Project One Testimonials
“We purchased the house in November 2012 after meeting with several local builders from the FMB website. They provided estimates for the renovation work and materials required for the job. The exterior of the house was in generally good order which we would tackle at a later date but internally it needed a complete update. the work entailed some internal and external walls knocking through, all walls and ceiling stripping of outdated wall covering and then re-plastering. this was a mammoth job in itself, as well as complete redecoration, surface electrics recessing, complete new central heating system installation & fuel oil tank repositioning n the garden. The kitchen area required structural changes, redesigning and refitting, bathroom knock through to allow space for a walk in shower and cloakroom refitting. All internal and external doors to be replaced including exterior bi-folding doors fitted in the kitchen to the rear garden and finally an old passageway converted into a utility room. other jobs included the old fireplace removed and converted to a media wall, staircase updating, ground floor parquet floors sanding and re-varnishing, floors tiling, and upstairs rooms re-carpeting. Basically a complete modernisation project.
Our first meeting at the house with Dorian 9Director), babette (Internal Architect) & Lyndon (Builder) from project One went well. We found them all very friendly and keen to listen and discuss ideas for the house – importantly they were enthusiastic. We explained our circumstances were such that we would be relocating to Wales from Oxforshire in 3 months time, with two small children in tow, so would need the property completed before we could move in.
We explained that our ability to come to site during the renovation work would be very limited, meaning we were looking to find a company capable of managing the entire project with minimal input from us. This approach as you can appreciate if you watched any of Sarah Beany’s house renovation shows does not come without potentially disastrous consequences if you get the wrong builder.
We felt that our budget was tight for the amount of work involved, but we made it clear from the outset how much we could afford to spend. Having recieved a number of estimates we were pleasantly surprised by Project Ones initial quotation, having seen there website and services they would provide we felt they were offering a great deal more than your average building company. So following a second meeting with Dorian & Babette who met us half way between our old and new homes (how many businesses would go that extra mile!) where they presented their design ideas and the format of the project to us, we came away satisfied that they were the right people for the job.
Finally after a thurd meeting at there home in Penarth we sat down and fine tuned the ideas and materials for the project. The contract was signed and work commenced immediately – in fact hours after the solicitors completed on the property – they even went and collected the keys for us! the old kitchen was ripped out and Project one’s team of craftsman cracked on at good pace. They liased with building control and had safetly inspector on site to ensure compliance with building regulations. We were kept reulary informed on progress by phone, email and supplied us with pictures, time lapse videos of the work in progress and meeting minutes at key stages of the project.
As with all projects, ideas for the design evolve as progress is made, and with Project One’s help we felt very confident that babette & dorian both work tirelessly to source the best materials available at the best price, and their attention to detail was exceptional. They are very professional and experienced in what they do and are highly motivated to achive the best possible results, which makes you feel as if its their house they are renovating not yours.
There were a few unexpected hitches along the way which were bought to our attention in good time. The interor walls and ceilings were in poor contition which required considerably more plastering than was initially expected. caign in of the electrics and new heating pipes proved much more difficult than expected due to the hardness of the house bricks, several power tools bit the dust in order to achive this. then in january during the heavy snow the heating oil tank needed to be moved further away from the house to comply with OFTEC regulations, laying a new concrete plinth and digging a trench for the pipe not easy with frozen ground and a foot of snow. Despite these difficulties Project one still managed to compete all the work on time.
During the final week we moved in, Dorian was so concerned that after all the hard work that if someone broke in to the house it would be disastrous. We couldnt believe it when Dorian & Babette decided to sleep at the property to keep it safe, thats real dedication for you!
Prior to our arrival Dorian had pulled out all the stops to get the house finished on time, there were up to 16 tradesman on site some days which really does take some organisational brilliance. When we arrived we were not disappointed by the results, the house was amazzzzzing, what a transformation. My wife will never forget being let to a strategic viewpoint with her eyes closed and opening them. Dorian and Babette clearly are professional, well organised and dedicated people to complete our house to our taste with their trained eyes, was a once in a lifetime moment. Everyone dreams of having this sort of project done for them and we can’t believe that we are “living the dream”.
The workmanship was to a very high standard throughout with all guarantees and certification in place. The co-ordinated colours and textures babette had brought together on her mood boards had given the house a very contemporary look which was complimented by glamourus light fittings, curtains and travertine stone flooring in the kitchen, bathroom and cloak which gave us exactly the feel we were hoping for. The craftsmanship to get the parquet frooring restored was brilliant, in fact our friends though it was new!
the Project One team are in our view a very professional dedicated and organised bunch. All the people we met were very friendly, hard working and talented at what they do. They delivered our home to us on time on budget and to a high standard and we cannot recommend them highly enough. A very big thank you to Dorian & Babette and all the team for you help in what could have been a very different outcome in the hands of the wrong people, we feel very lucky to have found you both!
“Amazing, fabulous, inspiring, great, magnificent I cant believe your vision and workmanship on our new home.” Lee & Alison Denney
What we did: Luxury Wetroom Where: The Vale of Glamorgan“Our “new” house is a Georgian gem which needed a beautiful bathroom as the first stage of bringing it up to the luxurious standard it deserved. We wanted it to have updated facilities and reflect the heritage of the house. We’d stayed in some of Europe’s finest hotels (Ritz and Le Meurice, Paris; Daniele, Venice; Savoy, London) and knew the standard of bathroom we required. Our biggest problem was finding a company that shared our vision. Local contractors needed to be told what to do. Bathroom companies were limited because they only were only interested in selling their own products. It took a while but eventually we found Project One and they helped us convert our vision into reality. Projects of this size in older homes are always challenging. The Project One team overcame the challenges and left us with the bathroom the house deserves. Charles and Sophia, Vale of Glamorgan
What we did: Kitchen, Bathroom, Utility Room & Shower Room. Where: Victoria Park, Cardiff“Thanks again and I just wanted to express my gratitude for a job well done. From start to finish babette, yourself and your team got it absolutely spot on and it has turned out even better than we imagined. The ideas and designs for the kitchen and bathroom and the workmanship were excellent and time and again it seemed you knew exactly what we were looking for even better than we did! This is not the last project that we have got in mind for the house – well maybe for the time being – and we wont hesitate to use project One again next time and have also recommended you to family and friends for any jobs they have in mind. All in all a big thumbs up.” Richard & Beth Jones
What we did: Bathroom Where: Porthcawl “In need of a new en-suite, we approached project One for a quote. Babette was brilliant at the design stage, suggesting tiles we wouldnt of considered ourselves.We were delighted with the result, which included re-plastering of the ceiling, new lighting and flooring. A complete makeover. needless to say, we are making Project One our first port of call for the next major refurbishment.” Joan and Michael HealyWhat we did: Wetroom Where: Bridgend“I am very pleased to write and thank everybody at Project One for the professional and friendly way that they planned and executed the creation of a walk in shower at my parents home. As a chartered building surveyor I know how difficult these projects can be but was impressed by the “can do” attitude of the team and their ability to sort out problems without seeking to run up “extras”. I have no problem in recommending Project One to anybody who is thinking of undertaking works to their property.” Robert Teale MRICS MCIOB
What we did: BathroomWhere: Bridgend
“Thank you for an absolutely brilliant job on our new bathroom. Work was undertaken while we were away on holiday. The standard and finish was first class, a credit to Dorian and his workforce. I woul certainly endorse this company to further clients.” Steve and Chris Wheeler.
What we did: Wet room, Guest WC, Utility Room & Home RefurbishmentWhere: Adrien Close, Porthcawl
”Having been extremely happy with the results of a previous Wet Room project we knew that there was only one company we could trust to bring our existing run down Utility Room into the 21st century – Project One ! We consulted with the management team, Dorian and Babette, and explained what we required and our ideas regarding colour schemes etc. The detailed drawings they presented far exceeded our expectations so we had no reservations in awarding the contract. The team of craftsmen they employed to turn the drawings into reality were superb, attention to detail and workmanship were second to none. At every stage we were kept informed of progress and consulted before any changes or tweaks were carried. The photographs do not fully do justice to the overall end result and anyone who wishes to come and inspect the quality are more than welcome by making an appointment through Project One.. Overall I cannot praise enough the professionalism of the whole team and would have no reservation about recommending Project One to anyone considering employing them.” Alex Walker
What we did: Wetroom & Home refurbishmentWhere: Abercynon
“We would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for the excellent work that was carried out recently at our home.The quality of work was excellent and done quickly and efficiently with a minimum of fuss. It was a real pleasure to have you all in our home. Something which we felt might be stressful turned into a real pleasure. Nothing was too much trouble and was done with a smile. You wanted everyone to be happy you said and we were. So again Dorian a big thank you. YOU ARE A GEM. We recommend your company without any reservations.” Anne-Marie and Elaine Whitehead
What we did: Bathroom Where: Pontcanna, Cardiff“We just wanted to say thank you for all you have done. We are delighted with the bathroom and with everyone involved with its creation. We cannot recommend you highly enough. If people want old fashioned reliability, courtesy, punctuality and professionalism fused with creative vision, affordable and contemporary designs that pay due regard to the style and quality of the original building then they need look no further than Project One. (Our only problem is that the rest of the house is now begging for that Project One touch!) It was a joy to work with someone who is trustworthy and genuinely passionate about what they do. We will be in touch soon regarding the next job.” Janine and Caroline
What we did: Bathroom, Wetroom and Hallway Location: The Drope, Cardiff“Project One were simply exceptional in everything they did for us. We have used them several times and would not hesitate to use them again and again. Dorian’s sheer enthusiasm and attention to detail meant that nothing was left without perfection. We gave them a budget – they finished within it. We gave them a timescale – they finished within it. We requested impeccable standards – they delivered without exception. They always do. We would be delighted to recommend them to anyone.” Cheers Gareth & Steff Parker
What we did: Wet room Location: Cardiff“Project One have recently converted given us a fantastic bathroom conversion which went from a very nice bathroom to a fabulous wet room and we could not be happier. Others have said the wet room could not be done but Project One not only said it could but have done it. Dorian the owner is very enthusiastic and carries that into his work which is of the highest standard. I would be happy to recommend Project One work to anyone and we are so happy with their work that they are about to start on our kitchen. “ John and Helen Morgan
What we did: Wet room“Thank you very much for the job you and your team done on the wet room. I found you and your team went above and beyond the call to get the room finished before our return from holiday. I was very impressed by the way you guys did not compromise on quality when the pressure was on after you discovered lots of nasties when the room was stripped down. I was also very impressed by the way you kept contact with us by phone and emailing video of photos of the progress during the refit. The standard of workmanship and the cleanliness of the house was to the highest standard I have ever seen. Thank you once again. Carole and I wish you the best for the future. Please feel free to show your work off to any future customers. “ Colin Findon
What we did: Wet room“The whole team worked so hard to convert my bathroom into a shower room and were so good to have around. I’m so happy with the result that I’ve told all my friends that your best builders I’ve ever had. Thank you so much for doing just what you promised and so much more.” Mrs A. Cantello
“Project One have managed to convert what was once a useless space that was once a coal house and under the stairs cupboard into an ultra modern bathroom. Everyone who see’s it is impressed by the design and workmanship. Also as Pator of the local church I have been pleased to use Project One for various jobs around the church and for renovating the bathroom in the church flat. Well done Dorian.” Peter Thatcher
“Amazed!! That’s what I was when my refitted bathroom was renovated in just 5 days. This included shower, vanity units, electrics, plumbing and tiling. The polite and friendly manner along with perfect attention to every detail was second to none. Well done Project One.” Mrs Evans
“Project One were recommended to us by friends after we had 6 builders that told us our wet room was not possible. They came the same day and we clicked with dorian who seemed to know what we wanted. The whole experience was quick, clean and delivered an amzing job. Despite unforeseeable complication the price was never raised. We are over the moon with our job and have never felt so comfortable leaving people in our house unattended. We look forward to using you again.” Mandy Evans
“This is my third Project One bathroom and yet again they’ve delivered in under a week. Left for France on Monday and returned to a finished, perfect job on Sunday. No stress! I love the way you guys coming back every year to make sure everything in still perfect. What is it Dorian says.. it maybe your house but it’s my advert.. Class! Do yourself a favour.. Use Project One.” Olly
“My original bathroom had been fitted in 1959 and needed desperate modernisation but I wanted to keep the cottage feel of the flag stones while benefiting from modern convienience. Project One listened to me throughout, were thorough and very clean punctual. It came together so quick I was shocked and delighted. They’ve since fitted my kitchen and I’m happy to endorse their service of the very highest level.” Wendy
“The Rookwood Hydrotherapy pool is one of the foremost treatment centres in the United Kingdom for assisting with the rehabilitation of people affected by serious injuries. It was vital therefore that the refurbishment programme was completed to a high standard of finish, keeping within the agreed budget and timescale. I can confirm that the work carried out by Mr Bowen and his staff, which was a significant part of that programme, was completed on schedule to the exacting standards laid down. They were well organised, worked safely and nothing was too much trouble, working alongside hospital staff and other trades. I have no hesitation in recommending them for similar works.” Gerald Cumpstone BSc (hons) CEng MIMechE Estates maintenance Manager Tom Holland
“Project One came highly recommended by friends in our church. We trusted them from day one and gave over the management of our complete refurbishment once we had agreed on a spec and price. The results speak for themselves. The use of organic materials and modern appliances is like something out of homes and gardens. The only draw backs are the many party’s my wife now holds to show off our beautiful home. I’ve never been so happy in a house that works and flows to perfection. Thank you Project One.” Mr. Holland
“The Bathrooms are delight and we have been very impressed by the high standard of the work completed by Project One where attention to detail was paramount.” Mr and Mrs Geoff Thomas
What we did: large projects Location:The Wyche Free Church, Malvern“It gives me great pleasure to give this commendation of Mr Dorian Bowen. I represent the Trustees of the Wyche Free Church Malvern. During February and March 2010 we needed two sygnificant projects completing in the church. Firstly, the sanctuary area of the church needed completely redecorating, including extensive replenishing of decaying plaster work. This work had to be done with the minimum of mess and the briefest of disturbance to the regular usage on the facilities. Project One undertook this work to the highest of possible standards, at a most competitive price, well below the lowest quotation received elsewhere. We were all highly satisfied with their work and their friendly co-operation. Secondly, the church had old toilet facilities, not much better than outhouses. We asked them to refurbish these by plaster lining the walls, lowering the ceilings, tiling the surfaces, fitting new toilets and washhand basins with all necessary plumbing and wastage, screeding and tiling the floor areas, and decorating all the walls.They did a fine job, co-operating with some of our volunteer workers and with the Electrician. Again, their quotation was very competitive and the work done to a very high standard. We have no hesitation in commending their work with the utmost confidence.” John Grindell (On behalf of the Trustees The Wyche Free Church, Malvern)
I found Project One through a Google search after trying a few companies without the result I wanted. From the first meeting I knew i’d made the right choice. My depressing, out of date cloak room was transformed into the best room in the house. The team was brilliant from start to finish and even cleaned up my list of small jobs around the house that had been bothering me for ages. It turns out that a few of friends and family use Project One so it seems I’m the last to know. The team then did an amazing job on the daughter’s bathroom. I’m happy to recommend Project One with the upmost confidence. Daz Saxton
“As a property developer I need a quick turn around with no hassle. One call to Project One and the ball starts rolling. Working with a builder that you can leave to deal with every problem frees up my time to work on the other things. The finish is always first class and always true to the quote. I’ve used lots of builders but only recommend Project One. “ David John
We got lots of quotes but I couldn’t find someone who listened. I had made my own mood board from watching Sarah Beeny and just wanted to someone to advise and fit to high standard. Our neighbour had used Project One and had only good things to say. Despite our house falling to pieces Dorian and his team completed on time. The results speak for themselves. Everyone loves the power shower. It’s like standing under a waterfall. It was a pleasure to have you in the house and miss everyone’s upbeat attitude. Thanks for an amazing job! The Clarke family
