extended space. Also take into account any loss of light the extension may cause your original dwelling. Get a set of drawings, it's worth the additional expenditure. Mark out the space using chalk, boards whatever to see impact on remaining garden area etc. Have a budget - but if possible have some flexibility for amendments along the way.