Sharing EDF experience -Recommended local tradesmen & businesses

[LHG]

I've been using the EDF ever since I moved to the area, and have found some great local businesses and local tradesmen to work on the house through the site. To my eternal shame, I've never really posted, so this is my attempt to pay a little back, by recommending those who have really impressed with their work. It might also help for those niche jobs, where recommendations are few and far between.

Plastering - we used Aaron (07773 410661) who is recommended elsewhere on this site. He plastered a difficult and large area which included stairs, at a very reasonable set day rate. He worked his socks off to get the job done (others could have charged an extra half day), left a brilliant finish, and was prompt, clean and tidy. Personable guy and very kind - I went into labour overnight and when he discovered on arrival at 8am that we had a baby and two midwives who had joined us at home he offered to finish the job another time (we asked him to crack on). He then went out at lunchtime and bought us champagne!

Bathroom Installation - I think Graham Moon (07949 426463) of Apollo Ceramics may have moved on to run a damp proofing company, but may still do the occasional bathroom install. He is a tiler by profession, and project managed the entire installation of our bathroom to a high standard. Decent, honest and hardworking.

Bricklaying - we asked Sean Hawkins ([email protected]) to repoint our front garden wall. Not the cheapest quote, but reasonable and the cheaper options were proposing using the wrong materials which wouldn't have matched the rest of the wall (we live in a conservation area). Sean did a beautiful job, was reliable, hardworking, gave a really clear quote and was really communicative before and during the job.

Chimney Sweep - it just has to be Steve Pearce and his son 07930345245. Decent rates. They offer extra little tips and advice on chimney maintenance/safety, are prompt, reliable and most importantly very clean when doing the job!!

Pete Bennison Heating - repeatedly recommended on the forum (07788412880). Finally fixed our boiler after three other attempts by other businesses hadn't done the job. I knew we should have gone there first.

Stained Glass & Leadwork - Vince in Crystal Palace (07957581552) fixed some broken leadwork holding the stained glass work in our front door. Other door companies quoted high prices, were going to remove the door/glass and send it away, or simply wouldn't quote. When I finally found him, Vince popped round the next day, fixed it in situ, did a couple of extra bits of reinforcement at no extra cost, charged less than half the other companies and gave a passionate and well informed history of stained glass to boot. I think he does commissions for things like fireplace guards etc too. Lovely man.

As for local businesses:

Ariadna Sole - she runs Birth,Bump and Beyond http://www.ariadnasole.com/. I ummed and ahhed about whether to do ante natal classes, and am so relieved that we found her. She runs friendly, relaxed classes in a pub (ensures the partners are happy), is full of practical advice and help, has great knowledge of the local hospitals/midwives and goes the extra mile to provide support during and after the Big Event. Highly recommended.

Rye Garden Day Nursery - only opened in 2012, and unless you were looking, you wouldn't know it is there. Small,and a bit shabby on the outside, but the staff are so kind and considerate towards both the kids and the parents.They are constantly changing the activities in order to develop and encourage the children, and take them out swimming and on regular trips to the park and wider area.

I hope that someone finds these recommendations useful, thanks to everyone else for posting such helpful recommendations - this is what makes the area a great place to live.