To say that the builders Sean and Peter Hewitt (S and P Hewitt Construction) were good is very much an understatement Whilst ‘good’ does go someway in describing what they do, for us, they did so much more.
We had considered having the alterations and extensions to our home for at least 18 months. However, through personal circumstances, we dreaded the thought of someone knocking down an existing building, rebuilding and extending a current working kitchen. All of this whilst, at the same time, recognising that someone in the house was limited, in most ways, but more specifically in the way the man of the house found adapting to change so difficult. (Dennis is totally blind).
So you see for us, this work could only have been done by the right people. That is to say people who would respect us, our way of life, our personal needs and our home. It was also very important to us that any builder would not only build to the best of their ability but that the finished buildings would be impressive enough that they would be happy to live In It.
After planning permission had been given we had three estimates from different builders to do the work. We chose Peter and Sean’s business for one of those quotes as they came highly recommended to us by our Architect. We were told at the onset that we might have to wait for them to start our work as good builders they were always busy. We were prepared to wait and did for three months.
It was comforting, at the first meeting we had with the ‘boys’, to see their expertise even at the planning stage. The estimate they gave us was excellent and so comprehensive that pensioners, like us, could fully understand what they were going to do and the explicit costing for every aspect of the build. There was no comparison between Sean and Peter’s estimate to that of the other two builders in either detail or costs.
We are delighted to say there were no incidental hidden costs that were needed to complete the work. We had frequent discussions with both Sean and Peter about additional architectural features that they thought would enhance the build. Despite the complexity, the enhancement of the build and the use of many other trades, the price initially quoted by Sean and Peter was exactly the price we paid.
It’s likely that the person reading this testimonial has, like us, seen Builders from Hell on the television. Because of this programme and other tales we were quite worried about the building work could be substandard and, or, unfinished and the builder had taken all of our money.
We were delighted therefore when Sean and Peter said the cost was to be spread over four payments and always when a particular stage of the work had been completed. we had no money to pay up front and all future payments were requested as promised.
As an added bonus ‘the boys’ gave us each invoice at times suitable to us so that any interest we might lose on our savings was as little as possible.
As a couple now retired from work and from Yorkshire where the war cry “how much” saving us money was just wonderful.
To help us in our quest for excellence and as a testament to their work, the boys encouraged us, to visit clients who had been fortunate to use them in the past. In addition, before they began our work, we were able to visit the job they were currently involved in so that we could see for ourselves the state of the site and the quality of the ongoing build.
It was stressed at the first meeting we had with Sean and Peter that they only undertook one job at a time so we knew that once our building work began they would be staying with us until it was competed. We are delighted to say that this is exactly what happened.
We were always kept well-informed and very involved before the work started and throughout the building process. For example, after we had agreed that the boys should carry out the work for us and before they had actually started the work, Peter rang to tell us when they would be away on holiday. Why did they do this? To prevent us from being concerned if there had been no response to our calling during this time.
From the time we engaged the builders we were always kept informed as to time scales and the approximate time given by them to both start and finish the work, were met.
The boys always started on time each morning and, as we no longer rise with the lark we gave them a set of keys to the house and outbuildings so that they could come and go as they please. they began work as soon as they arrived and as were were often still in bed, we always referred to their arrival as the dawn chorus.
Having them in our lives and home for eight weeks was a pleasure and the respect they showed us and the care they took to ensure Dennis was comfortable and in no danger was commendable.
They even cared for the areas of our home they weren’t working on, but needed to be in, and to the thought they gave us as people. As you could probably tell by the tone of this letter, our relationship with Sean and Peter Hewitt and, of occasions, their father (who was also a builder) was excellent. So much so that we now think of them as trusted friends who we are sure would be there for us should we need them.
It is a pleasure to say that all our initial worries and concerns about the building work did not manifest themselves. Instead we now have a beautiful home and two new friends.
We would like to formally thank them, in this testimonial for all the work they have done for us that has enhanced our home and both our lives.
It’s our pleasure to recommend them to anyone as excellent, trustworthy, caring and very professional builders.
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis and Sandra
