Testimonials
At Grate Expectations we value our customers opinions and feedback. Our aim is to provide a high quality, personal and a professional service to meet your expectations, requirements and budget. Regardless of how large or small the project Grate Expectations remain honest, reliable and efficient.
Building long term relationships with our clients and encouraging your recommendation to others, has enabled us to grow in the business and achieve a fantastic reputation.
Recent Testimonials
"We’re absolutely delighted with our fireplace, please pass on our thanks to your fab team, specifically Michelle."
Christine, 2022
"We are delighted with our new fireplace. The team has been terrific, and we will not hesitate to recommend Grate Expectations to others. Thanks again."
David and Graziela Lumley, 2022
"I was really pleased with the service, both in my interactions with Jakob on the sales side and when the wood burner was fitted. The information I was given was very useful to help us make a decision and we’re really pleased so far with the Stovax model that was actually suggested by Jakob as a good choice based on our requirements. The fitters who came were very cheerful and knowledgeable about the product and did a nice tidy job. We were also pleased that the scaffolding was put up without much disruption and taken down fairly promptly (which has not always been the case when we’ve had to have scaffolding). Thanks again."
Caroline, 2022
"We are absolutely delighted with our woodstove, and all aspects of dealing with Grate Expectations. From our initial approach, the dealings with sales team, and then the follow-up with the design and installation team were all first class and made the whole process straight forward and stressfree. In particular dealing with Tai and Liam was an absolute pleasure and they never seemed to mind any questions asked of them."
Andrew, 2022
"Just had to let you know, Tai did a wonderful job, fitting the fire and worked so hard on the fireplace. We are so pleased with it, It is beautiful. When John has finished painting. I will send a Photograph. Thank you for all your help. And Tia's hard work."
Janet & John Simmons, 2020
"I would like you to know that I have been so pleased with the expert way Grate Expectations has managed the whole installation. Sonji was a delight to liaise with. All members of your team who came to inspect, remove the old fireplace and install the new one were very nice to have in my home. Their workmanship was of the highest standard and I am totally thrilled with the finished product."
Susan Butler, 2020
"We came home to a beautiful fireplace last night! Really happy with it. Glad we chose the smaller model as it heats up the room nicely. Brackets look sturdy - marble will installed in a couple of weeks."
James, 2020
"We love the install and I wanted to say special thanks to the installers for treating my mother like a human being and being kind to her. More than once people simple ignore her and the installers were lovely, helped her open her can of salmon and even helped her up and down the stairs to see the fire. These kind gestures make all the difference."
Emma, 2020
The fireplace is in and looks great! I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to everyone who’s helped along the way – you, Jack, David, Tai, Sean, Jakob, Liam and others too. Your patience and attention to detail is amazing!
Briony, 2020
"Grate Expectations were absolutely superb from the initial point of contact to the final fitting. We received some great professional advice throughout, and nothing was too much trouble."
Kris Cardwell, 2020
"Tai and Sean had a real problem with the flue but they were so professional and efficient and overcame the difficulty and this resulted in a great installation. I would highly recommend Great Expectations to anyone."
Chris Powderham, 2020
"Thank you Grate Expectations, you have all been a pleasure to work with you all. We are very happy with your products."
Yasmine, 2020
"I'm not sure what your position in the company is but can you let whoever is the owner/boss know the guys who came to install our wood burners were fantastic. The attention to detail and care were outstanding and you should be very proud of having employees who uphold such a good reputation and work ethic , so if you have a bonus/ reward scheme in place , please give them something!!"
Steve and Sara Brooks, 2020
"Just a quick email to say thank you for organising for one of your team to visit my house on Wednesday to polish the fireplace. I am absolutely thrilled and delighted with it and anyone who sees it says how stunning it looks and of what a centre piece it is to the sitting room. Thank you to all involved for restoring a piece of history in such a respectful and loving way!"
Caroline Hollinrake, 2020
"We are very happy with our new fireplace. The attention to detail by your installation team was excellent."
Dave, 2020
Just to say how impressed I’ve been with your professionalism. I’ve dealt with a lot of skilled (and unskilled in occasions) trades people over the years and you’re definitely at the top end.A fantastic job! Feel free to use me as a reference for potential clients If that helps at all and I will try to remember to send you photos when the room is finished next week."
Matt and Becky Wender, 2020
"It’s great! Your installers were efficient and courteous and the fire is exactly as we hoped. It had been so long since we had seen it (due to lockdown) that we were pleasantly surprised again!"
Kirsty Elliot, 2020
"First of all my feedback - couldn't be happier with the finished product. Also the whole process - from deciding and choosing in the shop to the installation - your team couldn't have been more helpful. a* and would definitely recommend."
Georgie, 2020
"We are very happy with the service you provided for us and we will recommend your Company. Many thanks again."
Anne, 2020
"Great father and son team which made us feel very comfortable from the very start and from the Wimbledon area on top. James and Stephen arrived early this morning, arranged their floor covering, and installed the Yeoman without any fuss and in almost silence. I received a tutorial about the gas fire appliance which was very informative on the do’s and don’t’s and good practice. The Yeoman CL5 4.55 KW front controls are nicely designed; the new gas pipework layout below is textbook elegant, very practical with plenty of space for hands and easily visible front controls below the grate. So thank you to them. Thanks to Grate Expectations once again"
Ray & Liz, New Malden, May 2017
"Just wanted to check in to say a massive thanks for fitting us in at short notice this week for the fireplace repair. I know you are really busy so appreciate it. Top service and the guys were super professional too! A merry christmas to you all."
Jill and Howard Price, Balham, February 2017
"Thank you to everyone for a wonderful service. Really happy with the quick turnaround of getting our fireplace sorted."
Serena & Peter Cotrell, November 2016
"Hi Guys, A belated thank you from The Sullivan's for a lovely install.
As promised; finally a photo of the install with my home built fire surround (38mm mdf - coated with sandstone paint, blood, sweat and tears!). Hope you like it!"
John S, December 2016
"Keith and Danny - I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for a great experience in dealing with your company. My wife and I have both been very impressed with the level of service from start to finish, always being very responsive, helpful and efficient. Could you please also pass our thanks on to the installation team."
Daniel, May 2016
"Many thanks to Tony and Kevin for their efficient and effective installation of our wood burning stove, yesterday. They work together as a well-oiled team, with Tony taking the lead and Kevin supporting him. Both are neat, clean courteous and good-humoured workers. I would willingly recommend Grate Expectations and thank Shaun, Danny, Tony and Kevin for the quality of their work. "
David Lewis, March 2016
"I just wanted to thank everybody at Grate Expectations for repairing my stove so quickly, especially at this time of year when I know you are all really busy. Thank you too for arranging everything and keeping me informed on a regular basis to what was going on. Everyone you sent was a credit to your company and I would definitely recommend you to anyone."
Anna, December 2015
"Just a quick note to say we are DELIGHTED with our fireplace, and the service you provided. What an absolute pleasure, from start to finish. Thanks so, so much, for adding to our home. Needless to say, when winter comes we will be singing your praises even more." - In appreciation
Melinda, August 2015
"Many thanks for all your help with the stove, we are absolutely thrilled with the result, it looks amazing! It's been a pleasure from start to finish. We couldn't resist firing it up the other day (despite the hot weather) just to see it in action, it's been worth the wait! We'll pop in to the shop soon to find out about sweeping and services etc and when the best time to book is! Once again, thanks for all your and your teams help and excellent work!"
Adrian & Sarah, July 2015
"Just to say thank you for the brilliant work the guys have done it all looks fantastic."
Paul B, March 2015
"Please may I ask you to pass on my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all staff and the wonderful work they did for me - for their cheerful and "no problem" attitude to everything. I am so relieved I asked Grate Expectations to carry out the work and I will always recommend you to anyone I know. I only wish I have bought the Surround from you - as that would have saved me so much hassel - we live and learn! Completely changing and restoring the fireplace in our Drawing Room was a challenging and daunting prospect for me, but I knew I could trust your team - and they certainly did an excellent job. Each one with their different skills, they went above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you so much for everything. The restoration of the fire grate is absolutely stunning. I am so thrilled with it - as indeed I am with the lovely flickering flames in both rooms downstairs. May you and your company have continued and increasing success. Britain needs more people like you, honest workmen, who take pride in their work and do a wonderful job. God bless you."
Joy SW16, February 2015
"Thank you...Very good tidy job would happily recommend you."
Phil, October 2015
"I had a Duel Fuel Stove fitted on Monday by your team led by Tai. I would just like to say that I was very impressed by the professionalism demonstrated at all times despite the fact that the installation was far from straightforward. Tai and his colleague were at all times very polite and the work was completed to a high standard. I was also impressed by Danny who did the original survey and estimate – he gave us confidence and clearly was experienced and knowledgeable. You kept to you allotted timescale and schedule which was also appreciated especially in view of the dire weather we have been experiencing which must have proven very difficult for you operationally."
David England, November 2015
"The new gas fire is working very well and thank you for carrying out the installation, sweeping and testing etc... all in one day and leaving my fireplace so clean and tidy without any mess to clean up!"
Mrs Lambourne, November 2015
"Thank you so much for sorting out the fireplace for us - it looks absolutely beautiful and we are all so pleased! After being constantly let down by builders, painters and all the rest of it - it was a lovely surprise to get the job done exactly the way it was meant to be and in such a professional way. Thank you to everyone we really are delighted with it! Happy Christmas to you all! 5 out of 5."
Debbie B, SW20 October 2015
"If you want a fireplace installed or any advice, look no further! I had a new contemporary gas fire built into my traditional marble fire surround. All members of the GE team are knowledgeable about their subject and happy to share their advice. They have refurbished my fire surround and installed a DRU fireplace into it. There is no aspect of the process that they didn't carry out excellently, service was always prompt and helpful...and great value. I can't recommend them highly enough!! 5 out of 5."
Mrs Janus, Which? Local May 2014
"Your after sales has been spot on (as did original installation). Can't praise your company enough. You've got what every other company should have but they don't. Thanks again."
Sarah and Phil McCarthy, August 2014
"I Just wanted to thank you for arranging the installation today and also to let you know that the guys that came around were really good and very helpful. Many thanks"
Rebecca, September 2014