Bernie, is a passionate Italian and she admits to being the creative driver in the building project, Paul her husband, is the more technical part of the partnership and did the set-up for the TV area, they have lots of wonderful gadgets around the home which includes a fabulous ceiling dryer in the new utility room. The home definitely has a strong Italian feel both in the design and the detail, with a fusion of modern and classic finishes they both chose.

What makes a good builder Berni took the full build off work and was home to work alongside the builders and be available to support with plenty of great coffee but more importantly there for quick decisions during the build. Once they had chosen Elivate to carry out the works, they entered into a collaborative relationship, working closely with Craig and Mark on new ideas and amendments along the way.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is extension-1024×461.jpg In a previous career, Berni was a Wedding Photographer, so has a strong eye for attention to detail and also an ability to see how a project needs to be managed in a space where emotions can be heightened. She was immediately impressed by Elivate’s communication, Berni said that tells her a lot about what its going to be like working with someone depending on how quickly they respond and both Mark and Craig always got back promptly and with solutions and suggestions. This was the couple’s first large building project and so working with a builder they could rely on was an essential part of deciding to work with Elivate. They had heard horror stories from friends and neighbours about other builders who didn’t turn up, overcharged and delivered a poor finish.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is final-tidy-up-outside-the-project-1024×768.jpeg Some of the checks they both made before instructing Elivate:

Companies House, for trading history

Looking through the website, finding regular blogging, showing a commitment to running a successful business.

Followed on Social Media, watching updates on stories to see how current projects are managed.

Listening to recommendations from others, Mark was originally recommended to Berni through two independent sources.

Once the decision was made to use Elivate, Berni and Craig (Project Director) began building that collaborative relationship and Berni and Paul both commented there were hundreds of decisions that had to be made throughout the build, from simple ones like checking on the position of a bedside light socket, to utilizing spaces better, building hidden cupboards, and making the most of steels and creating shelving areas.

They both felt that “nothing was too much trouble”

A couple of other lovely comments, “everyone was always so happy on the job, there was plenty of laughter alongside a team of highly competent individuals” “even the neighbours commented how ‘lovely’ the builders were, now with another neighbour has instructed Elivate in the road.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Garden-1024×768.jpeg After just over 5 months of working together, the team has left, with the landscaping and drive completed, (added on during the project) and only a couple of internal glazing jobs left that Berni and Paul are managing themselves, they said they would highly recommend working with Elivate. They said they will not be the cheapest quote you receive but you will get what you pay for and when you really analyse the costs, they are not that far apart.

Berni said she would want to work with Elivate again if she can in the future and even said she would be taking Craig with her to buy her next home, for all his practical suggestions.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Hallway-461×1024.jpeg If you are looking for a builder for your next Extension, Loft conversion or home remodelling, get in touch today.

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