A large local firm in Liverpool, recommended by three friends of friends who were very happy, and also by a house builder friend of mine. The main man presented really well in person too. We did as much homework as we could and no one had a bad word to say. We even spoke to k rend and they confirmed they were on the approved / recommended list. He has fallen ill part way through, which is part of the problem, but then started demanding payment of the final instalment (which contract clearly said wasn't due until satisfactory completion) when they were only 3/4 done and threatened to walk off job if we didn't pay. Since then we've just had his lads turning up but not the main man. Negotiated part payment of that sum to keep them going but wish we hadn't. We are really gutted. He has too much other work on and we are now low priority. The place has been left in a complete mess too.