Loft Conversion recommendation

[jesskblandford]

We've just had our loft conversion done (on Fellbrigg Road), and I wanted to make some recommendations for the people who did the work for us.

LoftLife (http://www.loftlife.net) did the conversion for us, and they were great. We thought Spencer (the owner) was a bit 'wide' when we first met him - but don't be put off! His communication throughout was excellent. They were the only company we found who would guarantee the time it would take (10 weeks from start to finish or discounts given) and as we were moving to New York, knowing the end date was really important to us. It was all finished on time to a really high quality and everything left clean and tidy throughout. The team were really nice people (Rob the project manager was great at sorting any problems/concerns that came up - occasionally someone didn't turn up (plumbing usually) exactly when they said they would which was frustrating, but probably inevitable in these kind of projects - and Rob always got things sorted quickly). They had some really good ideas for making the most of the space (for example putting in a cupboard that we hadn't thought about without charging us), and putting in a large window with reinforced glass rather than juliette balcony which is safer for small children, and the top opens outwards which makes it more space efficient in the bedroom). They are local and only do terraced conversions, so have a really well-oiled machine for doing this kind of thing (we did the basic thing of adding a top bedroom and shower room and an extra bedroom on the back too). We are really grateful that they made the whole process so easy for us. In terms of cost they were pretty much the same as others we spoke to. It looks really great and we're really very pleased.

We used Bells Kitchens and Bathrooms on Lordship Lane to supply everything for the shower room. Again, they really took time to understand what we wanted and find us the right things that would fit in the space (which was very specific). There was some confusion with the delivery of a shower panel - and they went above and beyond to sort it out for us, and deliver the missing part to the house at really short notice.

Lordship Lane Carpets supplied the carpets (we used them for the rest of the house too) and as always they were great too. Fast, efficient and great customer service.

Rob from LoftLife, recommended Vicky Smith to do the decorating, and she was totally brilliant. Skilled, flexible, reliable and very friendly. We would very strongly recommend her for any decorating work. (victoriasmith13@hotmail.co.uk)

Elly Allen is making the curtains for us (07931 151 685). They're still being done, but we've used her a couple of times before and again she makes really good quality curtains. She is great at making suggestions for designs and patterns based on the rooms, and sorts out fixing the poles and putting them up so they fit perfectly. She is busy, but her communication is really good, so you know what to expect when. I like her a lot.

Finally, because we're moving to New York and renting out the house for a couple of years, we had lots of odd jobs that needed fixing.

Dan Franey (07799 796037) is a handyman and he sorted out all kinds of things for us (fixing a bath panel that had come away, putting a strut on a window frame that was partly rotten to keep it safe, etc). He is also really friendly and flexible and able to put his hand to anything. We've used him a few times now and are always glad to have his help and skill.

Finally, Gary Vu is a local electrician, who is affordable, reliable and super fast at coming when needed. He sorted out our electricity safety certificate - but has also done various things for us over the last few years... fitting lights etc. He's really super efficient and again we like him a lot and would highly recommend him.

I know it's a bit crazy to have so many recommendations in one post, but we're moving to New York and just want to make sure other people have the same great experience we had with good local people if they're thinking of doing something similar.

We're going to miss East Dulwich a lot... but will be back in a couple of years for sure!!

[undertheivy]

Hello!

I wanted to say thank you for this in-depth and glowing recommendation! I am currently sifting through the forum looking for loft conversion advice and I am very glad to hear your story.

Thank you!