Vision Design & Build

Based on my experience I would strongly advise people to not use this company. Dealing with Vision and the poor workmanship has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. Weve had to terminate the contract before the works were complete (and before building control sign off) and find new tradesmen to finish the works. I have emails, documents and photos to corroborate this review in case anyone claims it is not authentic. I note the 3 recent 5-star reviews at the same time as this review have all also left a review in Australia at the same time. Our work commenced in June 2021 and was scheduled for a 6-month completion time. Works included a side and rear extension and renovation internally. Work was still on-going in April 2022 when we had to exercise our contractual right to a mediation process due to the number of disputes about the work performed. This process took around 3 months, after which Vision signed a compromise agreement stipulating the works to be performed and confirming it would be complete in 6 weeks. Works recommenced in September 2022. Given the proposed timetable we decided to move out of the property for 2-3 weeks. By March 2023 (6 months later) the works were still not complete, and the house was not habitable (no working kitchen or bathroom). In our experience, Vision relied heavily on sub-contractors with little to no oversight from an employee of the company. Vision employees tended to be apprentices. We didnt have a foreman and there were minimal site inspections by the Managing Director (Franco Barresi) or supposed project manager for large parts of the project. Efforts to speak to the Managing Director were normally unsuccessful. Any timetable we were given was irrelevant as it was never adhered too. A list of significant issues that arose is below to illustrate the poor workmanship. Side extension not built in accordance with the drawings. Vision did ultimately correct this. A brick wall on the rear extension was not safe. Building control were able to remove bricks by hand. There was also insufficient insulation in the cavity. We have an underfloor heating system (UFH). The new screed was poured with UFH pipes protruding above the screed (British standards dictate a minimum 50mm coverage) and the pipes were not pressurised before the screed poured. The screed was badly cracked and an independent RICS surveyor (through the mediation process) determined it was not adequate. The kitchen had to be uninstalled so the screed could be removed and UFH redone. During the kitchen removal Vision snapped our stone worktop in half and chipped another piece. They did not replace these, despite having a contractual obligation to do so. We had a new boiler, hot water tank and system installed as part of the works but encountered issues with hot water and pressure. When the screed was removed plastic push fit water pipes and connections were found under the floor (breach of regulations). The whole house had to be replumbed. Significant damp/water was also found above the damp proof course indicating the waste pipe and/or damp proof course was not correct. There should have been no water. Vision had used loft insulation instead of acoustic insulation in internal timber walls (acoustic specified in drawings). Only after the mediation process did they agree to fix this, involving removing one side of the plastered and painted walls to access the cavity. Concrete was put in a new manhole. This blocked the manhole and sewer pipe over the Christmas period, affecting our neighbours. The pipe has now collapsed and significant works to divert it are required. We paid a 50% deposit for a front door in June 2021 but this never arrived on site. An independent electrical condition report has identified issues and recommendations with the work performed by Vision.
Apr 15th, 2023

I had the pleasure of working with Vision on a fantastic extension project and I have to say that the experience was amazing. Franco, the main guy working for the company, was always available to answer my questions and provided great guidance throughout the building regulations plans. The extension was completed on time and within budget, and the end result is a beautiful addition to my home.
Apr 4th, 2023

Franco and his team recently completed a loft conversion on our semi-detached property in Cambridge. The standard of work was really high and we were kept up to date with progress using there cloud based project managed software. The project took slightly longer than anticipated however we were kept up to date with the reasons.
Apr 2nd, 2023

I recently hired Vision, a company based in Cambridge England, for a garage conversion project and I couldn't be happier with the results. The main guy working for the company, Franco, was extremely professional and attentive throughout the entire process. He listened to my needs and concerns and made sure that everything was executed to perfection. The end result is an amazing garage conversion that exceeded my expectations. The attention to detail is truly impressive and I highly recommend Vision for any home improvement projects.
Mar 30th, 2023

Dreadful job. labourers in the apprentice class and inexperienced project supervisors. Extremely unreliable for simple tasks. Even after multiple phone calls and emails, the project would drag on with no information offered. Snagging won't be carried out. After settling for a week, I can still move bricks with my little finger due to the poor quality of the construction. To enhance the ecosystem, the joint where the floor tiles meet the wall was left exposed! insects. Do not believe the managing director of Mercedez; instead, note all that is mentioned. Take pictures and don't forget to get in touch with the planning officer; Vision won't let you speak to them, but you can. Too
Feb 9th, 2023