Anyone used Econoloft?

[InmyheadIminParis]

We're going to convert our loft early next year and we've asked a nation-wide company called Econoloft to prepare a quote.

Has anyone used this company? I'd love to hear how it worked out.

[cgudg]

We have recently had a loft conversion with Econoloft and had a very negative and disappointing experience. There were many problems but here are some of the key ones:

1. Econoloft took all of their payment from us up front before work started. We did not understand that this would be the case when we paid our deposit to Econoloft. We then had to pay each of the trades’ people directly for their work. We were never given a schedule for completion of work and expected payment dates. We were told by Econoloft’s surveyor that Econoloft would inspect the quality of work completed before authorising payment but most payments were authorised without any inspection taking place and on 2 occasions, Econoloft emailed us authorising payment for work that had not yet been carried out.
   
   
2. After we had paid our deposit, Econoloft then sent us a number of documents laying down terms we did not feel were reasonable. For example, one document stated that we would be liable for any materials stolen from site – even though Econoloft chose to leave these unsecured outside the front of our house. Another document stated that Econoloft would erect scaffolding on our existing flat roof and would not be liable for any damage. When we emailed Econoloft asking them to look at alternative ways to erect the scaffolding, they completely ignored our emails.
   
   
3. There were 33 days between the start of the building work and the date when snagging was completed when no one turned up on site to do any work. We were originally told the build should take 6-8 weeks but it took 13 weeks (only 1 day of this was due to us requesting an extra day for tiling). Econoloft have never given any explanation for these delays and frequently ignored our emails asking for explanations and updates. When we escalated our concerns by emailing Econoloft’s director, we got no response to our email.
   
   
4. When we signed up with Econoloft, the surveyor advised us to go ahead in winter and not to delay until summer because Econoloft would board out the floor before removing the roof. In actual fact, the roof was removed on the first day – for 4 days, no cover was put up to protect the property from weather damage. After 4 days we raised this as a concern and some plastic sheeting was put up but the house remained freezing cold and the flooring was not put down for another 6 weeks.
   
   
5. When we signed up with Econoloft, we were told that the lead joiner would be our main point of contact on site and that we could leave a key with him so that he could let other trades people in and out. In actual fact the lead joiner only visited site on 10 days of the 13 weeks it took for the job to be completed, meaning that we had to take time of work to let in the other trades people (electricians, staircase team, plasterers, flat roofers etc). When both the scaffolders and joiners first came to site, we needed to let them in but were only told what day they were coming by text message from the trades people themselves sent late in the evening the day before they came. On 2 occasions, trades people have turned up who we had not been told were coming and neither the lead joiner nor anyone from Econoloft was there to let them in. Although we raised our concerns about the lead joiner’s absence many times with Econoloft, there was no improvement and we saw no evidence of Econoloft managing the situation.

[NixV]

Kegs140
If I may ask which area are you in and which team did your conversion?
We looking to use them early next year but have read so many mixed reviews and what I've noticed is that it's all down to team you have that do the conversion.

[Kegs140]

Well you've obviously read it!

[somewhereovertherain]

And the value of posting on a dormant topic?

[Kegs140]

We had a really good experience with Econoloft from the word go. Their representative Paul seemed to know what he was talking about as soon as we met him. We wanted render and brickwork on our gable wall end and other companies were not interested in that level of detail and hard work.
I have young children at home and was a bit concerned about the work and mess etc but Econoloft were fabulous and it was not nearly as bad as I had imagined.
The build team were amazing and made suggestions how we could improve on the design as the build went along. If we wanted to tweak something they were only too happy to accommodate us.
The work was done on time and finished to a high standard and now my husband and I have a lovely master bedroom suite which we intend to keep as a child free zone.
I can only speak from our own experience but Econoloft did a great job for us and we have no complaints at all.

[Runn3r]

AVOID AVOID AVOID!

There is no way round it - Econoloft are absolute Cowboys. It has been years since my house had it's extension and the are still issues. None of the workmen know what they are doing. Avoid like the plague!

[malemum71]

Econoloft. Do not go there What a shambles.
To start with the Econoloft Survey was not worth the paper/email it was written on as there was so much missing they had to make it up as they went along. Econoloft were Firefighting throughout the build as their joiner discovered the next thing that was not picked up and accounted for by their surveyor. I should have known that things with Econoloft were not going to be trouble free when I received a demand for more monies from their MD after we had agreed to their quote and just days before they were supposed to start. Then day one, foot/materials through the ceiling into my child's bedroom. Anyone can make a mistake I thought, but looking back it was perhaps simply the first sign of Econoloft's incompetents.

We are now fast approaching 20 weeks in to a "6-8 week project" and it feels like Econoloft have been off the job as much as on it. Disappearing for two weeks here, a week there and then not showing at all on a number of days. No apologies and no calls.
We have been left for a number of weeks now with carpet rolled up across our landing and exposed gripper rods for our young children to navigate. And now we have a large pile of rubbish left on our driveway for a week follow the skip having been removed. Today another no show, but with excuses for a change.

To be fair our loft has been converted, but it was anything but hassle free. Having had to fight all the way to get what we were lead to believe would be included in our conversion, (and we are still fighting), we are left frustrated, stressed and will never recommend Econoloft!

In our opinio
* Econoloft is not a good company to do business with and I would advise anybody who has considered them on the basis of their glossy advertising in all the major household magazines to seriously think again! Or may be you'll be luckier with your project, or may be not? Is it worth the risk with your money?*

Be warned

[Ruthsugden]

I'm so sorry to hear this echo of my own problems. I wish I could make a public announcement on national prime time TV to prevent anyone else suffering as I have. I really really wish I'd not even heard of Econoloft.

[Ruthsugden]

Tears of frustration. I'm with you. Over 18 months later and although the windows aren't keeping the drafts out & there's a hole in the wet room ceiling (because the plumber tried to fit the wrong shower) I can't bear them in the house any more. I would never recommend this company to anyone who values their sanity.

[StickyFloor]

This is the first winter since our loft was done - after a weekend of heavy rain I don't even feel surprised to report that the roof is leaking.

Such was our experience that I won't be calling Econoloft tomorrow, I will find a different roofer. I would rather pay someone else to come and sort it out than have to deal with them again.

[StickyFloor]

No they didn't, we got independent guys in to finish off.

My advice would be to hold back some money until it is all finished, just in case.

[Ipyle]

Hi sticky floor
Did Econoloft finish your loft.
I am asking as they are about to start work on our house.
I have read good and bad so not sure what to expect.

[StickyFloor]

Wanted to add a message because tbh I am in tears of frustration with Econoloft now.

Work is about 98% done and the room itself looks beautiful, but they are literally lying to me and ignoring my calls and we can't finish the job off. We have one item to be finished which I believe is dangerous and they just aren't interested.

Also there was damage to the rest of the house which they keep saying they will investigate and get back to us, but nothing.

The carpenters, plumber and electrician ignore my calls and I don't know what else to do. Presumably legal action is the last resort but is there anyone who can help?

I am telling everyone to avoid this company now, which is a shame as much of the work was great, but their customer service is truly appalling, and I feel a bit ripped off.

[abbzA12345]

Having recently visited the Grand Designs exhibition and seen Econoloft there I felt the need to express our heartfelt thanks to this special company. They built us a dormer loft room in the exact time specified (despite heavy snow). Workmen were delightful, tidy and ever so helpful. Besides having the room we wanted the value on our property has risen and all round we are very happy. I can highly recommend this company.

[thinkingaboutfostering]

We had a great experience with econoloft. It was about 13 years ago now but my parents decided to convert our loft into two rooms one each for my sister and I. Work started in the November and was completed by Christmas. DM was the lead builder on the job and was fantastic throughout. They finished the job off on Xmas eve (ahead of schedule) so that me and my sister could be in our new rooms for Xmas. Job really well done. Sorry to hear others have had problems but our experience was positive.

[allthatglittersisnotgold]

I personally appreciated the advice re Econoloft and others. It helped me not approach a bigger company but find a trusted local builder for ours.

I think if people have had a bad experience unless the company has been totally rebranded and new management then people would beinterested and grateful to know. I don't think it is on either for a fair opinion to be deleted, that kind of advice was invalubale for me when we were looking for someone late last year.

[RosieMe]

After another fortnight of being ignored by Econoloft I'm considering approaching TrustMark.

Runn3r, what problems have you had?

[Runn3r]

Hi Pixelmum,

I'm also considering taking my issues up with the Federation of Master Builders (yes, they are still members!) or even taking them to the small claims court. Our loft was completed a few years ago and we have been beset with constant problems. Wondering whether going down this route actually worked in getting your problems fixed properly? Appreciate any advice you may be able to share.
Thanks!

[RosieMe]

Don't mind so much about it being painted, but it would be nice if it was at least sealed in correctly - you can see daylight from inside, and the void space is damp and cold. If we're really unlucky we could also end up with birds/wasps/bats nesting in the gaps.

[PigletJohn]

you didn't pay the extra for having it painted, then?

[RosieMe]

Well an Econoloft contractor was meant to visit us last week to discuss the remedial work required on our loft. Needless to say that he didn't turn up and didn't give an explanation. One of the things we want them to fix is this overhang, which looks like it was constructed by a school boy with an unsteady hand:

fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1920318_10152207225236950_2041811849_n.jpg

[PixelMum]

Econoloft sent round a couple of their potential customers a few months back to view our loft (not quite sure why they thought we would give a good recommendation, but internal communication has never been Econoloft's strong point and so I assume that the sales and marketing team hadn't been informed that we were unlikely to give a glowing report).

Oh, RosieMe - if you weren't going through such trauma, that is actually quite amusing!
Good luck with your remedial works. During one of the many telephone conversations I had with their offices, I was told they "didn't have time" to come and fix our numerous issues. In the end we had to get the Federation of Master Builders involved (I'm not even sure they're members any longer, but I could be wrong) as well as independent reports from third parties.
My heart goes out to you, it really does - so stressful!

[RosieMe]

Econoloft sent round a couple of their potential customers a few months back to view our loft (not quite sure why they thought we would give a good recommendation, but internal communication has never been Econoloft's strong point and so I assume that the sales and marketing team hadn't been informed that we were unlikely to give a glowing report).

Anyway, we told this couple that if their conversion was a simple one then Econoloft could probably manage the job in a reasonably satisfactory fashion. However, if anything non-standard crops up, either at the design or construction stage, then that's when things are likely to fall apart. So Lfs2126 you may well have had a good experience, but I think you're one of the lucky ones.

[PixelMum]

Oh, good! I'm very glad to hear it. Thx, LFS

It would appear from the varying comments that if you're lucky enough to get some good guys allocated to your job, then you'll be delighted, and a satisfactory outcome will be had by all; others haven't been quite so fortunate, clearly. Just seems a shame that the sub-contractors are not vetted and monitored adequately so that everyone is happy. This is surely simply good business sense.