C D Northage & Co Ltd

C D Northage & Co Ltd is a plumbing and general contracting firm located at Unit 8, Apollo Court, in Coalville, Leicester. Operating during standard weekday business hours, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the company has established a notable, albeit complex, reputation among its clients. The feedback available from customers paints a picture of a business with two very different faces: one of highly competent, professional, and friendly on-site service, and another that raises significant concerns about the conduct of its staff away from the job.

An analysis of customer experiences reveals a strong pattern of satisfaction with the core plumbing services provided. Clients frequently commend the company for its professionalism and the high quality of its workmanship. One customer, who enlisted the firm for work on commercial buildings, highlighted the efficiency of the team, noting that projects are consistently completed on time and within the allocated budget. This is a crucial factor for business clients, where downtime and cost overruns can have significant consequences. The same review singled out an engineer named Paul for his exceptional ability to diagnose and resolve issues promptly, suggesting a high level of technical expertise within the team.

This positive sentiment is echoed by residential customers. One homeowner, faced with a potential leak and the anxiety that accompanies such an emergency, described the responding plumber as punctual, friendly, and immediately reassuring. The work was carried out professionally, and importantly, the engineer left the workspace clean, showing a respect for the client's property that is often a hallmark of a quality tradesperson. This experience led to a strong recommendation, emphasising the company's ability to perform well under pressure and deliver what customers need in a stressful situation. Another long-term client simply stated that the team is always friendly and ensures that problems are resolved, indicating a consistent and reliable service over time.

A Closer Look at Service Offerings

As a company designated as both a plumber and a general contractor, C D Northage & Co Ltd appears to handle a broad spectrum of work. The feedback suggests a capacity for both small domestic repairs and larger commercial maintenance. Reviews mention specific jobs such as fixing leaks, shower pump replacements, and radiator installations, pointing to a solid foundation in general plumbing. Furthermore, references to fitting a new boiler at a cost significantly lower than a national competitor suggest that the company is active in the central heating installation market. For any homeowner or landlord, finding a reliable engineer for boiler repair and maintenance is paramount, and positive experiences in this area are a significant endorsement.

While not explicitly stated in every review, the scope of work implies that the company likely offers a comprehensive range of plumbing and heating services. This could include:

• General plumbing repairs (taps, toilets, pipes)
• Leak detection and repair
• Boiler installation, servicing, and repair
• Central heating system maintenance
• Radiator fitting and replacement
• Potential for larger projects like bathroom fitting, given their 'general contractor' classification.

It is always advisable for potential customers to confirm whether engineers are Gas Safe registered before commissioning any work on gas appliances. The Gas Safe Register is the official list of businesses legally permitted to carry out gas work in the UK. Homeowners should always ask to see an engineer's Gas Safe ID card to verify their qualifications for the specific job required.

Contrasting Feedback: A Cause for Concern

Despite the glowing reports of the company's technical services, a significant and recurring issue appears in public feedback that cannot be ignored. Multiple, separate reports from members of the public describe dangerous and unprofessional driving by individuals in company-branded vans. One account details a van being driven on both sides of the road, allegedly while the driver was texting on a mobile phone propped against the steering wheel. Another, more severe report, describes a company driver's behaviour as "maniacal," claiming it nearly caused a major road incident. This individual stated their intention to submit dashcam footage to the police for investigation.

This feedback presents a serious challenge to the company's reputation. While the actions of a driver do not directly reflect the quality of a boiler repair or a plumbing installation, they speak volumes about a company's overall culture, its commitment to public safety, and the professionalism of its entire staff. For a potential customer, this raises legitimate questions. A company van is a mobile advertisement, and when driven recklessly, it projects an image of carelessness and a disregard for rules and safety—qualities that are the antithesis of what one seeks in a contractor invited into their home or business.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

For anyone considering hiring C D Northage & Co Ltd, the decision requires balancing these two starkly different narratives. On one hand, the evidence points towards a team of skilled and effective local plumbers who can deliver high-quality work. They are praised for being friendly, professional, punctual, and tidy. For commercial clients, their ability to adhere to budgets and timelines is a significant asset. For homeowners, their reassuring and competent approach during emergencies is invaluable.

On the other hand, the reports of dangerous driving are a major red flag. This feedback suggests potential issues with employee discipline and the company's standards of conduct when staff are not on a client's site. It could make a potential customer hesitant, wondering if this lack of professionalism extends to other, less visible aspects of the business. The contrast is sharp: the in-home service is described as "5* Quality," while the on-road presence has been labelled a public menace.

In conclusion, C D Northage & Co Ltd presents a complex choice for consumers in the Coalville area. The quality of their hands-on plumbing and heating work appears to be of a high standard, backed by positive testimonials from both residential and commercial customers. However, the serious and repeated complaints regarding the driving of their company vehicles are a significant concern that impacts the firm's overall image and trustworthiness. Prospective clients should weigh the excellent on-site service record against the troubling reports of their conduct in public. It may be prudent to discuss these concerns with the company directly when seeking a quote to gauge their response and commitment to addressing such issues.