Conservatories - Checking Fareham Firm

Busybloke · 15 Oct 2014

Hi - Any one got experience of Crofton Home Improvement Centre (CHIC) in Fareham?

They've given us a good quote, but there seems to be multiple companies listed on the web with either that name in that area or at that very same address. Just want to make sure that all is above board..>We don't want to look for positive reviews for one that end up being from the other.

Usual stuff...money's tight and want to make sure before we go ahead on a project.

Cheers in advance

Busy...

JohnD · 15 Oct 2014

I don't know, but browse http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/
(for some reason it is an unreliable website that often doesn't work)

You can get basic reports, including date of incorporation and directors names, for nothing.

I would avoid people who are in the habit of going bust and starting up again under a similar name.

Newboy · 16 Oct 2014

Might be worth a look at these links

Registered address for the company
https://www.companiesintheuk.co.uk/ltd/aertek

Company formed less than twelve months ago
http://companycheck.co.uk/company/08808971/CROFTON-HOME-IMPROVEMENT-CENTRE-LIMITED

Streetview of registered address - not unusual for a registered address to be a service address - e.g. accountants etc.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.8...ata=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sjGOBem9rX3awZNBLL3pppg!2e0

Have a look at the recently filed documents on this link
https://www.companiesintheuk.co.uk/ltd/crofton-conservatory-centre

I'd ask the question why the new company was formed and what happened to the old one

delmel · 31 Jan 2015

Busybloke said:
Hi - Any one got experience of Crofton Home Improvement Centre (CHIC) in Fareham?

They've given us a good quote, but there seems to be multiple companies listed on the web with either that name in that area or at that very same address. Just want to make sure that all is above board..>We don't want to look for positive reviews for one that end up being from the other.

Usual stuff...money's tight and want to make sure before we go ahead on a project.

Cheers in advance

Busy...

One of those industries that I would definitely go with a personal recommendation, smaller companies tend to give a better service and product.

VvrooomM · 21 Oct 2015

Feel free to contact me. I'll give you an honest opinion.

We chose them based on a personal referral so the advice above may not be enough. Just about to enter week 13 of a 6-8 week build.

crawfordkenny2000 · 27 Nov 2015

Hi I have been given a quote by Steve at Crofton Home improvement centre for a large Orangery and would appreciate some feedback from your recent project done by them if possible. It would be great if we could see yours so that will help us to decide whether to proceed. Any feedback good or bad would be appreciated

VvrooomM · 27 Nov 2015

No problem

Rob Allen 25 · 30 Nov 2015

Hi I have just joined this site having seen the above thread. I too have some concerns about the company and the lack of online reviews and would also appreciate an honest opinion. They offer a 10 year guarantee but not much good if they go bust every couple of years! Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

VvrooomM · 1 Dec 2015

Anyone that wants to visit and see their work first hand is more than welcome, I live down in Alverstoke. There is good and bad, I hope I'd paint a fair picture. I'm not writing anything in any detail here.

VvrooomM · 1 Dec 2015

Rob Allen 25 said:
Hi I have just joined this site having seen the above thread. I too have some concerns about the company and the lack of online reviews and would also appreciate an honest opinion. They offer a 10 year guarantee but not much good if they go bust every couple of years! Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Their 10 year guarantee is only free for the first year. A call out charge applies per visit afterwards.

Rob Allen 25 · 1 Dec 2015

Thanks, I would really appreciate the opportunity to see your extension and have a chat. Is there a way to exchange contact details privately on this site so I can give you a call?

VvrooomM · 1 Dec 2015

Rob Allen 25 said:
Thanks, I would really appreciate the opportunity to see your extension and have a chat. Is there a way to exchange contact details privately on this site so I can give you a call?

You should have a message within the forum. G

Boogiebox81 · 21 Apr 2016

My advice to anyone considering work from CHIC Fareham. DO NOT pay a penny until the work is complete and you have had an independant surveyor to check the quality of the job. The majority of work is subcontracted who require payment when they have finished their part. Very difficult to get issues resolved when they have all of your ££.

VvrooomM · 23 Apr 2016

Boogiebox81 said:
My advice to anyone considering work from CHIC Fareham. DO NOT pay a penny until the work is complete and you have had an independant surveyor to check the quality of the job. The majority of work is subcontracted who require payment when they have finished their part. Very difficult to get issues resolved when they have all of your ££.

I'm afraid I have to agree to a degree. Once windows and doors are delivered, you'll be in for over 90% of the total cost. We've only just had the last of our work completed and no idea if it's even solved the leak. They started Aug'15. Not sure many places do it any differently though, not had a problem getting them to come back just a little slow to deal with problems. Our builder Brian and his guys were great, Cliff the fitter has also been great but when they come back for snags, they are not being paid for it. This may explain a lot! There needs to a a retainer in my opinion, probably 20-25% until complete. I reckon it would be finished a damn site quicker.

Rob Allen 25 · 30 Apr 2016

I don't disagree with any of the above comments regarding payment but I would like to add that Crofton is just finishing my project and I couldn't be more pleased with their work. Perhaps I have just been lucky with the builder Aaran and his team and all the other trades but they have done an amazing job and the quality of their work is top notch. My project has included quite a lot of internal work, in addition to the orangery, so has not been straightforward and will have been completed in 8 weeks from start to finish. As a competent DIYer, I am highly critical of the work of others and know what is and isn't a good job and this is definitely good. Based on my experience I would definitely recommend them but reading the above threads perhaps others have not been so lucky.

I don't know what has happened to my username but for the record I am the Rob Allen who first posted on 30 November last year.

Conservatories - Checking Fareham Firm

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