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What was involved?
It was a kitchen extension. Our house had an extremely small kitchen, in the old times it would have been called a scullery. We were having difficulty accessing presses and space was obviously a problem so we figured it was time to make things easier for ourselves.

How did you choose Swords Building Contractors?
I found Peter on the Pickapro website. I was looking for someone who might be in my area of Dublin because I figured if a builder was coming from a good way out, transportation costs could bring up the price of the job. I focused on companies in the northside of Dublin and saw that Peter was based out of Swords. I come from a working background where systems quality is very important and looking at Peter's site on Pickapro ticked all of my boxes. He looked like he could be the right builder for me.

I spoke to Peter about what we were after and I was very impressed with him. He wasn't the cheapest but he wasn't the dearest either. Peter gave me the names and numbers of previous clients he had done similar work for if I wanted to contact them. I had a good feeling about Peter.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Peter Ashmore?
We engaged an architect to draw up plans for the kitchen but he put his own design on it which wasn't quite what we had in mind.

Did Peter introduce new ideas?
He did, yes. We had showed Peter the architects plans and expressed surprise that the cost was as high as it was. Peter was upfront in saying that he wouldn't recommend that design at all and that he could come up with a more efficient design and at a better price. Peter came up with a design we liked better and made cost savings with regards to windows. They were still energy efficient which was important to us but cost less than what the architect had suggested. We brought the changes to the architect and he drew up the new plans.

How did the project run?
Excellent. Peter and the guys were here every morning at 8:30 and whenever I asked them if they wanted tea, Peter would respond that they didn't get paid to drink tea! We were living in the house while the work was being done so Peter built us a temporary kitchen that we could use. Peter had told us that the job could be done in five weeks while the other builders were saying ten to twelve weeks. Peter sat me down and went step by step through each component of the job and put an exact date to each part. He didn't miss any of the deadlines and the job was completed on time just as it was outlined. Four weeks into the job, the architect who had been overseeing the project pulled me aside and told me that he couldn't find a fault with anything. I thought that spoke volumes of Peter's operation.

Everyone who has seen the new kitchen have been astounded by the changes. It turned out so well that I know Peter has contracted several new jobs just because of it.

What was the biggest benefit to you of using Swords Building Contractors?
The biggest benefit was Peter's honesty, reliability and his clear communication style. I like to think of myself as a good judge of character and after meeting with Peter, I just knew that he was the right person for the job and that we would get on well. Alot of people out there talk a good job but don't deliver when it matters. Peter delivered and even a year on, we're still delighted with the result.

What's your favourite part now?
The design and how it was done to maximise the amount of light that comes into the room through the windows and where they're placed. I'm sitting in the kitchen right now and the sun is shining through the apex unit that Peter suggested and installed. Even one year on from the kitchens completion, my wife and I are still thrilled with how it all turned out. We keep asking ourselves how we got so lucky to get the right builder in Peter when others weren't so lucky.

Would you recommend Swords Building Contractors to others?
Absolutely, without a doubt.

Any tips for other people?
Don't be afraid to ask what you think are silly or stupid questions, because every question is relevent. As a homeowner you need to understand the pros and cons of the job because you are the one making the ultimate decisions. The most important part is plan, plan, plan. Do some research and get at least a laymans understanding of the project so that you can ask questions.