Anyone used The Mark Group for cavity wall insulation?

[peterb]

And if so, what were your experiences?

Thanks.

[blueball]

They were rubbish. Turned up to do my cavity wall insulation but refused to go up ladders quoting health and safety. I have a sun lounge at the back of the house; the Mark Group Surveyor noted it and put on the order that they had to take "Conservatory ladders" to do the job. They didn't bring the necessary ladders and then offered to do part of the house which I had already been advised (by Mark Group Surveyor) was a pointless exercise. I told the workgroup to sling their hook and not to come back.

[peterb]

Did they use sub-contractors for the work?

[blueball]

Did they use sub-contractors for the work?

Not sure Peter TBH. I "think" it was their own guys but I couldn't swear to it. Sorry, not very helpful I know.

[peterb]

No, that's fine. I was supposed to have a survey today, but they cancelled it this morning (surveyor sick). One or two comments on the web about them, but any large company will have some adverse comments - just that this sort of activity can be iffy, especially if sub-contractors are used with inadequate QC.

[Domestic_Ginger]

We were about to have our's done when we could get the unemployment allowance. They were not very helpful in answering my queries about whether my damp proof course would be bridged. They didn't convince me so I never bothered in the end.

They would have used sub contractors as I understand it.

[Behemoth]

There's nothing to stop them subbing the work out either.

[TheAnimus]

Has anyone tried any of the local worker review sites?

Like http://www.ratedpeople.com/ ?

I've got some tiling to do, and tbh I doubt its worth the cost of getting my parents tools n cutter up here, so was having a quick look at lunch the other day...

[Sputnik]

I've got some tiling to do, and tbh I doubt its worth the cost of getting my parents tools n cutter up here, so was having a quick look at lunch the other day...

Topps tiles sell a pretty good wet diamond wheel tile cutter for about £35. I bought one a few weeks back as I had alot of tiling to do and could not have done the job without it. It's cheaper than hiring one.

[Sputnik]

This house has cavity wall insulation but, I'm ever the sceptic as to it's advantages. I'm concerned it might cause damp.

If you put your hand on the inside of any of the outer walls they feel cold.

[Zhaoman]

I'd err on the side of caution when getting any sort of cavity insulation retro-fitted. If the contractor doesn't give you absolute confirmation that what you are doing is right for your house, or if they don't look like they are sure what they are talking about then I'd avoid doing it. Retrofit wall insulation has become a lucrative market in the last few years with a lot of firms looking to cash in so just be wary of it.

@Sputnik: There's nothing wrong with cavity wall insulation on new builds, as long as there's an air cavity and they're properly fitted there won't be problems with damp. But I am skeptical of retro-fitted insulation especially for domestic customers because most of the time they just want to pump some cheap beads into your wall that will cause damp and damage!

[Spank]

I've had cavity (rockwool) wall insulation for 20 years & no sign of damp

[peterb]

This company claim to use rockwool, but it is true that the home insulation market has grown, and it is the sort of thing that can attract the dubious end of the building trade.

[blueball]

There are both bead and rockwool fills on the market now. Both prevent damp.

The Rockwool does give a slightly better insulation but there is not a lot in it.

[ristac]

They did mine and they were pretty good if I am honest, this was about two years ago now.

[Saracen]

They were supposed to be doing mine, but rang 30 minutes before they were due saying the fitter had had an accident in his van and couldn't make it. This, of course, may or may not have been true. They'll "contact me" to re-arrange.

Well, the "contact" proved to be a bloke showing up, totally unannounced, and three months later, to do the job. I already had my coat and shoes on to go out. 3 minutes later and he'd have missed me altogether. So I told him it wasn't convenient, and to get the office to ring me. And here I am, over a month later and no contact.

I can't comment on the standard of their work, as I'm still waiting for it, but as for the administration and customer service, well, an old adage about booze-ups and breweries comes to mind to describe their organisational skills.


Oh, and the more I read about the potential risks (damp, mainly) the less I like the idea anyway. Now, if they ever do get in touch, I think I'd tell them to forget it. I don't have a lot of faith in them, and I'm not convinced on the principle, either.