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conservatory/sun room for semi d

  • 22-04-2010 08:45AM
    #1
    shigg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭


    Hi
    Thinking about adding a conservatory/sun room at back of my semi detached house. have looked at a few websites but totally confused. What is the cheapest type to put up and approx cost? Would it be possible to get some sort of conservatory installed for 7 k? Will need to get someone to install it..How much more so that it could be used all year round? Thanks a million and hope this makes sense....as totally confused.


«1

Comments

  • #2
    clancon d
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7 ✭clancon d


    well it depends on the size of conservatory but 7k should get you a decent enough system. we use a northern irish crowd to supply our pvc and conservatories..


  • #3
    Kingchip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 67 ✭✭Kingchip


    Cheapest option is a conservatory with a lean to roof, you could pay anywhere from 4-7 grand. The roof is either glass or polycarbonate sheets and offer very little in the way of insulation.

    A sunroom would have a slate or tile roof with a few velux windows, the roof would be insulated, there is a big price difference though.

    I don't know what your budget is but if you can afford it get the sunroom. I have a conservatory with a glass roof and it's very hard to live with. In the winter it's freezing and in the summer it's too hot, as soon as I get the funds together it's coming down! Any house I've been in with a conservatory there's been a sliding door between it and the house and any house with a sunroom has been openplan.


  • #4
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,483 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    1. Get a solid, insulated roof.
    2. Have a door between extension and adjacent room

    LFMF


  • #5
    shigg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭shigg


    Thanks a million for the comments, its defo a start. Will need to measure the area and see how much a sunroom would cost...maybe once we get the lashing rain again the idea will go out of my head!!


  • #6
    neeb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 107 ✭✭neeb


    In the room the sunroom is off, do you have a separate window? Otherwise you will loose a lot of light in there and can end up gaining one room (the sunroom ) and changing the room its off into a dark corridor.


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  • #7
    m_stan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,653 ✭✭✭m_stan


    One important comment - do not under any circumstances go with polycarbonate roof - the plastic see-through roof system. The conservatory will be too hot in summer and too cold in winter and it will get very little use as a result. I've just come from a rental house that had such a conservatory and it ended up being used as a store-room! As stated above, go with a well insulated proper tiled roof - ie: a sunroom.

    Matrix Conservatories in Dublin did a sunroom for me a few years back and can supply and install anything you need. They also do conversions from conservatories to sunrooms for those that already have the problem described above. The sunroom they did for me is the first big picture on their homepage. Sold that house a few years back and still miss that room - it was amazing!


  • #8
    martinn123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,300 ✭✭✭martinn123


    m_stan wrote: »
    One important comment - do not under any circumstances go with polycarbonate roof - the plastic see-through roof system. The conservatory will be too hot in summer and too cold in winter and it will get very little use as a result. I've just come from a rental house that had such a conservatory and it ended up being used as a store-room! As stated above, go with a well insulated proper tiled roof - ie: a sunroom.

    Matrix Conservatories in Dublin did a sunroom for me a few years back and can supply and install anything you need. They also do conversions from conservatories to sunrooms for those that already have the problem described above. The sunroom they did for me is the first big picture on their homepage. Sold that house a few years back and still miss that room - it was amazing!

    Wow, lots of anti-conservatory posters here.
    To clarify, polycarbonate is available in 3 thickness's older jobs will have 18mm, useless, more recent jobs 25mm, better, and currently you should insist on 35mm, best available.

    Its main benefit is cost, as its less expensive than glass, and a lot less expensive than a solid roof. So depending on your budget you can get the additional space you need, at varying prices.

    While I am not familiar with the Co mentioned above I am familiar with the product they use, in my view its not viable, its cheap, and will not give you a Sunroom, just a conservatory with a new external thin, covering.

    Glad you got your photo on the homepage, how did they choose your job???


  • #9
    m_stan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,653 ✭✭✭m_stan


    My negative comments are based on experience living in a rented house for the last three years that had a conservatory with polycarbonate roof. Was not a good experience. Really not sure what thickness the material was - I just know it was like an oven in summer and a freezer in winter. It's always possible more modern materials are better than what I experienced.

    To be clear - the photo of my sunroom, which is in the house I formerly owned, was a full sunroom with properly insulated and full tiled roof. Whilst there was a lot of glass all the way around it was cosy all year round.

    I know from speaking to them at the time that the company who built this for me also do conversions from polycabonate roofs to sunrooms. No experience of what that's like since I was building from scratch. I guess they were proud of the work they did for me since they asked for my permission to add the photo of my sunroom to their website!

    So I'm no expert - just commenting based on my experience.


  • #10
    martinn123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,300 ✭✭✭martinn123


    m_stan wrote: »
    My negative comments are based on experience living in a rented house for the last three years that had a conservatory with polycarbonate roof. Was not a good experience. Really not sure what thickness the material was - I just know it was like an oven in summer and a freezer in winter. It's always possible more modern materials are better than what I experienced.

    Its true unfortunately that some Conservatories, poory designed and sited, suffer from what you describe. As materials have improved modern Conservatories well designed should not be like that, but not all Conservatory Co's use the best materials , sell em cheap etc.
    To be clear - the photo of my sunroom, which is in the house I formerly owned, was a full sunroom with properly insulated and full tiled roof. Whilst there was a lot of glass all the way around it was cosy all year round.

    I know from speaking to them at the time that the company who built this for me also do conversions from polycabonate roofs to sunrooms. No experience of what that's like since I was building from scratch. I guess they were proud of the work they did for me since they asked for my permission to add the photo of my sunroom to their website!

    So I'm no expert - just commenting based on my experience.

    You must have been satisfied to have the photo on the web-site, a sign of good work. Yes a full blown Sunroom, will always be a better job, however not everyone can afford a Sunroom, so a Conservatory well designed is an option at a cheaper price


  • #11
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    m_stan wrote: »
    Matrix Conservatories in Dublin did a sunroom for me a few years back and can supply and install anything you need. They also do conversions from conservatories to sunrooms for those that already have the problem described above. The sunroom they did for me is the first big picture on their homepage. Sold that house a few years back and still miss that room - it was amazing!

    I only ask do you own a share in this company because I see you have recommended them lots of times in different forums. You have also recommended them on other places across the web. Seems like a lot of effort for no reward??? Matrix Conservatories did work on my home and made a COMPLETE MESS of it. It cost me thousands to get it redone. I wouldn't employ this company to put a nail in the wall and I recommend that nobody else does either. Anyone out there considering using this company BE WARNED they have a COURT JUDGEMENT against them for shoddy and dangerous work.


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  • #12
    babsybaby01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 153 ✭✭babsybaby01


    S Connor wrote: »
    I only ask do you own a share in this company because I see you have recommended them lots of times in different forums. You have also recommended them on other places across the web. Seems like a lot of effort for no reward??? Matrix Conservatories did work on my home and made a COMPLETE MESS of it. It cost me thousands to get it redone. I wouldn't employ this company to put a nail in the wall and I recommend that nobody else does either. Anyone out there considering using this company BE WARNED they have a COURT JUDGEMENT against them for shoddy and dangerous work.

    Feel a mod slap coming on....


  • #13
    m_stan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,653 ✭✭✭m_stan


    S Connor wrote: »
    m_stan wrote: »
    Matrix Conservatories in Dublin did a sunroom for me a few years back and can supply and install anything you need. They also do conversions from conservatories to sunrooms for those that already have the problem described above. The sunroom they did for me is the first big picture on their homepage. Sold that house a few years back and still miss that room - it was amazing!

    I only ask do you own a share in this company because I see you have recommended them lots of times in different forums. You have also recommended them on other places across the web. Seems like a lot of effort for no reward??? Matrix Conservatories did work on my home and made a COMPLETE MESS of it. It cost me thousands to get it redone. I wouldn't employ this company to put a nail in the wall and I recommend that nobody else does either. Anyone out there considering using this company BE WARNED they have a COURT JUDGEMENT against them for shoddy and dangerous work.

    I have no share in this company. My comments are purely based on a very positive experience with them. Suppose not everyone can be happy. Sorry you didn't experience the same as I did.


  • #14
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    m_stan wrote: »
    I have no share in this company. My comments are purely based on a very positive experience with them. Suppose not everyone can be happy. Sorry you didn't experience the same as I did.

    No I didn't have a good experience and thanks very much for your reply.


  • #15
    anushka
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23 ✭anushka


    S Connor wrote: »
    I only ask do you own a share in this company because I see you have recommended them lots of times in different forums. You have also recommended them on other places across the web. Seems like a lot of effort for no reward??? Matrix Conservatories did work on my home and made a COMPLETE MESS of it. It cost me thousands to get it redone. I wouldn't employ this company to put a nail in the wall and I recommend that nobody else does either. Anyone out there considering using this company BE WARNED they have a COURT JUDGEMENT against them for shoddy and dangerous work.

    Hi there'
    Oh my god I've just read your comments about Matrix Conservatories. Thank you so much for posting this I was going to get them to do a job but I wont be now. I checked up on this and I think they are calling it (the company) [snip] now you could check for yourself.


  • #16
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    anushka wrote: »
    Hi there'
    Oh my god I've just read your comments about Matrix Conservatories. Thank you so much for posting this I was going to get them to do a job but I wont be now. I checked up on this and I think they are calling it (the company) [snip] now you could check for yourself.

    I know what you mean regarding their name!!! Am glad my post could be of help to you as I don't want anyone else to go through what we have.


  • #17
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    anushka wrote: »
    Hi there'
    Oh my god I've just read your comments about Matrix Conservatories. Thank you so much for posting this I was going to get them to do a job but I wont be now. I checked up on this and I think they are calling it (the company) [snip] now you could check for yourself.

    Have just had another look at your post. Do you mean [snip]? Am asking because I don't know who [snip] are and I don't want to cause confusion for anyone else!!!!


  • #18
    bri007
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,375 ✭✭✭bri007


    DO NOT USE MATRIX CONSERVATORIES!!!!!!!!

    I got a sun room build by them about two years ago,cost about 10k,biggest waste of money i ever spent. They made cut backs on everthing, the windows leaked the week after getting them put in, the radiator they fitted wouldnt heat up and get dripping water on the floor, the plumber they sent out, i knew more than him, he HAMMERED the fitting on the radiator "TO FIX IT" resulting in bending it and causing it to leak more! then the plasterers, no body would believe it whn I told people what I saw!!! I came home from work and they were plastering inside the room, they were smoking and must of put there cigarrette out on my table as there was a scorch mark on it. Also the standard of the plastering, a 5 year old child would of done better, the actually plasterd a empty cement bag to the wall outside!!!! i just couldnt believe it, ripping mad to say the least I was, this company is like the one you see on the TV, builders from hell!!! When I rang up to complain, they said tomorrow somebody will come out, well 2 weeks later they eventually did, they got the carpenter guy to patch up the plaster work, honestly, anyone thinking of using them, stay well clear, i know a few people that used them and had similar problems, aldo not as bad as mine!! Ive had to replace the whole roof since costing me 3k, they were suppose to of insulated the roof with kingspan, but the roofer guy that I paid to come and look at it showed me they used the wrong material, the type you would put in your attick, it was all damp!! The reason I am putting this comment up is because A friend of mine had booked them to do a job and i had to tell him to cancell it, i dont want anyone to make same mistake!!


  • #19
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    bri007 It's a pity you didn't post this 2 years ago or put up a review about them somewhere!!!!!! You might have saved me a lot of heartache. :confused:


  • #20
    anushka
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23 ✭anushka


    just noticed I had an e-mail from this thread so decided to visit boards. I was going to hire Matrix Conservatories to do work last summer. I saw the Thread by S Connor and contacted the couple through a private e-mail, am I glad I did? definitely. They very kindly allowed me to view the work done at their home and to say I was shocked is an understatement. It was horrific, their home was ruined. the couple was awarded a judgement against the company but the company liquidated, I've heard that they are now trading as [snip] with the same people running it,albeit they probably juggled the directorship around to fit in with the liquidation I think thats what you have to do. so people be careful only for S connor it could have been me


  • #21
    delly
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 7,755 Mod ✭✭✭✭delly


    Folks, I have just done a bit of cleaning from a legal point of view. There is to be no mention of a legal ruling without any proof. There is also to be no mention of any other company that they may be trading as now without proof.


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  • #22
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    delly wrote: »
    Folks, I have just done a bit of cleaning from a legal point of view. There is to be no mention of a legal ruling without any proof. There is also to be no mention of any other company that they may be trading as now without proof.
    Hi Delly. I understand that you have to cover yourself legally but I do have proof that Matrix Conservatories have a court judgement against them or I wouldn't have posted about it. I have the actual paperwork from the high court ruling. I also know for a fact that the 3 former directors of Matrix Conservatories are still trading from the same premises selling the same services with the only difference being that they are now calling themselves Matrix Energy Solutions as I have all the paperwork from CRO. In fact Matrix Energy Solutions were initially just a branch of Matrix Conservatories until the directors liquidated the Conservatory part a couple of days after the high court ruling and began trading solely as Matrix Energy Solutions. I wouldn't post anything that I couldn't prove as I know how the legal system works. I've had people contact me through this site and allowed them to come and see the paperwork and pictures from both chartered surveyor and solicitor and the judgement paper from the crown court so you can rest assured that I have all the proof I need and you are welcome to come and see it for yourself. I only posted about this company because a certain person is recommending them all over the internet and I don't want anyone else to be caught out and suffer at their hands as my partner and I have, both financially and mentally. We only wish that someone had taken the trouble to write about them earlier and we might have been saved a lot of heartache.


  • #23
    delly
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 7,755 Mod ✭✭✭✭delly


    I understand S Connor, if you could upload the files somewhere for someone here to view then that could be ok, but as things stand we can only go on advice from our legal advisor's about leaving stuff online without having done our homework.


  • #24
    martinn123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,300 ✭✭✭martinn123


    O.K. so a few things I hope we can say, with proof

    http://www.businessbarometer.ie/FreeIrishCompanyReport?companyNumber=382015&companyName=MATRIX+CONSERVATORIES+LIMITED

    Liquidator appointed 21/7/11

    http://www.ragorder.com/conservatory-roof-conversions/

    recomendation posted on ragorder.com by Mark Stanley on 13/8/11

    m_stan wrote:
    I have no share in this company. My comments are purely based on a very positive experience with them. Suppose not everyone can be happy. Sorry you didn't experience the same as I did.

    posted in this thread,31/8/11

    m_stan wrote:
    Matrix Conservatories in Dublin

    link provided by m_stan dated 4/5/11 which at the time linked to Matrix Conservatories.
    Link now to Matrix Energy.ie

    but scrool down to the bottom of the home page,
    it reads

    © Copyright 2003-2010 Matrix Conservatories & Sunrooms. All Rights Reserved.

    Q.E.D.


  • #25
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    Thanks martinn123

    Heres another one posted way back in 2006!!!

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=51206343


  • #26
    delly
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 7,755 Mod ✭✭✭✭delly


    Folks, thread is temporarily closed pending review and information gathering


  • #27
    delly
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 7,755 Mod ✭✭✭✭delly


    Hi Folks, the thread is now re-opening. With that said, just some small direction going forward:

    Having reviewed the supplied information I am satisfied that although Matrix Conservatories Limited (Company 382015) and Matrix Energy Limited (Company 487429) are not the same company - that is that they enjoy separate legal identity - they do, in fact, have the same three directors and have provided evidence that they operate out of the same premises in Newtown Industrial Estate.

    I am further satisfied that there is judgment in the Circuit Court as against Matrix Conservatories Limited.

    While whatever inferences may be drawn by the posters in relation to both companies having the same three directors, they are not presumed to be the same company in the eyes of the law (as the evidence before me stands).

    In light of same, I would advise going forward that all opinions regarding each company are made with specific reference as to which company they purported to deal with. It is important that judgment against Matrix Conservatories Limited is not as against Matrix Energies Limited despite the aforementioned. It should also be pointed out that as of July 2011, Matrix Conservatories Limited is in liquidation, whilst Matrix Energy Limited is not.


  • #28
    anushka
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23 ✭anushka


    hi delly many thanks for clarification, is this whats meant by 'pheonix companies' i have heard this phrase before but I am not sure exactly what it means.


  • #29
    shellyb73
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭shellyb73


    My mother used this company and bri007, your recount of your dealing with this company is almost word for word the same as my mothers, the way she was treated was appalling thankfully all sorted now,

    I can recommend a company I used in north Dublin for mine if you would like to pm me :)


  • #30
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    shellyb73 wrote: »
    My mother used this company and bri007, your recount of your dealing with this company is almost word for word the same as my mothers, the way she was treated was appalling thankfully all sorted now,

    I can recommend a company I used in north Dublin for mine if you would like to pm me :)


    I just can't believe there are more people out there who have also been treated really badly by this company. And I thought I was the only one!!! It's amazing what you can find out on the net!!!! I'd love to know how many of us there are out there!!!! Maybe more will come out of the woodwork now. Perhaps if we all took the time to write reviews when things like this happen to us we might save other people from a bad experience. No company should be allowed to do such shoddy work and to treat people so appallingly and then continue to trade as if nothing has happened.


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  • #31
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    Perhaps people interested in this thread might also be interested in the following information!!! I have just noticed that a company called CWD Supplies Ltd appear to be trading from the same area as the aformentioned Matrix Energy who, in turn, are trading from the same address as was Matrix Conservatories. Newtown Industrial Estate, where CWD Supplies is based, is on the Malahide Road in Dublin 17. Matrix Energy is also on the Malahide Road in Dublin 17. The contact name given for CWD supplies just happens to be the same as the name of one of the directors of Matrix Energy!! The phone number for CWD Supplies and Matrix Energy are also the same. In my opinion, strange...........very strange!!!! Coincidence or not?? Only you can decide. Anyone got any more information on this?

    http://www.build.ie/company_485764.htm

    http://www.matrixenergy.ie/contact.php


  • #32
    anushka
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23 ✭anushka


    Just read an article by S Connor about CWD Supplies Ltd. based at Newtown Industrial Estate, Malahide Rd., Dublin 17 The contact name, phone number Etc., is the same as one of the directors of Matrix Energy ( and Matrix Conservaroties prior to its Liquidation) I dont think its strange, I think you are quite accurate, How do we protect ourselves From the likes of this. If what happened to S Connor and Husband happened to me and my husband we would not have been able to recover from it. We are of an age were we would not be able to 'financially' fix this up. She (S connor) has taken time to warn people and I for one am very greatful Thank you


  • #33
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    shellyb73 wrote: »
    My mother used this company and bri007, your recount of your dealing with this company is almost word for word the same as my mothers, the way she was treated was appalling thankfully all sorted now,

    I can recommend a company I used in north Dublin for mine if you would like to pm me :)

    Hi shellyb. Was it a conservatory that Matrix did for your mam or something else? I'm curious because part of the work they did for me was external insulation and they made a total mess of that. If it was a conservatory they did for your mother it would seem that their work is dreadful all across the board!! All of the work they did for me was extremely shoddy with too many problems to list here. The finish coat of plaster on the external insulation actually cracked and fell off the walls. If you rubbed it with the tip of your finger it crumbled to the ground like snow. In fact the whole finished look of the external insulation was so bad that I honestly feel that I could have done a better job of it myself and I know absolutely nothing about rendering!!!


  • #34
    tarcon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭tarcon


    shellyb73 wrote: »
    My mother used this company and bri007, your recount of your dealing with this company is almost word for word the same as my mothers, the way she was treated was appalling thankfully all sorted now,

    I can recommend a company I used in north Dublin for mine if you would like to pm me :)

    Hi Shellyb73 - could you send me the name of the company you would recommend I am planning to replace the roof on my conservatory ... and now I'm really nervous !!


  • #35
    shellyb73
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭shellyb73


    I sent you their details however I would no longer reccommend them as their after sales is disgraceful. :mad:


  • #36
    martinn123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,300 ✭✭✭martinn123


    shellyb73 wrote: »
    I sent you their details however I would no longer reccommend them as their after sales is disgraceful. :mad:

    Ahh Comm'on dont leave us all in suspense, more details on the after sales service, the original quote, price etc, and then with Mod's approval Name them


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  • #37
    shellyb73
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭shellyb73


    Im not naming as I don't want to get into trouble here ;) If you really want to know the company name I can PM you..

    We had the company do 2 jobs for us, Replacement hall door and conservatory roof replacement.

    In terms of the roof there was something loose on the roof vibrating and they did not return any of our calls ( left messages ), in the end the window cleaner sorted it when he got onto the roof to do bedroom windows :eek: Thats how simple that was.

    Front door, lock got busted not sure how, was willing to pay for replacement but again they ignored all calls ( left messages ), I did get a company in the Balbriggan area to fix for me, they were brilliant and called to me immediately after my call. Their name is Balbriggan Aluminium..


  • #38
    condra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,850 ✭✭✭condra


    So can anyone recommend some GOOD sunroom companies? :)
    please..


  • #39
    tarcon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭tarcon


    condra wrote: »
    So can anyone recommend some GOOD sunroom companies? :)
    please..
    Park Avenue Conservatories & Sunrooms - just had my conservatory roof converted excellent job


  • #40
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    :confused:
    m_stan wrote: »
    Matrix Conservatories in Dublin did a sunroom for me a few years back and can supply and install anything you need. They also do conversions from conservatories to sunrooms for those that already have the problem described above. The sunroom they did for me is the first big picture on their homepage. Sold that house a few years back and still miss that room - it was amazing!

    Hi m_stan. You recommend Matrix Conservatories very highly both here on boards and in your previously mentioned blog (www.ragorder.com) where you say that they "have invented and are the sole suppliers for a new conservatory roof conversion" However, I have noticed, while searching for a builder online, that you have now changed the name of the company you recommend from Matrix Conservatories to Pro Build?? You also at one stage were recommending Matrix Energy??? In fact the only part of your blog that has changed is the company name, twice!!! Can I ask you why all the name changes? Is it perhaps because they are the same people? They are after all trading from the same address and, if I'm not mistaken, using the same phone number!!! It could of course be that you have had lots of sunrooms/conservatory roofs done by different companies and you were very pleased with them all!!! :confused:


  • #41
    bri007
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,375 ✭✭✭bri007


    S Connor wrote: »
    :confused:

    Hi m_stan. You recommend Matrix Conservatories very highly both here on boards and in your previously mentioned blog (www.ragorder.com) where you say that they "have invented and are the sole suppliers for a new conservatory roof conversion" However, I have noticed, while searching for a builder online, that you have now changed the name of the company you recommend from Matrix Conservatories to Pro Build?? You also at one stage were recommending Matrix Energy??? In fact the only part of your blog that has changed is the company name, twice!!! Can I ask you why all the name changes? Is it perhaps because they are the same people? They are after all trading from the same address and, if I'm not mistaken, using the same phone number!!! It could of course be that you have had lots of sunrooms/conservatory roofs done by different companies and you were very pleased with them all!!! :confused:

    They are the same people, as I went into them, and the same guy that I paid the money(Wastefully) was there! They are just trading under a different name, if anyone wants a sunroom, conservatory, or anything, never use this crowed!!


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  • #42
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    bri007 wrote: »
    They are the same people, as I went into them, and the same guy that I paid the money(Wastefully) was there! They are just trading under a different name, if anyone wants a sunroom, conservatory, or anything, never use this crowed!!

    Thanks for the answer bri007. To be honest I'm not surprised.


  • #43
    bri007
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,375 ✭✭✭bri007


    S Connor wrote: »
    Thanks for the answer bri007. To be honest I'm not surprised.

    No probs, Cant believe they have the nerve to set up again under a different name, and carry on doing sub standard, poor, work, while ripping people off!


  • #44
    shgavman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 60 ✭✭shgavman


    Hey, I work for the longest running conservatory company in Galway so thought I'd contribute. To answer the op's question. 7k might get him/her a small lean-to with a polycarbonate roof but would probably exclude a lot of finishing work plastering/painting/flooring/electrics/plumbing. The big factor in price for conservatories/surooms is the roof used. Here's a quick run down of the pros and cons for each roof.

    Polycarbonate
    Inexpensive, good at blocking blinding rays especially with tinted polycarbonate noisy when it rains, can look cheap, not as good insulator as glass or traditional roof

    Glass
    Quiet in rain, nice aesthetically, retains majority of light to internal room, can be used year round depending on build quality, more expensive

    Solid Roof
    There are traditional build options (slates/tiles on a roof cut on site) and newer systems that are fabricated off site.
    Traditional Slates/Tiles
    Decent insulation, can be used year round, blocks a lot of light from the internal room even when a number of rooflights are installed (I know of a number companies that push this regardless because it's more convenient for them to build), draughts inevitable between slates/tiles, more expensive than glass

    Prefabricated systems
    The best insulation (U-factor=0.16 for those familiar with U-factors), interlocked slates (no draughts), faster construction time, neater safer site, may not match existing roof tile/slate, blocks light to internal room, (slightly) more expensive than traditional build

    It's interesting what has been said about that Matrix company. The problem with conservatories/sunrooms is anyone can make a website and claim to build conservatories. Researching some of the competition I notice that a lot of our competitors use images of conservatories from the internet. Jobs they didn't build. A lot popped up during the boom, did a lot of shoddy work and are closing or plan to close voiding all their guarantees. It's hard to beat the established company. The price is often a little more upfront for the better workmanship and guarantees but worth it down the line.

    Hope this helps a few people out there.


  • #45
    anushka
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23 ✭anushka


    Hi shgavman.
    thanks for post; I still have not got work done on my house as I went to see S. connors house and it left me too scared to get work done. and although matrix is now closed, reading a post by bri007 it appears that the same people are still operating, thats frightening you should have seen her home it was destroyed. thats what I am afraid of, that the company I get might be after closing down, so they get away with what they have done as in the case of S Conner, and then have just opened under new name. do you know any way we (the customer) can protect ourselves from these companies. Surely our government can bring in a law, that names companies, who have justified customer complaints against them, on a list so a person wishing to have work done, can see exactly who they are choosing. If you know of any way we can protect ourselves PLEASE pass it on.


  • #46
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    shgavman wrote: »
    Hey, I work for the longest running conservatory company in Galway so thought I'd contribute.

    It's interesting what has been said about that Matrix company. The problem with conservatories/sunrooms is anyone can make a website and claim to build conservatories. Researching some of the competition I notice that a lot of our competitors use images of conservatories from the internet. Jobs they didn't build. A lot popped up during the boom, did a lot of shoddy work and are closing or plan to close voiding all their guarantees. It's hard to beat the established company. The price is often a little more upfront for the better workmanship and guarantees but worth it down the line.

    Hope this helps a few people out there.

    Hi shgavman. You've given a lot of usful information here that I'm sure will be of help to a lot of people. Would you happen to know if a building company has to be registered with CRO before trading or can anyone just set up a company and start to trade without doing this?

    I think you're correct in what you say about your competitors using images from the internet. The website owned by Pro Build, a company I was enquiring about earlier, has some images up that can also be found on a website in the UK. This makes it very difficult to know who actually did the work!!!

    Part of the shoddy and substandard work done on my home by the company then called Matrix Conservatories, was external insulation. Before I allowed them to go ahead I asked to see some work. I was taken, by one of the directors of Matrix, to see a house that had external insulation fitted as I was nervous about getting such a big amount of work done on my home. I wanted to see if their work was up to a decent standard. The job done on that home was fantastic. However, I only found out months later, when it was too late, that Matrix hadn't actually installed this insulation. In fact, at that point, they had never installed any external insulation, something they didn't tell me!!! So it's not just images from the internet people need to check up on.

    Interestingly enough the same people who ran Matrix now seem to be part of a company called Pro Build but I cannot be sure if they are directors as this name is not, as of today, registered with CRO.


  • #47
    S Connor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 97 ✭✭S Connor


    I know exactly how you feel anushka. I don't think I will ever have the courage to get work done on my house again. I also will never have the money as I'm still paying off the loan I took out to get all the work Matrix did removed and redone.


  • #48
    shgavman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 60 ✭✭shgavman


    That's not a bad idea. Of course, if you're waiting for the government to do anything you'll wait a long time. It could be an interesting project to establish a website where consumers can submit testimonials for traders that have worked for them. It would encourage tradespeople to provide a better end product and better after sales service.

    You could protect yourself somewhat by ensuring you have an agreement written up. Be mindful of companies asking to deal in cash. They might give a better price but they may not be in it for the long haul. Also, be clear on the payment agreement. Normal would be 1/3 as a deposit, 1/3 once materials are delivered to site and a 1/3 on completion. You could try and make it clear that you will pay the final 1/3 a couple of weeks after completion so you have time to satisfy yourself everything is done correctly. Companies typically trade under a different name. Make sure the agreement is with this company as opposed to the 'face' name. Maybe this happened to you S Connors?

    Select a well established conservatory company. One that deals primarily with conservatories/sunrooms as opposed to windows and doors. Talk to your friends. Some may have had work done and be very happy.

    Be sure you know what is included so you can budget for anything that isn't. Here's a rundown:
    Basework (including damp proofing and insulation)
    Cavity Walls
    Framing
    Electrics (lights/fans)
    Plumbing (radiators)
    Plastering inside and out
    Flooring & skirting
    Window board (know what type of wood)
    Removal/replacement of existing door
    Disposal
    Path around outside (not essential but keeps weeds from growing up against the walls)
    That's what springs to mind.

    You'll need to allow for furnishing in your budget too so don't forget that!

    About CRO registration, I really don't know! I don't deal with that end of things where I work but considering B&Q used to sell conservatories in a box! Anyone could buy one and throw it up. Of course it's much cheaper but it's not a good job.


  • #49
    m_stan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,653 ✭✭✭m_stan


    S Connor wrote: »
    :confused:

    Hi m_stan. You recommend Matrix Conservatories very highly both here on boards and in your previously mentioned blog (www.ragorder.com) where you say that they "have invented and are the sole suppliers for a new conservatory roof conversion" However, I have noticed, while searching for a builder online, that you have now changed the name of the company you recommend from Matrix Conservatories to Pro Build?? You also at one stage were recommending Matrix Energy??? In fact the only part of your blog that has changed is the company name, twice!!! Can I ask you why all the name changes? Is it perhaps because they are the same people? They are after all trading from the same address and, if I'm not mistaken, using the same phone number!!! It could of course be that you have had lots of sunrooms/conservatory roofs done by different companies and you were very pleased with them all!!! :confused:


    Yes they did two significant jobs for me - both of which I was delighted with, and if I plan to do more construction work in the future I'll be going right back to them again for this exact reason. First they completed a full sunroom extension approx 7 or 8 years ago in my former home - a job I was delighted with and showed many people that wanted to see the work. Everyone who saw that sunroom was really impressed with it, and in fact I sold the house for a great price just when the market was tanking. According to my estate agent the sunroom extension was one of the reasons it sold so easily and for such a good price. Then, in 2010 they did a large extension and renovation job for me in my new home. This most recent job consisted of extending a 1920's 3-bed house of approx 1,000 sq ft to a 5 bed 2,200 sq ft including a two-story extension - significant steel work, rewiring, knocking down walls, supporting ceilings, new windows and doors, new flooring, new walls internal and external, a new roof, internal and external insulation, roof windows, you name it - the list is too long to mention. This was a very considerable project involving several tradesmen and companies - they were the main contractor and worked closely with all the contractors I had working for me and it all went smoothly (except for some planning issues thanks to some objectors).

    The purpose of my original post was to advise someone on not building an old style conservatory since I had lived in a house with a proper sunroom and subsequently one with an old style polycarbonate roof. The former was a delight, the latter a disaster. I merely want to help anyone going down the same road as I did - for the big build it was particularly daunting - trying to pick the right contractor is a important decision and not something to be taken lightly. For anyone wishing to assess the quality of work done by this builder (vs taking the word of a clearly angry anonymous poster on boards.ie), feel free to PM me and I will be happy to show you my home as I have done for many people in the past. You too will be impressed with the standard of the work done. Of course I can't speak for anyone else (especially an anonymous poster with a long lasting grudge it seems), but in my own experience this company has done excellent work and my dealings with them have always been straightforward. They went on to do work for some of my neighbours on the road and they also were very happy. Yes they have done several jobs for me. I can show anyone the last one (since that's where I currently live) but not the first one since I sold that house about 5 years ago and I don't know the new owners. The photo on their homepage is of my original home - the sunroom I mention above. As to all the questioning on who they are / where they are based etc etc, I think that's really a question for them rather than their customers or competitors don't you?! I intend this to be my last post on this subject since I don't plan to subject myself to further angry questioning by an unknown anonymous poster here. Again, like I say - my only intention was to help someone rather than put myself in the line of fire. I have better things to do. Thanks.


  • #50
    martinn123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,300 ✭✭✭martinn123


    m_stan wrote: »
    Yes they did two significant jobs for me - both of which I was delighted with, and if I plan to do more construction work in the future I'll be going right back to them again for this exact reason. First they completed a full sunroom extension approx 7 or 8 years ago in my former home - a job I was delighted with and showed many people that wanted to see the work. Everyone who saw that sunroom was really impressed with it, and in fact I sold the house for a great price just when the market was tanking. According to my estate agent the sunroom extension was one of the reasons it sold so easily and for such a good price. Then, in 2010 they did a large extension and renovation job for me in my new home. This most recent job consisted of extending a 1920's 3-bed house of approx 1,000 sq ft to a 5 bed 2,200 sq ft including a two-story extension - significant steel work, rewiring, knocking down walls, supporting ceilings, new windows and doors, new flooring, new walls internal and external, a new roof, internal and external insulation, roof windows, you name it - the list is too long to mention. This was a very considerable project involving several tradesmen and companies - they were the main contractor and worked closely with all the contractors I had working for me and it all went smoothly (except for some planning issues thanks to some objectors).

    The purpose of my original post was to advise someone on not building an old style conservatory since I had lived in a house with a proper sunroom and subsequently one with an old style polycarbonate roof. The former was a delight, the latter a disaster. I merely want to help anyone going down the same road as I did - for the big build it was particularly daunting - trying to pick the right contractor is a important decision and not something to be taken lightly. For anyone wishing to assess the quality of work done by this builder (vs taking the word of a clearly angry anonymous poster on boards.ie), feel free to PM me and I will be happy to show you my home as I have done for many people in the past. You too will be impressed with the standard of the work done. Of course I can't speak for anyone else (especially an anonymous poster with a long lasting grudge it seems), but in my own experience this company has done excellent work and my dealings with them have always been straightforward. They went on to do work for some of my neighbours on the road and they also were very happy. Yes they have done several jobs for me. I can show anyone the last one (since that's where I currently live) but not the first one since I sold that house about 5 years ago and I don't know the new owners. The photo on their homepage is of my original home - the sunroom I mention above. As to all the questioning on who they are / where they are based etc etc, I think that's really a question for them rather than their customers or competitors don't you?! I intend this to be my last post on this subject since I don't plan to subject myself to further angry questioning by an unknown anonymous poster here. Again, like I say - my only intention was to help someone rather than put myself in the line of fire. I have better things to do. Thanks.

    Interesting post which answers every question, except the ones asked,

    Why did you change the Co Name on your Blog, 3 times to co-incide with the Original Co Liquidating, and the recent change of trading name. Bit strange

    You critisise the poster for being anonymous 3 times, buy we are all anonymous on Boards, Also Strange,

    and while she has a long lasting grudge, it appears she also has a long lasting Loan, a Judgment against a Liquidated Co, and wonders why you continue to promote them.

    You seem happy with their Building Prowess, I think she questions their prowess at Insulation.


  • #51
    shgavman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 60 ✭✭shgavman


    OK M_Stan. But your motives do seem questionable.

    I wouldn't rule out poly or glass roofs like that. We supply both solid and clear roofs - if you get even a little daytime sunlight a glazed roof should heat up a room. If it's poor quality you'll have something too hot in summer and too cold in winter - mainly caused by draughts. There are now a few lightweight solid roof systems that can replace old roofs but I'm pretty confident that Matrix didn't invent any of them. This is the system we use.

    To the OP, if you get some early sun, don't discount the clear roof because they are more budget friendly.


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