Wedderburn, Harrogate

Single-storey side extension

Mr and Mrs Stanworth
This project was the first time that we've ever undertaken any serious building work. We didn't know where to start when choosing a builder... There are tens of them in the local area and we met with no fewer than 12. Some had Facebook pages, others had websites, some had Google ratings and others were word of mouth. Some of the builders we met with came in with quotes lower than TEC Build, others much higher. One even told us he would buy himself a new van if we chose him so we knew our money wasn't going to be frittered away...! However, we chose TEC Build on two things. 1) on a gut feel based on meeting with Terry, 2) on receiving a detailed quote which was way above what anyone else provided. The second of these things we took for granted that every builder would do, but that's not true. Being able to see all the different parts of the job across tabs on an Excel sheet helped us understand with clarity what we were paying for - from skips for clearing the site, to foundations, roof structure and more. This formed part of our contract sum, and anything above this (so the quote specced for basic doors, and we chose oak doors at extra cost, for example) would be added to the quotation. Rebates were also factored in for items which weren't required (such as downgrading the number of velux windows we opted for). We met with Terry to talk through our project, our concerns and also to answer my curiosities on how certain things would be done. We felt from the outset that Terry was upfront, honest and that he was someone that we could get along with over the next 6 months. We're delighted that we chose TEC Build for our project, which included building a single storey side extension in our driveway, wrapping round the front of the house to also create a porch. This side extension includes a garage accessible from the existing hallway, then a large wetroom and playroom which are both accessible from the old side entrance to the house. The playroom has bifold doors opening out onto the existing patio. Throughout the work, Terry and his team have been polite, friendly and a pleasure to deal with. The work has been completed to a high standard, and where the very occasional issue has arisen (which is inevitable) it has been sorted out quickly. TEC Build brought in their trusted outsourced specialists, such as bricklayers, plumbers, electricians etc. The good thing about this is that they were answerable into Terry, so all the work was carried out to a standard that he is happy to sign off on. It also meant that he would do the organising and chasing round to get people on site at the right time. Two of the smaller things, but no less important, which impressed us were how tidy TEC Build kept the site and also the communication throughout the project. This has been magnified by having landscaping work carried out recently by another company who failed on both of these measures. With having 2 small children it was imperative that the site and entrances were safe and tidy. Terry and his team tidied up every day, created walkways over foundations and used protective sheeting/zip doors where necessary to keep mess to a minimum. Communication was also excellent throughout. I have a keen interest in DIY/woodwork and general building, and Terry took time out to talk through different aspects of the job, techniques etc as we went along. He presented us with options where a choice was required (instead of ploughing on without asking us), and where problems arose (such as with tiles which were 1mm out) he also came to us with a solution at the same time. We would wholeheartedly recommend TEC Build to anyone carrying out an extension project.