Kitchen Side Return - has anyone used Simply Extend? Post Reply

[LondonMommy]

We're looking to do our kitchen side return and have had a few quotes. We have had two quotes - one from PlusRooms and one from Simply Extend. 

Plus Rooms was really impressive but has come in quite a bit more expensive. However, I am really not impressed with SimplyExtend. They sent a guy from the midlands to look at our property who really didn't seem to know what he was talking about and has left me really nervous if we go with them. They say we can 'live in' but don't at all close off the space (we are in a typical Victorian house, and they have to go through our hallway to access the kitchen), and ask for a very high 21% deposit without doing any ground surveys. 

I'm hoping it's just the one guy who has come to look (I've told my husband we can't consider them unless we have another colleague come as I have zero trust in the guy who came around), but I really question a company who would send someone who is from very far away and couldn't answer basic questions? 

Any advice or experiences anyone has with them would be greatly appreciated, as they are coming in quite a bit cheaper we really need to consider their indication. Thank you! 

[Lepresidente]

No reputable builders asks for a deposit upfront full stop - massive red flag - avoid. We’ve done two projects (1 currently ) and always pay in arrears . In fact 1st payment is normally 6-8 weeks into build . Agree milestones to make payments and never pay upfront for a large project such as you are undertaking . Immediate red flag the builders don’t have the cash flow to fund construction of your project. Walk away

[peachy]

There is a loft being done right across the road from me by Simply and our neighbours seem very happy with how it is all going. Builders seem very considerate and everything is running to time at this point.  If you are price sensitive and you want to find out more why don't you just pick up the phone and let them know your concerns ask to meet with someone else. 

[2schnauzers]

Hi London Mommy

Why don't you contact H+E studio and get the benefit of an architect and a structural engineer along with the build that way you can be confident of getting exactly what you want?

H+E Studio Ltd.
joseph@hestudio.co.uk
+4477 5331 6710 

https://hestudio.co.uk

[eb949013]

We used Home Tales who were very helpful throughout the process, explained everything and took into consideration what we needed (growing boys with too many things and not enough space!). They were also very understanding to our budget - would definitely recommend. 

[Rsatterthwaite]

Another vote for Home Tales here. I got a quote from plusrooms and although I was very impressed they were eye-wateringly expensive in comparison to the other quotes I got. They were quoting me well over £200k for a side return and loft on a mid-terrace. I used home tales and they were fab, it came in about £130 total for the build, £5k for the architect. Good luck 
www.hometales.co.uk