Chelsey’s internal door upgrade

The brief: To replace the old and tired internal doors with modern, oak-veneered cottage-style doors

Chelsey explains: “Our home is an old 1960s bungalow and has been quite a project for us. These homes are well known for their wonky door frames and lack of insulation! 

We wanted to create a more modern look for our home and felt that replacing the old tired doors with new ones would do just that. We lived for quite some time without any internal doors, which was challenging through the winter months with the cold weather and draughts!”

“Door hanging is not the simple task most believe it to be. It is a highly skilled job that requires huge attention to detail. We knew that finding the right person was essential.

I’ve used the Checkatrade website for various jobs and always found it straightforward and user-friendly. I love that I can see where the tradesperson is based, their customer reviews, and portfolio of previous work.

As for the reviews, I don’t focus as much on the scoring aspect but more on the wording that the person has taken the time to write about their experience.”

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

“I began by searching on Checkatrade for a carpenter in my postcode and refined my search. I found several experts in door fitting/hanging in my postcode, providing a strong list of quality tradespeople to consider. 

Portchester Carpentry stood out to me with its beautiful photos showcased on its profile, an impressive amount of reviews to browse, and its long-term commitment to its membership with Checkatrade. I then reached out to Portchester Carpentry and two other local companies using Checkatrade’s ‘request a quote’ feature.

My first choice, Darren, from Portchester Carpentry, responded promptly, and our communication was efficient from the get-go.”

Hiring Portchester Carpentry

“I felt at ease with Portchester Carpentry from start to finish. Darren was brilliant, his time-keeping was fantastic, and if there was a slight delay or he was available sooner, for example, he’d call ahead to make me aware. 

I was impressed with his commitment to ensuring everything ran smoothly – he checked on available parking before his arrival and was punctual and polite throughout.”

Portchester Carpentry Ltd offers a full suite of bespoke carpentry and complementary services to both residential and commercial customers in and around Fareham, Hampshire.

Top quality workmanship

“I could tell that Darren took a lot of pride in his work and wanted to ensure the best quality finish possible. 

He shared some valuable knowledge on the doors we’d already hung, informing us the door handles hadn’t been installed in the right place and offered us the choice for the remaining doors to either have their handles installed the same way to match or installed how a carpenter would recommend. We chose to have them installed the same as the other doors to have a more unified feel, although we appreciated his knowledge and that we were given the option.”

Attention to detail

“I also asked for Darren’s professional opinion on the problems we were having when opening and closing the existing doors that had been hung beforehand. They did not open and close as smoothly as we’d like and the handles often came loose and rattled when used. 

Darren advised that the door latches we had installed on the other doors were not entirely suitable for the door handles we had and suggested a different length/type of latch to accommodate. He offered to purchase and collect the correct ones to avoid this, which we accepted and asked him to add this to our bill. I wasn’t expecting this extra care and attention – it was much appreciated.”

Trust and expertise

“I felt a sense of trust in Darren’s expertise and knowledge. He was 100% correct with his advice – the doors are fitted beautifully, with no issues with the use of the handles, and they open and close perfectly!”

Darren transformed the interior of Chelsey’s ’60s property with the addition of expertly installed, modern doors. An upgrade that will benefit this home for many years to come.

“Checkatrade does what it says on the tin – a directory and website of great tradespeople who can help you transform your home (and more!). 

Fortunately, I’ve had no issues with any of the Checkatrade tradespeople I’ve used over the years, but if I did, I know Checkatrade, as a trusted brand, would be there to support us.

I would recommend Checkatrade over and over again! I already have – I’m a true Checkatrade ambassador, and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough! 

My advice would be to not compromise on what matters to you in your search for the right tradesperson to complete your job – we all have different preferences and expectations of what we’re looking for, and there will be the right one for you!”

In need of carpentry work?

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