Macroloft Loft Conversion
We're getting new office space created by opening up the loft. A company called Macroloft are carrying out the work and I thought it would be interesting to keep a diary of what happens. The Macroloft website was a big influence on why we chose them as a company. So far things have been slow to get going but with Macroloft relying on word of mouth for 60% of their referrals, I'm sure they'll make up the time well.
Loft conversions are an excellent way of creating additional space and we're looking forward to some more room to expand into. Macroloft's website can be found at www.macroloft.co.uk
Update - Four Weeks Later
Well.. it's three weeks later and although the work carried out so far has been good (the majority of the work is outsourced) the project management and customer facing end is pretty dire.
After one week of work Macroloft wanted us to have paid 90% of the cost of the project (10% up front 40% on starting and 40% after the first week), which we were happy to pay as they have quite a lot of upfront costs - in hindsight it would have been better to agree only 10% 30% 30% and then 30% on finish. I'd also recommend a penalty clause (5%?) if the project goes over schedule by more than 50% (i.e. 2 weeks over on a 4 week project). This might be difficult to get an agreement on but it's something that should definitely be discussed - just think about what leverage you'll have to get the job finished - 10% isn't a whole lot to negotiate with.
We've been through three plumbers and today we've been getting contradictory messages from a new project manager and the guys who are doing the work.
I've been told that there should only be a about 5 days work left to do and it's the 4th of August today. Let's see how accurate that is in the next few days...
If you're interested in other loft conversion companies, check out the list on the right or email Tim@pollenation.net for more info.
A Week Later
The new project manager, Gary, seems to be getting a handle on whats going on and is keeping us regularly updated on progress and what to expect, which has mostly been accurate. We set a deadline for the whole project to be finished by 18th August and all of the plastering finished by the 13th August (which is looking promising).
We've been told to expect a plumber on monday to finish the heating and to cap the old gas fire. If Macroloft are willing to introduce better management of outsourcing, good client communication and a commitment to schedule then they could keep manage to keep their customers happy (and maybe carry on getting 60% of customers from referrals?).
Loft conversions are big business and Macroloft have the right people on the ground; but a bad reputation is hard to kill if it spreads too far. Macroloft could easily have ecstatic customers but they need to differentiate themselves through project management and meeting customer expectations.
Another week later
Well Gary Hodgson seems to have done the trick. He's pulled the stops out and got nearly everything completed in the two weeks he said he'd sort it out in. We're only waiting on the gas fire to be made safe, a stair spindle to be fitted and a final building inspection and then we're all done.. The building inspectors are around on Thursday 24th August so I'll post again once they have been.