Wanted to warn anyone out there that might be considering buying a DIY conservatory from u-fit.co.uk (also known as armstrong industries) these guys reallyu are a bunch of cowboys. They make all sorts of great sounding promises and one at a time break them.
My endeavor went as such. I quite enjoyed building a 4m workshop, and decided as my next project would build a conservatory. This was an ambitious project, as I haven't done anything at that level before. THe base was already built by the previous owner, who never got around to building the conservatory.
I did much looking around and u-fit.co.uk had a similar spec to the 2 other quotes (synseal shield conservatory, Pilkington double galzing &
35mm PVC roof. The balance tipped toward these guys as they were quite a bit cheaper (£2600 compared to £3400), they promised "comprehensive, but simple, fitting guidelines", lots of advice if necessary, and also a loan, where it is interest free with no payments for 1st 12 months (similar to offered by many furniture companies). Delivery was advertised as "We fulfil 99% of all orders within 28 days days" and "free delivery".at the time of ordering I empahsised to them the importance of delivery during a particular week (4 weeks after the order was placed) as I had booked leave so I could receive the order, and start building.
A few days before the week I was expecting the delivery I received a letter to say that delivery had been arranged for 2 weeks after this, and if nobody was available to help unpack they would charge for another delivery!
I phoned to tell them to cancel as this was unacceptable, but they refused, saying that it was already in manufacture. (I took legal advice, and the lawyer said that to cancel I would have to prove that the contract included delivery on a particular date, which at a push I might be able to do, but with difficulty. ) They agreed to deliver a few days earlier (Fri instead of Monday).
when the conservatory arrived, the "comprehensive instructions" consisted of a single A3 page, which certainly wasn't simple or comprehensive. Since my wife had to sign for it (neighbour helped unpack (I planned to be home, but their promise of 1st thing, turned out to be 13h00 - and I had to go back to work)
they did not leave a breakdown of what was there, or even label the items so I could figure out which bits were which, and where they go.
There were many frusrating phone calls and emails that nobody could be bothered to return.
so whatever you do, don't use armstrong industries / u-fit.co.uk based in coventry... they won't keep any of there promises.