A straightforward build turned into…
A straightforward build turned into months of unnecessary hassle
Our experience with Precision Group / Intaleo Ltd has been extremely frustrating.
The project itself is a replacement conservatory/extension and, to be fair, some of the materials supplied are good quality and the fitting team have generally been pleasant and helpful. Unfortunately, the overall project management, communication and quality control have been very poor.
The biggest issue was the roof. Our quotation specifically stated a Tapco/slate-effect roof, but a different shingle product was installed. We were initially told this had been agreed with us during the survey and that there would be documentation to support that. The surveyor later confirmed there was no written record and claimed it had been agreed verbally, which we disputed. We were then told it would cost us an additional £1,030 to change it.
After a formal complaint, Precision eventually accepted that the roof would be replaced with the quoted slate specification at no additional cost, and the £1,030 charge was withdrawn. The replacement roof has now been fitted.
Unfortunately, that has been typical of the project: problems only seem to move forward after repeated chasing and escalation.
Communication from the Managing Director has been particularly poor. Promised updates regularly fail to arrive, dates have been missed, trades have sometimes appeared with little or no warning, and we have repeatedly had to chase for basic information about when work will be completed.
There have also been several workmanship/snags issues. The bifold doors needed further adjustment and additional hardware after installation. Plastering around the roof glazing was originally finished directly up to the glass and needed correcting. The plasterers have now returned to rectify it — and have again plastered right up to the glass, so it still needs dealing with.
The exterior rendering has also dragged on. We were told the original plasterer/renderer would complete it, but when they attended they advised us they would not be doing the rendering because Precision had not agreed their price. We have since been told a different company will attend.
Building Control has been another concern. Before we signed, we were told that sign-off would be handled through a private Building Control company and that certification would be issued on completion. Later we were told Building Control was not required. Precision subsequently changed position again and confirmed that a retrospective regularisation application would be submitted. We are still awaiting evidence of that process being completed.
We have given Precision repeated opportunities to finish and rectify the work, including a clear final completion deadline, which has now passed.
At the time of writing, the project is still not fully complete.
There are decent tradespeople involved and parts of the finished extension are good, which makes the experience even more frustrating. The underlying project could have been straightforward. Instead, poor coordination, inconsistent information, missed commitments and the amount of chasing required have made it exhausting.
I will update this review if and when the remaining work and Building Control position are finally resolved.