I D Godden & Co Ltd

I D Godden & Co Ltd, a family-run plumbing and heating company based in Eynsham, has been serving Witney and the broader Oxfordshire area for over 25 years. This long-standing presence in the community has resulted in a varied and complex reputation, marked by instances of exceptional service alongside significant customer complaints. Operating from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with Saturday morning availability, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services that goes beyond standard plumbing, positioning itself as a versatile provider for both routine and urgent needs.

A Wide Spectrum of Services

The company provides a broad range of solutions for homeowners and property managers. Their core offerings include general plumbing, heating, and full bathroom installations. They are equipped to handle everything from minor annoyances like dripping taps and blocked toilets to major projects such as complete bathroom renovations. For heating, their expertise covers the full lifecycle of a system, including boiler installations, replacements, servicing, and repairs for gas, oil, and LPG systems. Crucially, they are a Gas Safe registered engineer service (GasSafe number: 148455) and also hold OFTEC registration for oil heating systems, which is a vital credential for safety and legal compliance. Their services extend to underfloor heating, power flushing, and even renewable energy solutions like air source heat pumps, indicating a forward-looking approach to modern heating technology.

A particularly notable service highlighted by customers is their 24/7 emergency plumber call-out. This has proven to be a lifeline for clients facing sudden crises, such as burst pipes or boiler breakdowns outside of normal working hours, demonstrating a commitment to customer support when it is most needed.

Positive Customer Feedback: Responsiveness and Professionalism

Numerous customer testimonials paint a picture of a highly responsive and effective company, particularly in emergencies. One client recounted how I D Godden & Co Ltd provided 'brilliant' assistance when their elderly mother's boiler failed. The service was praised from the initial phone call, noted for its politeness, to the friendly and efficient engineer who resolved the issue promptly. This experience underscores the company's ability to offer a reliable and reasonably priced service, especially for vulnerable customers.

Another review from a property manager lauded the team for going 'out of their way' to address a leak that was causing damage to a downstairs property. The fact that the engineers attended the scene after midnight highlights the value of their 24/7 emergency service and left a strong positive impression. In the realm of planned projects, the firm has also received high praise. A customer requiring a complete bathroom overhaul on a tight budget reported that Mark and his team delivered 'brilliant work'. They were commended for providing astute advice on how to best allocate funds, ultimately achieving an 'amazing result' through fantastic service. These accounts suggest that when the service is good, it is exceptionally so, building a base of very satisfied clients who would not hesitate to recommend this local plumber.

Significant Concerns: Billing Disputes and Workmanship Issues

However, the company's record is not without serious blemishes. A number of highly critical reviews raise significant questions about their business practices, particularly concerning billing transparency and, in one historical case, the quality of their work. One of the most detailed negative accounts comes from a customer who hired the firm to replace several radiator valves and hang an electric radiator. The work, which reportedly took only a few hours spread over two visits, resulted in a bill approaching £1000. The customer was shocked to find they had been charged for what was claimed to be one and a half days of labour, which included fees for a young apprentice and travel time—charges that were allegedly never discussed beforehand. The dispute escalated to the point where the company issued a court summons for the unpaid balance, leaving the customer feeling that the business was 'deceitful'.

This incident raises a critical point for any potential client: the importance of obtaining a detailed, written quotation before any work begins. This quote should explicitly break down all potential costs, including the hourly rate for a professional plumber, any additional charges for apprentices, call-out fees, and how travel time is calculated. Without this clarity, customers risk facing unexpectedly high invoices.

Another severe criticism, though from a much older review (posted around nine years ago), concerns the fundamental quality of a repair. A homeowner with a leaking cistern reported that the attending engineer re-secured the unit using the same single, inappropriate screw that had caused the initial problem. Predictably, the cistern later detached from the wall in the middle of the night, causing a major flood. The company allegedly disclaimed responsibility, stating the subsequent failure was 'nothing to do with them'. While this review is dated, it points to a potential issue with workmanship that prospective customers may want to consider when evaluating the company's claim of being a reliable plumber.

Conclusion: A Company of Contrasts

I D Godden & Co Ltd presents a dual narrative. On one hand, it is a long-established, family-run business with a team capable of delivering prompt, friendly, and highly effective service, especially in critical situations requiring boiler repair or emergency intervention. Their expertise as bathroom fitters and qualified central heating engineers is praised by many satisfied customers. On the other hand, the serious allegations of opaque billing and questionable workmanship cannot be ignored. The stark contrast between the five-star and one-star reviews suggests a potential inconsistency in service delivery and business practice. For potential customers, the path forward requires diligence. The positive experiences show that the company has the capacity for excellence. To ensure you experience this side of the business, it is advisable to communicate your expectations clearly and insist on a comprehensive, itemised quote before authorising any work. By taking these precautions, clients can better protect themselves from the issues that have led to profound dissatisfaction for others.