John Galer, Thanet Branch Director of Chandlers Building Supplies

Star Builder finalists announced

The nomination process for Chandlers Building Supplies' 'Star Builder 2009' award, supported by the Thanet Extra, has now drawn to a close and it is clear from the nominations received that there are a number of fine tradesmen and women in the local area.

It is now down to you to decide who from the three finalists will be crowned 'Star Builder 2009' and awarded with an engraved silver star award together with £200 to spend at the Chandlers branch in Thanet.

John Galer, Chandlers' Branch Director said: "The standard of entries we received was extremely encouraging. I've always been aware that we have some great tradespeople in Thanet and I'm pleased that the local community thinks so too. It was certainly a difficult task to narrow it down to three finalists."

To vote for the builder you would like to win, please email your vote to chandlersthanet@pmwcom.co.uk or call 01403 783400 by Tuesday September 8.

The three finalists are:

Mark Avery

Mark Avery from Ramsgate was nominated by Russell Wood for the excellent job that Mark did on his extension.

"The contract was six weeks long and despite suffering an injury prior to the start of the job Mark continued to work," said Russell. "Mark employed a series of sub contractors who all arrived when they should have and did the work they were contracted to do. At no time during the period of the contract did my wife or myself hear a single swear word from any of Mark's workforce."

Mark took on a couple of extra jobs for Russell and his wife while he was working on the extension at no extra charge and the whole project was completed on time.

Russell concluded: "At the end of each day Mark told me what he was going to do the following day and it happened. At the end of the contract my property was left clean and tidy with all site debris removed and I could not have employed a better builder to do my work."

Simon Foreman and Alan Garrett from County Construction Ltd

Simon Foreman and Alan Garrett have been nominated by Tim Wood for a job that they have recently completed.

Tim said: "I can honestly say that they were impressive from start to finish. I received a clear and comprehensive quotation within two or three days of their initial site visit and the job started on time and was finished ahead of schedule."

Tim was impressed with the work ethic of Simon and Alan who had an immaculate site throughout the contract and didn't nip off to the pub or cafe for lunch.

"The standard of work and communication was first class, and the quote was the quote; there were no nasty little extras," added Tim. He concluded: "I would recommend them without hesitation for your award; they are really nice guys and extremely competent builders with a great attitude and sensible prices."

Paul Coates

Paul Coates received two nominations from Johanna Bowers and Peter Weston.

Johanna has employed Paul to carry out a lot of work on her house over the past few years including adding an extension, rebuilding the courtyard, replacing the ceiling in the kitchen and Paul is about to start replacing the roof and guttering.

"All of Paul's work is done with great craftsmanship and kept within the strict conservation rules of property," commented Johanna. "He takes enormous pride in his job and nothing is a problem."

Paul's work has impressed Johanna so much that she has recommended him to many other people: "He is there every day without fail and we cannot recommend or praise his work enough."