Please read this warning re: Dulwich Lofts

[Twilight]

Dear all

I post here in an act of desperation and as a warning to all those contemplating a loft conversion. In April 2013, I decided to do a loft conversion to my two bed, typical ED terrace. I received quotes from Classic, Dulwich and Outlook Lofts. Dulwich Lofts weren't the cheapest but I fell for the rugged, workman like nature of Pat Egan (the owner of Dulwich Lofts) and the lilt of his architect (Pamela Fitzsimmons). In June of 2013 I paid the deposit. Work commenced (via subcontractors, which I hadn't been told about) in October 2013.

In December 2013, I had a massive amount of water ingress through one of the two party walls. Pat Egan insisted that it was due to a problem with my neighbour's property. This is owned by Grainger plc; an independent survey has since been conducted by Banbridge Surveyors (I can't recommend them enough) and the report makes for eye-watering reading. It indicates that the roof is wholly sub-standard; the walls which were built to create the new space have significant cracks and have actually crossed into the territory that legally belongs to my neighbour. Interestingly, the surveyor was surprised that it had received approval from Building Control; the "trick" here is that Pat Egan used 'Approved Building Control' [a company called ACT Building Control - based in Gloucestershire] as opposed to Southwark Council under the guise that it would be quicker (PM me if you want more details). Since then we have had Russell from PJP roofing around to ask have a look at it; in his opinion it was the worst 'new' roof he had ever seen; the surveyor said he feared for his life when he stood on it.

For the last few months water has started to enter via the second party wall. I have called, emailed and written to Pat Egan (and all those associated with Dulwich Lofts) on numerous occasions and sent him copies of the surveyors report. Other than send an email to say that he planned to appoint his own surveyor (no timescale specified), he has not responded. 13 months after this entire saga began and having paid 95% of the entire contract value to Pat Egan, my home is still a building site - he has ruined the arrival of my first born and caused untold damage to my marriage.

To top it all off, I recently bumped into his son, Damien Egan. He would happily come round to collect the payments - when questioned about the lack of response, he reported that he was 'no longer working for Dulwich Lofts'.

I had thought I was the only person in this situation, but I see that the poster EDAus has had similar problems ? if anyone knows of a good lawyer, please PM me ?

But above all else, avoid this company like the plague ?

[RoLo1]

Thanks for sharing. And so sorry tp hear what ypu have been through. Maybe they are waiting for your lawyer to make contact, and in the meantime keeping a low profile. I approached them and I am glad they never followed up with a quote when I hear all this.

I am surprised though given how long the company has been established and the small community they service. I

I hope you get a refund pronto, (worth also seeing if they are members of any trade bodies as their membership could be revoked).

[Twilight]

Thanks RoLo1 ?

I too am absolutely stunned ? I thought Classic, Outlook and Dulwich Lofts were probably the 'best' at what they do ?. I have since revised my opinion and believe Outlook to be the best ? they refuse to subcontract which has clearly been a huge part of the issue ?

I think Dulwich Lofts are probably trading on a reputation from several years ago; the cheek of it all is that Pat Egan (the owner) even demanded the outstanding 5% which is the final payment ?

The thing that upsets me is how he has failed to 'fess up' and either put things right or just return the money that he has taken, so that I can just get someone else in. Most of all, he has wrecked what should be a very special time ... the arrival of our first child ...

[Twilight]

An addendum for all who might come by way of this thread ...

Please also see http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?30,1357439 .... I understand that I am not the only person to experience these issues with Dulwich Lofts ...