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Property/DIY

Anyone used Econoloft?

88 replies

InmyheadIminParis · 12/12/2010 18:47

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.

OP posts:
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PixelMum · 29/01/2014 14:23

PS - what a shame that Econoloft's comments have been deleted by Mumsnet HQ - it would actually be so interesting to see what Econoloft have to say for themselves . . . . .

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Quinteszilla · 29/01/2014 14:29

I agree with Pixelmum. We are keen to do a loft extension, and I was intrigued by all the raving comments from one off posters at the beginning of this thread.....

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RosieMe · 30/01/2014 10:25

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Lfs2126 · 30/01/2014 10:46

I've just had my loft finished now by econoloft. I'm waiting on the final inspection. I am not a one off poster. My experience has been fantastic. The joinery team were punctual, clean worked 7.45- at least 3.30 to 5pm every day. They brought their own food and drink and barely stopped all day.they were friendly and approachable. The standard of work was very high indeed IMHO.the plasterer/roofer/electrician were also great. We even had an on site visit by the managing director.
Maybe I was very lucky... But it seems unlikely. Pm me if you like for dets.

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PixelMum · 30/01/2014 11:19

How very odd - my original post has disappeared!?!

Obviously hit a nerve with someone - I wonder if it was the company in question who is feeling a little rattled? Hmmmm . . . . .

My post did not break any of the "Talk Guidelines", simply stated the facts of our very unfortunate experience with this company. Not even a swear word.

I would very much appreciate a full explanation, Mumsnet HQ, as to why you think my post deserves to have been deleted.
Thank you!

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PixelMum · 30/01/2014 11:51

Oh, it seems my post was indeed reported by the company in discussion.
I have appealed it with MNHQ - my post did not mention anyone by name, contained no derogatory or inflammatory comments, other than stating the facts of our experience, which is what other posters on here have done, and what was asked in the original OP.

Someone is clearly feeling the heat . . .

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ragstonono · 30/01/2014 11:54

Maybe better to leave reviews on Qype. They are a review platform, and wont agree to delete comments ....

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PixelMum · 30/01/2014 12:11

Thanks for that Ragstonono - I will do!

(It wasn't initially intended to be a review, just regaling our experiences and joining in the general discussion).

Now the company has clearly forced me to leave reviews elsewhere, so that is just exactly what I will do Grin

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Lfs2126 · 30/01/2014 17:12

Maybe it was thought that 15 years was beyond the statute of limitations to leave a reviewWink

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PixelMum · 30/01/2014 18:08

Aah, but it wasn't a review - it was an opinion based on experience Wink
Simply a helpful contribution to the thread

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Lfs2126 · 30/01/2014 18:37

Ok I get the gist. I'm just not sure how helpful an experience from 15 years ago is going to be....surely people want to know about what's going on now? I'm not a plant, I am a genuine client & the personnel it have dealt with have been really nice and helpful.

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PixelMum · 30/01/2014 18:48

Well, Lfs2126 - although our work was done 15 years ago (and how do you know that, you must have read my deleted post???) it is still appropriate, as we are still experiencing problems - so yes, still relevant to anyone wishing to have a loft conversion now. Choose the right company, and you won't be experiencing problems in 15 years' time. I think my contribution to the thread is entirely relevant in warning people off an unsavoury company. You may have had a great experience with them - excellent, good for you, I'm so pleased!! But potential customers still have the right to know the possible downfalls. This is what this thread is about, right? Pros AND cons . . . .

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Lfs2126 · 30/01/2014 22:09

Your deleted post was up for quite a while before it disappeared.

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PixelMum · 31/01/2014 09:57

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

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.

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RosieMe · 31/01/2014 12:40

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.

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PixelMum · 31/01/2014 16:15

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!

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RosieMe · 16/02/2014 23:58

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

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PigletJohn · 17/02/2014 00:13

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

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RosieMe · 17/02/2014 00:21

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.

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Runn3r · 22/02/2014 23:05

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!

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RosieMe · 01/03/2014 03:17

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

Runn3r, what problems have you had?

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allthatglittersisnotgold · 03/03/2014 14:10

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.

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thinkingaboutfostering · 03/03/2014 18:50

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.

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Morrisbum · 02/04/2014 17:01

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

abbzA12345 · 08/05/2015 11:09

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.

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