Decorator / Bathrooms / Refurb - Gary Skinner - 07572 588222

[Nick Mol]

Gary recently completed an external job on my property, which included fixing my roof, painting windows, front path and all masonry walls. From the start, Gary was clear and communicative and provided a competitive quote very quickly (which was stuck to). The chaps that did the work were clean, polite and experienced. The job has been finished to a very high quality, with great attention to detail. I certainly recommend him. Gary's number is 07572588222

[rcb38]

Adding another recommendation for Gary and his team. This is the second time we've used First Choice Decorating, and they did a good job at very short notice for us. They were here to redecorate a couple of rooms in the house, and then whilst the team were working on that our toilet cistern sprung a leak! Gary was able to fit in the necessary repairs for this around his existing jobs, which was very much appreciated to ensure we weren't left without a working toilet for too long!

We're happy with the work they did, and grateful for the quick turnaround. I'd definitely recommend contacting Gary for anything you need doing.

[Adan]

I recommend Gary and his team (Tony, Jason), who recently completed a whole refurb of our bathroom and delivered excellent work. There were a number of unexpected challenges throughout the job as it was a very old bathroom in a Victorian property, and Gary was able to provide expert recommendations and guidance throughout.

Gary was also able to get in contact with expert tilers, plumbers, and electricians who could support on different aspects of the job - the tiling in particular was outstanding.

 

[LuluToo]

Gary and one of his team (Tony) recently completed an en-suite bathroom refurb for me. There were a few unforeseen issues due to the underlying previous/original shoddy workmanship but which Gary found solutions for. So the job took a bit longer than anticipated but we got there in the end!  We are pleased with the standard of the work and would recommend.

[robinfoote]

Had a great experience with Gary who re plastered my ceiling. He was quick and saved me money by advising on work I could do myself. The room was cleaned  well afterwards and I am very happy with the quality of the work.

[semjones]

I would like to add to the recommendations for Gary and his team. They were able to sort out a few minor issues (that other companies said they were too busy for and would only have capacity at some point in early 2025) within a short space of time. Gary kindly liaised directly with my tenants which is such a bonus as a landlord. The work was finished to a high standard and there was plenty of communication throughout.

 

Thanks Gary and team! Sarah

[_Ed_]

I would recommend Gary, who recently re-did our downstairs toilet to a very high standard with his team, especially Tony, putting in a new vanity unit, toilet, extractor fan and new tiling. The job was slightly trickier than planned because the previous builders had cut corners plumbing in the old toilet, which Gary put right at very little extra cost, enabling us to move the new toilet further back, and creating more space in a very small room. The other builders we contacted were either vastly more expensive, or just didn't reply - probably because it wasn't a big enough job. Contact on 07572 588222

[mgk]

Another vote for Gary and his team.  Gary has just completed decorating a bedroom and painting a new understairs cupboard that I had fitted.  The work was completed to a high standard with loads of preparation work, my ancient skirting boards look like new!  I am very happy with the work and he will be back in the new year to do some work in my bathroom.  Highly recommend.

[Helen Shelley]

Gary and his team have just completed the restoration of our front facade, along with extensive repairs to our roof on our three storey victorian house. They have done an incredible job. The quality, care and expertise they have brought to this project has been excellent. Plus they have been a lovely team of people to work with, keeping us fully updated on progress and costs. My only issue is that we didn't meet them sooner!  We will definitely be working with them again and look forward to future projects. I cant recommend Gary and his team enough! Thankyou First Choice and thank you East Dulwich Forum. 

[Annabel B]

I recently contacted Gary to have some flooring installed. He arranged for Tony to do this and I'm pleased with the result - thank you, Tony was great. 

[Marie DS]

Highly recommend First Choice - I called Gary as I wasn’t happy with a new kitchen I’d had fitted, Gary’s team re-plastered and tiled, and advised on solutions for other issues. Gary will be returning to do some redecorating. Very happy with the work so far - the tiles look fab. 

[woodsyre]

We've just had a new roof done by Gary's roofer Danny. Absolutely brilliant job. Danny and his team clearly take real pride in their work and did a fantastic job. Gary organised and oversaw the whole thing from beginning to end and was a pleasure to work with- always in touch, very responsive to all our queries and questions and in touch when the inevitable unexpected issues arose, as they always do with solutions and options.  Danny worked only on our job from start to finish, so there were no delays or days when progress wasn't made. Very happy to recommend him and his team to anyone. Thank you Gary and Danny. 

[davidj]

Hired Gary after looking at the reviews on the forum and him and his team certainly met expectations, transforming my drab-looking bathroom into a lovely breathable space. Gary works with highly skilled tradesmen with Tony has his point man and he does not shy away from highlighting any unforeseen issues and clearly lays out options and associated costs unlike many others who would happily deliver an average final product. Would recommend his services and will know where to look in the future for other projects

[Markydesade]

Internal Works

Kitchen/Dining Area

Small Shower Room

Front Living Room

Main Bedroom (one specific area)

Hall Over three floors, including stripping of two flights of stairs to match lower two flights, and replacement risers.

Budget £ 15k plus 20% contingency, as we knew certain walls had problems.

Initial quote £ 14.5k – approx. 6 weeks

Final cost just north of £ 20k – ten weeks

 

We contacted Gary in mid-February, and within a day or so we had an initial quote of £ 14.5k, which was acceptable. We knew they would be extras as some of, quite a few as it turned out, the hall walls were in a bad way. The hall was the one part of the house that had nothing done to it since we moved in, around 20 years ago!

Work started on 17 March with Cliff and Ashley, who were permanent throughout. We had a lot in common with Cliff, due to our respective ages, musical taste, mutual acquaintances, and we used to live next door to his aunt! Ashley is in his early twenties and has a tremendous work ethic. Always polite, they would always clean up after themselves each day and leave the house (although it did resemble a building site) as best they could. The standard of their work is excellent.  

The re-plastering work gave us the most anxiety. The hacking-off was as expected but because of the fellas who did the boarding and plastering, Scott and Jason, had their own work, we agreed to some evening work (around 16 April) but then they both seemed not available further, and that stalled. Meanwhile Cliff and Ashley continued to paint where they could.

Gary then suggested that Omar and his colleague (I cannot recall his name) could come on Sunday (27 April) but after agreeing to it, we were advised that they were not available until Tuesday.

Boy, do Omar and his colleague put in a shift! By the time they had left on Tuesday, we were back on track, and that the end was in sight. Of course, the new plaster had to dry and bond before painting could take place. Once that had been done Cliff and Ashley pressed ahead with the painting, and by mid-May it all started to come together.

At the very last the upper stairs were stripped, and whilst some of the new risers had been painted in anticipation, it turned out that the correct amount had not been ordered. This was quickly resolved and were installed by another of Gary’s merry band, Tony, who had previously popped in and had done one or two bits and pieces.

As the job had taken longer than expected, Gary sent in another fella (name escapes me) to assist, and they finally left on 27 May.

 

Save a couple of minor things that we shall sort out ourselves, we are really pleased with the results. The work in the hall especially has completely transformed the house.

So, a big thank you to Gary, Cliff, Ashley, Tony, Scott, Jason, Omar and his colleague, and one other.

Would definitely recommend these guys.