Kinna Property Services
BackBased at Monkton Cottage on Lyndhurst's High Street, Kinna Property Services operates as a local trades company with a clear focus on plumbing and broader property maintenance tasks. Established in 2004, this family-run business has built a reputation over the years, though customer experiences appear to be notably varied, painting a complex picture for potential clients. Understanding these differing perspectives is crucial for anyone in the Hampshire area considering their services.
A Focus on Specialised Installations
The company presents itself as a specialist in bathroom installations, a claim substantiated by positive customer feedback. One detailed account highlights a particularly successful project involving the conversion of an airing cupboard into a new shower room, alongside a full bathroom refurbishment. The client praised the team for being exceptionally polite and for demonstrating a willingness to go "above and beyond" what was required. This suggests a strong customer service ethic in certain situations. The quality of the workmanship on this specific project was described as brilliant, indicating that for complex tasks like bathroom installation, the team possesses the necessary skills in plumbing, tiling, and finishing. Another client requiring a more straightforward plumbing services job—a shower repair—also reported an excellent experience. They found the team to be professional, quick to respond, and pleasant to deal with, leading to a strong recommendation and the intention to use the company again. These positive reports underscore a capability to deliver high-quality results, particularly in bathroom and shower-related projects.
The Importance of Reliability and Professionalism
For many homeowners, having trust in the tradespeople they hire is paramount. The positive reviews for Kinna Property Services frequently mention politeness and professionalism. Further research on platforms like Checkatrade reinforces this, with customers noting that the lead tradesperson, Mike, is reliable, efficient, and provides good advice. He is described as taking pride in his work and being easy to have around the house. One client who needed an emergency plumber for a burst pipe and subsequent flood was particularly impressed, stating that the team arrived within an hour, quickly identified the source of the leak, and fixed it during the same visit with minimal collateral damage. This level of responsiveness is a significant asset for any local plumber, as urgent issues require immediate and effective attention. This ability to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently is a recurring theme in their positive feedback.
Contrasting Experiences and Reported Issues
However, the feedback for Kinna Property Services is not universally positive. A significant negative review details a starkly different experience concerning a kitchen and flooring installation. The client reported that the project overran its anticipated schedule by three weeks, a substantial delay that can cause considerable disruption and stress for a household. The review was highly critical of the proprietor, Mr. Kinna, describing him as rude, unprofessional, and dishonest. Furthermore, the quality of the work was called into question, with the client stating that the new floor was left uneven and the finishing was of a poor standard. This account stands in direct opposition to the meticulous workmanship praised in other reviews, suggesting a potential inconsistency in the quality of service depending on the nature or perhaps the management of the project.
Broader Concerns and Operational Details
The negative feedback isn't limited to the quality of work on major projects. A more minor, yet telling, complaint was made by another individual regarding the company's vans being parked inconsiderately and blocking access. While this may seem like a small issue, it can contribute to a perception of unprofessionalism and a lack of consideration for the wider community. It points to operational conduct beyond the job site itself. The business operates on a strict weekday schedule, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and is closed on weekends. This standard working week may be a drawback for potential customers who require more flexible scheduling or find themselves in need of an emergency plumber outside of these core hours. While their Checkatrade profile lists an 'Emergency Plumber Service', the fixed closing times could make after-hours availability uncertain without explicit confirmation.
Scope of Services and Business Model
The name "Kinna Property Services" itself implies a scope beyond simple plumbing repairs. The collection of reviews confirms this, with projects mentioned including full bathroom and kitchen installations, flooring, and general repairs. Their Checkatrade listing expands on this, detailing a wide array of plumbing services such as leak detection, radiator and shower installations, clearing blocked drains and toilets, tap repairs, and even more specialised work like underfloor heating. This one-stop-shop approach can be highly appealing to homeowners looking to streamline a renovation by dealing with a single contractor for multiple trades. The benefit is simplified project management and a single point of contact. However, the negative kitchen installation review serves as a cautionary tale. When a single firm handles diverse tasks like plumbing, construction, and flooring, inconsistencies can arise if expertise is not uniform across all disciplines. The success of such a project hinges on the company's ability to manage different trades effectively, and the feedback suggests that this may not always be the case.
Final Assessment for Potential Customers
In summary, Kinna Property Services presents a dichotomous profile. On one hand, there is strong evidence of the firm's ability to perform high-quality work, particularly in bathroom renovations and emergency plumbing repairs, backed by reports of professionalism, politeness, and reliability. The team has been lauded for its skilled workmanship and excellent customer service on multiple occasions. On the other hand, serious allegations of unprofessional conduct, significant project delays, and substandard finishing on a major kitchen installation cannot be ignored. The mixed reviews, with ratings spanning both the highest and lowest scores, indicate that customer experiences can vary dramatically. For those considering hiring these plumbers in the Lyndhurst area, it would be prudent to conduct thorough due diligence. This should involve requesting a detailed, itemised quote and a clear project timeline, especially for multi-trade projects like kitchen or bathroom renovations. It may also be beneficial to ask for a portfolio of recent, similar work and to speak with past clients to gain a clearer understanding of what to expect. The choice to engage with them depends on weighing the potential for excellent, specialised work against the risk of significant project management and quality issues.
