New porch, is Anglian any good?

dllive

Hi,

I want to get a new porch built: dwarf wall with glazing on top and slate roof.

Maybe a silly question: would it be cheaper to get a local builder to do it, or someone like Anglian (or similar)?

Thanks

ThisIsWeird

Fetches popcorn...

Mutton_Geoff

ThisIsWeird said:

Fetches popcorn...

Move along, here's a beer to go with it.

dllive

Oh dear, I feel Ive opened a can of worms!

ThisIsWeird

Dllive, the last company in the whole wide world you should be considering, is Anglian and their ilk.

They have the staggering ability to not only be extortionate in their pricing, but some to still go bankrupt - as with Everest. That takes some doing.

They are charlatans, with devious and vile operating practices.

Now, where were we?

Oh yes - chomp...slurp...burp

dllive

Did they go bankrupt!?

Are the similar companies (Brittania, Everest etc) also extortionate? I assume so as they probably operate a similar business model.

Mutton_Geoff

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.anglianhome.co.uk

FreeBear

ThisIsWeird said: They are charlatans, with devious and vile operating practices.

I'd be careful using words like that to describe the company - They have a large, well funded legal department (you need to ask yourself why that is....).

Certainly, their sales pitches & practices leave much to be desired, and their pricing structure along with the "discounts" are questionable - But the salesmen want their bonuses, and the junkets the company puts on have to be paid for somehow. As for the quality of work, the few I've seen would be rated as "could do better, a lot better".

Personally, I detest the use of door knockers to drum up business, and point blank refuse to engage any company that uses such tactics - Even worse when the idjits knock on the door whilst someone is in the middle of installing new windows (yes, they did that to me one year).

Find yourself a local independent company, either a builder or someone that does conservatories, and invite them to quote. Unless you are in a conservation area, the property is listed, or an article 4 directive is in place, you won't need planning permission as long as the porch is less than 3m²*. And as long as you retain the exterior grade door, FENSA certificates will not be needed for the windows & outside door.

*) There are also rules about distance from boundaries, height restrictions, and drains - An architect should be able to guide you through the requirements. Just don't take a builder's word for it.

dllive

Thanks guys. Youve answered my question.

TELLIT01

Try to get personal recommendations for a local builder.  They will probably be cheaper and almost certainly be more interested in correcting defects if they arise.

ThisIsWeird

dllive said:

Did they go bankrupt!?

Are the similar companies (Brittania, Everest etc) also extortionate? I assume so as they probably operate a similar business model.

Yes.

And others.

Look local, and also look for personal recommendations. If you are on a local Facebook page, ask on there. Examine the recommendations carefully.

It shouldn't take much to find someone with good, consistent reviews, and who is proud to show you their work.

Almost certainly you will end up with better and cheaper. And with a smile. And giving work to a deserving person in your 'hood.

Give some thought to the design of the porch - it can make a huge difference to your house's kerb appeal.

If you post a photo of your house front on here, almost certainly folk will be able to give good design advice.