When Steve Askham started ASK Complete Building Services Ltd back in 1994 he set out to create a business where the principles of honesty, reliability and the use of quality products were at its core. Judging by the £1m target for the 2012 order book Steve’s exacting standards has done his business proud.
Serving the Yorkshire region and beyond, Ask Complete Building Services Ltd does exactly what it says it does – complete building services, from start to finish, from bathroom tiling to home extensions and everything in between. But it is in the field of home refurbishments that Ask is a particular specialist, and a sector that is keeping the company very busy right now.
“People aren’t moving home right now, they’re improving their existing home,” says Steve. “We’ve just finished refurbishing and extending a bungalow into a five bedroomed house. The project went like a dream, and was worth £80-90,000 to us, but increased the owner’s property value from £160,000 to £375,000.”
While many companies insist on vacant possession for refurbishing works, Ask is more than happy to work around their client’s individual needs. “If the family is living in the house, we work around them, making sure we leave the property in an habitable state at the end of each working day.”
Steve is passionate about what he does, and has no time for companies who cut corners.
“My policy is honesty, which can be a curse at times like these,” he says. “There are many companies out there trying to win tenders by quoting the lowest amount and not including the ‘extras’. I quote the full price, down to each socket detail, so the client knows exactly what he or she is paying for – there is no nasty surprise at the end when the ‘extras’ get added on.
“I’ve just lost a job over £500. In my opinion there was no way the successful company will deliver for the amount they quoted. I would say once the ‘extras’ get added on at the end, it will come in at £2-3,000 over our quote.”
Once Ask wins a contract they source the best materials at the best price, and don’t cut corners. They also don’t take any money until the job, or phase is completely finished.
Quality of finish is paramount. “I visited a completed job this morning and noticed a draught coming in round the doors,” says Steve. “I got on the phone to the joiner who went up straightaway and replaced the doors – I didn’t have to do that, many don’t. But I look at each house as being my own. If I’m not completely happy with the end result, why should I expect my client to be?”
For more information tel: 0114 2333511 or visit their website: www.askbuilders.co.uk.
