Any thoughts on Morespace for a loft conversion?

[valbona]

Hello, we're thinking of using them to redo our roof space and would love to hear about any experiences people have had ... Bad or hopefully good! Also, any general tips about design-and-build outfits. We're total home improvement novices and a bit nervous ... Thanks!

[MissBetseyTrotwood]

Myshout's experience sounds dreadful but they did a lovely job on our friends. Much better than the cowboys we had.

[superram]

Our builder used to work for them - he is much cheaper as not paying for their fiat cars!
Be aware that your contract is with their subcontractors not them so completely depends on who you get.

[MrsHerculePoirot]

We have used them for a loft conversion a few years ago and they have just finished a downstairs extension for us. Both crews were really good and we have recommended them and would again.

[MrsHerculePoirot]

What?!?! I have been a member since 2010 (DD was born in 2009 and I lurked since then). I am a regular poster - you can check my posting history, I have no idea what you are talking about or why my post was deleted?!?

MNHQ - can you look into this? Why on earth was I deleted for giving my views on a company we have used twice?!?

[MrsHerculePoirot]

Just searched my name: here it shows over 500 posts so no idea what you are talking about...

[MrsHerculePoirot]

Interestingly when I search your name this is what comes up... just the four posts on this thread?!?!

[Piscivorus]

Myshout I think you might need to think of a phrase involving the word sorry. I know MrsHP on here and in real life and can assure you that she is not a troll. I have known her on here for at least 18 months so don't know where you have got your information from.

[halfthesize]

I would also like to assure you MrsHP is not a troll and has given lots of excellent advice on list of threads.

[halfthesize]

*lots

[Moscow55]

Myshout, sorry to hear your problem… sounds very serious.

We had a series of defects in the project Morespace undertook. Morespace advertise that they guarantee the quality of the works because they are a member of FMB – but the builder they appointed has nothing to do with FMB. The builder was substandard, and, even worse, then brought in even worse sub-contractors.

Morespace is not the “Design and Build” company you might expect. They are a “Design and Oversight” company acting as an agency to appoint a builder. 30% of the total cost of the project is taken by Morespace off the top for their “service”. If I had a chance to do it again, I would appoint an independent, professional architect and a professional project manager. Then I would select a builder on his own merits.

If you think of using this company (or any all-in one company). Read the contract carefully before signing anything, and try to check with as many former clients of the builder. Make sure a proper detailed plan is in place. Also be informed who your Building Control Surveyor is going to be. We discovered that ours was from a private company appointed by Morespace. We’d rather have one from the local council than picked up by someone who also selected the builder, or at least be given a choice.

[jojobalham]

Completely agree with Moscow55. We've just had our loft completed using a well known loft company but i can honestly say they did nada...they act as an agent to sub contract to a builder as majority of loft companies do. There is no 'project manager' and most of the time you will be talking to the builder about what you want. i only heard from loft company when they wanted payments. If anything goes wrong the loft companies will deny liability and pass it on to the builder, plumber, etc who they contracted and who all have insurance anyway.
Luckily for us the builder that our company contracted was just superb (Robin Holthusen at Handz on tools Ltd; handzontools.com) and made things as painless as possible.
But like Moscow55, in hindsight i would have avoided all loft companies and sourced a good architect and builder such as Robin myself...good architects and builders would be able to direct you towards COLs and independent building reg companies too.

[ronster2409]

Hi valbona, did you use More Space in the end? We're thinking of using them and wondered how you got on.

[propergentleman]

Take my advice, don't do it! Ash Island is a better bet.

[FruVikingessOla]

Don't you just love a good, old Zombie thread where the last poster is trying to sell their own business by stealth - without having to pay MN for for their advertising?!

[roses2]

We have just signed up with More Space for a kitchen side return and the work is due to start in January.

I will post an update once it is done!

[Paulawillan]

Can you guys confirm you are talking about Morespace in London? I am looking at using a company Morespace building in Brighton and was googling and came across this. The company in Brighton come well recommended and don't drive fiat cars or employ sub-contractors so guessing it's the London company mentioned on here?

[cecinha63]

Hi,

Is this company the same as 'ineedmorespace'? had a flyer through my letter box and wanted to know if we're talking about the same people? Am considering a loft and just want to make sure they're not the same. Thanks all.

[HollyMaingate]

I really wouldn't take on something as major as an extension or loft conversion via a flyer through your door. This is major work that alters the fabric of your house and will cost tens of thousands of pounds. Go on recommendations of others.

Plus most decent builders are so busy at the moment they wouldn't need to flyer!

[ElleMcElle]

We are planning this sort of work... How did it go with MoreSpace, Roses2?