Client's review

"There are builders and there are Real Builders!

Having purchased a very dilapidated semi detached property, requiring complete refurbishment, we embarked upon the process with some trepidation. Consulting with our architects, taking note of some of house refurbishments (both good and some clearly disastrous) around the Didsbury area and after strong recommendation we decided to make contact with Paul and Nick from Oak Builders, Styal, Cheshire.

Of all our decisions in relation to the property, making that initial contact Oak Builders was and will remain the most important in the renovation of the property. Firstly, Oak are well established, looking at their ‘previous builds’ proves beyond doubt their abilities in renovating and extending properties both big and small.

Thankfully, Paul and Nick tell it how it is, hugely experienced, no frills, no sales talk, no false promises and their quoted price is the price you will pay.

We were acutely aware that some of the more unscrupulous of builders come in low and then ‘up’ the price after they take on the project leaving the client with almost no option but to comply with the builders requests for additional payments requested.

The decision to proceed with Oak was further enhanced in that they were able to supply a estimated completion date should we embark upon the renovation, something others builders seem unable to supply. Such information allows one to rent a temporary accommodation (if needed) with confidence.

Oak literally descended onto the property on the agreed date and all our neighbours witnessed how professional, courteous and accommodating they were during the 14 week build. Truly amazing band of workers overseen by both Paul and Nick, various sub contractors (clearly well proven) worked on the property in a similar fashion. There was never one weekday when workers were not at the property and with permission of our neighbours some less impactive Saturday working was included.

Each night Oak would ensure the pavement areas outside the property were clean and work areas secured from unauthorised access. Oak’s attention to that particular aspect is to be thoroughly commended, applauded by our neighbours in totality and keeps them as our neighbours!

Suffice to say Oak finished within the agreed time period and even took on supplementary landscaping work within those time scales. Other neighbours who have undertaken similar extension work (incurring serious time delays and additional unforeseen expenses) were bowled over and wished they’d discovered Oak Builders. They’ve even contracted them to undertake rectification work required from their own builders through defective workmanship.

In summary, finish of our property both interior and exterior is beyond our expectations and stands as a testament to Paul, Nick and their staff. Oak aren’t the cheapest builders on the market, but never truer words are said ‘you pay for what you get’ and do you want to sleep easy in your bed during the build, well with Oak you get all those factors and even more!"

Phil and Pam Thomas

Dene Road, Didsbury.