KateP

We used Benchmark Lofts to convert our two bed half-house into a four bed. The initial quote was competitively priced and thorough. Tom was very approachable and spoke in plain English about what was to be done - which in comparison with other builders we had approached, was a breath of fresh air. The build was complicated by the flimsy nature of our terraced half-house. Tom communicated directly, and diplomatically, with our architect, structural engineer, party wall lawyer and neighbours on both sides. We were living off site, and away for a lot of the build, but Tom and his team got on with the job efficiently and consulted with us at every stage. Despite the complications and late start, the building work finished on time - just before Christmas. The entire build, which involved a loft conversion adding two bedrooms and a shower room, lowering the first floor ceilings, removing a chimney breast, moving the boiler and completely remodelling the existing bathroom - took around 6 weeks. We are very happy with the finish and everyone comments on how well the conversion has been done. I wouldn?t hesitate to recommend Benchmark Lofts, and I would certainly use them again if I were to do a similar project. http://benchmark-lofts.com Tom: 07747 694087

I came onto the forum to see if someone had also spoken out about this howling dog. I hear it every day as I walk my own dog to the park - it seems to be howling pretty much constantly anytime between 9am and 1pm. I think I have pinpointed it to the block of underhill road/ Balchier road/ Dunstans road and Ryedale but can't be certain. By the bark, it sounds like quite a big dog. It sounds like separation anxiety to me but I'm not an expert. I would definitely inform the owner if I could work out where it was coming from, as they might not realise what their dog gets up to when they are out. Surely the direct neighbours would have said something though?