Core Extension and Renovation Testimonials
Read what our happy clients have to say about Core WA Renovations and Extensions.
A real credit to Core Wa's customer focused approach
My wife Fiona & I recently completed a very extensive renovation of our house in Floreat. The scope entailed both demolition and new build. The demolition component consisted of two bedrooms, a laundry, dining, kitchen and alfresco area. The new build entailed the extension of an existing bedroom (including raising the height of the room by 4 courses), a new master bedroom with ensuite and walk in robe, a new kitchen, dining, living and laundry as well as the addition of a carport and the replacement of the whole roof. To complicate things we wanted to remain in the house (six of us) during construction.
In selecting a builder we engaged with a number of different companies at the start. One company would not price if we were going to remain in the house. After receiving prices, looking at the previous work of each of the builders and meeting with their representatives we settled on Core WA. One of the things that appealed to us with Darren Johnston (Core WA Managing Director) was that e ran his own team which meant that he did not have to subcontract everything out. When he did subcontract out works it was to a handful of hand-picked companies that Darren had previously used. We felt that this approach would provide us with more surety of program and flexibility in dealing with the inevitable issues that arise during a renovation such as ours. Darren and his team (in particular Pat, Martin and Kaz) were an absolute pleasure to deal with throughout the whole of the renovation. We received a number of comments from people in the neighbourhood saying that they were impressed with the tidiness of the site and the fact that there was always somebody working on the house. I work in construction, so I understand the challenges of this type of work and how it takes real attention to detail to achieve the quality and safety standards that we were seeking. Whilst there were a number of technical issues that we encountered, as you do with renovations, there was not a single one that was not overcome quickly and amicably. To undertake this scope of work without a single argument between the owner and the builder is, I believe, a real credit to Darren’s customer focused approach.
Darren and his team have given us a beautiful high-quality house which was delivered in the time
that was promised (around six months) for a fair price. The final price paid was about 5% higher than the original agreed contract price after adjustment for Provisional sums and some additional work scopes that we asked Darren and his team to undertake on the original house (removing and
replacing asbestos barge boards, tuckpointing existing brickwork, painting original exterior,
upgrading air conditioning) which was well within our expectations.
Fiona and I would not hesitate to recommend Darren and his company, Core WA, to anybody
seeking to engage with a builder. Darren has my phone number so if anyone would like a verbal
reference please do not hesitate to call me.
John & Fiona Galvin - Floreat
100% Satisfaction
We engaged Core Developments to build and oversee our second storey addition & renovations.From the start Darren organised everything and the build went like clockwork.Darren's tradesmen were very professional, reliable honest and very tidy, which was perfect seeing that we were living in the house while the build was happening.I would not hesitate to recommend Core Developments for 100% customer Satisfaction.
Stef Colkin
A Builder you can trust
I recently bought an apartment to occupy and contracted Darren and Core Developments to modernise it with new floorboards, fixtures and fittings etc. before I moved in. From conception through to completion, Darren and his team were outstanding throughout the entire process and helped create a home that I'm very proud of. Their level of care, attention to detail and responsiveness will guarantee that I choose them again for any work I need in the future. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a builder they can trust to deliver high quality service and results.
Gareth Davies
We recommend Core WA as a quality partner
We recently completed significant renovations to our home at 14 Kildare Rd, Floreat. The works were extensive and varied and were completed over a period of approximately 12 months. Works included an extension of a living space from the kitchen and family room of approximately 60 square metres. Substantial remodelling of the rear verandah and garden were also carried out. Two bathrooms were remodelled into one bathroom and a powder room and all old cabinetry throughout the house was reworked.
We desired a higher than normal quality of finish that would complement the substantial nature of our property. In our early discussions with Darren Johnston we determined that he had a particular passion for quality and on-time work and this was a determining factor in opting to trust Core WA with this project.
The main part of the renovation was an addition to the living area extending from the kitchen. This work involved maintaining the existing kitchen whilst lifting the roof and ceiling and then extending the room into the garden. The work was dirty and exposed the existing kitchen and timber floor to significant danger of damage. Likewise it was decided to replace the entire lounge room and study external glass wall. Hence planning and organisation were very important. Given the unknown nature of the works it was agreed that a cost plus contractual arrangement would be used.
The project was professionally managed by Darren and his team. Darren was on-site the vast majority of the time and he was excellent to work with on a day by day basis. The build had many challenging aspects and all were well planned and executed by Darren and his tradesmen.
However, the over-riding requirement was to complete the project on time and within budget and this was achieved. The cost plus contract did allow a number of design changes to be made during construction. Generally these changes were focussed on improving the quality and finish of the building. The changes were always well received by Core WA and they were very accommodating in assisting us to achieve the desired outcomes.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Core WA as a quality partner in building construction involving degrees of complication and where some form of flexibility is required. We are very willing to be contacted if any prospective client would like to discuss our experiences.
- Kerry and Wally Edwards - Floreat
The Build went like clockwork
We engaged Core Developments to build and oversee our second storey addition and renovations.
From the start Darren organised everything and the build went like clockwork. Darren's tradesmen were very professional, reliable honest and very tidy, which was perfect seeing that we were living in the house while the build was happening.
I would not hesitate to recommend Core WA for 100% Customer Satisfaction
Stef Colkin
Great to work with
Darren and the team at Core WA were great to work with. We lived in our house during the major renovation and never had any difficulties with the team being flexible with us. The project moved smoothly, especially considering our difficult site and the end results were outstanding. We were very proud that our house was a finalist in the HIA awards, but all the credit goes to Darren and his Core WA team, who delivered a house far in excess of our expectations.
- Rox and Linda - Wembley
Lucky enough to represent Core WA on several occasions
Space Real Estate has been lucky enough to represent Core WA on several occasions. We are always delighted to work on any project that Core WA are involved in as we can be confident that the market will share our appreciation of the exceptional standards and attention to every last detail in the design and build quality of all their homes. We can personally attest to the high level of service this company offers all their clients before during and after the building process and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to even the pickiest of clients!
- Emily Hiskins, Space Real Estate, Sales & Marketing Consultant
We are thrilled with our beautiful “new” house
I just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you so much for the beautiful job you and your team at Core WA did on our renovation and second storey extension – Michael and I are thrilled with our beautiful “new” house.
After hearing many horror stories about building we were somewhat nervous about the building process, but your vast experience meant that everything ran very smoothly. You dealt with our many changes with an attitude that said nothing was a problem, and where many other builders charge exorbitantly for changes, with you we always felt that any additional fees were very fair.
You have a great team who are very professional, polite and always willing to go out of their way to ensure we got the best result.
Darren thank you for always being available, day or night, to discuss any questions or queries. Your commitment to us did not go unnoticed and we happily recommend you to anyone considering renovating or building.
- Michael and Trish - Nedlands
We were happy with the ideas they came up with
We employed Core WA to design and renovate our kitchen. We were particularly happy with the ideas they came up with and the home design system they use, fantastic. Through their knowledge of renovating old Wembley houses and design ability we were able to understand exactly how they were going to change our kitchen. I found them easy to communicate with and honest in their dealings. All the employees were pleasant, helpful and tidy. The ideas they came up with meant we transformed our small and dated kitchen into something smooth flowing and spacious and bright. Thank you Core WA we can’t recommend you enough.
- Alison & Greg - Wembley
The result is fantastic
The Core WA Team have just finished an extensive renovation and second storey extension on our house in Nedlands. The result is fantastic! The building process was challenging, but made largely stress free by Darren and his team. Darren was always on site to up date us and notify us of any issues which was very reassuring. I made a number of changes to the original plan, which would have stressed most builders, but Darren always spent time with us to work through the best and most cost effective solutions. His quality of work and dedication to the task were of a high standard. I am also pleased to say, he delivered the work on time and on budget, which is a rarity on a renovation of this scale. His team were a pleasure to have around and I can't recommend them highly enough.
- Carlie & Nick - Nedlands
The house is superbly designed for the active modern family
We purchased our home from Core WA, the house is superbly designed for the active modern family. It has a relaxed family friendly design with an upstairs and a downstairs living area. The extra wide hallway is both functional and ascetically balanced with the rest of the house. The double glazed windows keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter. The placement of the pool was very well thought out and doesn't require heating which saves on electricity which is great. This is a solidly built home with a very high standard finish and is a home that we will cherish for years to come.
- Dmitrie - Wembley
We are absolutely delighted with the results
When we decided to extend our home in Floreat, we felt it very important to employ a builder who could not only could manage the whole process but was someone who we were able to trust. When we first approached Core WA we were very impressed with how meticulously Darren discussed our plans and requirements and that he took us to see similar projects, he had recently completed. We were also able to meet with his clients to get fantastic references. We employed Core WA to build our extension and pool and we are absolutely delighted with the results. One key difference between Darren and other builders we were considering using was that Darren had a regular team of builders rather than using sub-contractors. This meant that his tradesmen were on site when he said they would be. They were able to ensure that there was minimal disruption to our family life and took extra care to make sure the site was always secure from our little children. Also we were able to build relationships with his team and this made the process much less stressful. Darren was always available at any time to answer our questions and queries, and this fantastic line of communication allowed the project to run very smoothly. Our project was finished on time and in budget and we highly recommend Core WA. If we were to do any further renovations Darren will be our first call.
- Gary & Clare - Floreat
Your company totally exceeded my expectations
I wanted to thank you for the excellent service you provided Holman in renovating our new offices. I gave you this job at the last minute and we had an incredibly short time frame to do a complete “gut and reinstate” of a very run down office. We did not have time to draw up proper plans or get a fully costed proposal. Your company totally exceeded my expectations on both the cost of the project and the time it took you to complete the work. You sorted out numerous problems and issues without blinking. To facilitate our move you worked right through Easter and worked weekends. Our total cost was less than my budget and we were moved and enjoying our new office in record time.
- Holman Industries - Osborne Park
We would have no hesitation in doing it all over again
We recently moved into our renovated home in Claremont. We are extremely happy with the way everything has turned out and have no complaints at all. Most people say that after building a home they would never go through it again. We would have to say that we would have no hesitation in doing it all over again with Core WA and in fact plan to do so in a couple more years. Thanks again Darren on a job well done. We look forward to dealing and meeting with you again in the future.
- James & Dianne - Claremont
There when we needed them
Just like to say a big thank you to Core for helping us out with this refit at such short notice. It has turned out fantastic.
Christina - Perth
Core WA have successfully completed an extensive renovation for us which affected practically every room in our home
Core WA offer a complete renovation service assisting with every aspect and phase of the renovation, making it a seamless service for us. Our extensive renovation was compounded by the added complexity that after initial planning with Darren and Rhonda we relocated overseas for work. However this added complication did not phase Darren or Rhonda who easily dealt with our absence professionally. Being family run business you are assured of personal and prompt service. This meant that on site decisions were handled well and Darren called for clarification if he felt a decision we had made would not work or an alternative would be the preferred option. There are not many renovation companies who are willing to deviate from the plans for the client's benefit.
Core WA's fantastic customer login system, enabled all our choices to be visible along with the costing. Photos could be added to convey design concepts and update progress. This was invaluable to us. Especially as we could not get to site often. The end result is stunning. We are extremely happy with our home. Core WA provided us with service that minimized the stress undertaking a renovation can cause and I would not hesitate to recommend Core and look forward to working with them for any future projects we plan. You will not regret your decision to build with Core WA and will be rewarded with a high quality renovation.
- Rebecca & Kingsley - Floreat
Expertise and quality are second to none
We believe that Core WA's expertise and quality construction are second to none in the building industry.The assistance and patience of Darren was greatly appreciated. We received such personalised service and we are completely satisfied with the finished product. We would recommend Core to anyone based on our experience.
- Robert & Sarah - North Perth
Reliable, Flexible & Honest
Thank you Core WA for delivering a fantastic renovation in record time. The fit out was completed on time and on budget. Your team once again very professional and willing to go out of their way to make sure we got the best result.
-Skin Resus