PorthouseDean Structural Engineers
London / Manchester, Lancashire
(40)
London / Manchester, Lancashire
(40)
PorthouseDean Limited specialises in the production of structural calculations and detailed drawings to fulfil building regulations conditions for mainly residential developments – from extensions and loft conversions to complete new-build developments.
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40 customer reviews
Abbie Richardson
Awful service, do your research and don’t go off an architects recommendation. My husband and I wished we’d have spoken to our fabricator first to see who he recommended.
Ours actually said when he received the contractors pack and calculations his heart sank when he read PorthouseDean… generic bunch of nonsense, apparently.
Once they have your money communication is inconsistent, they don’t meet a standard service level agreement and today my husband and I have tried every phone line to speak to a representative who could potentially help… but sadly nothing. They have time allocated for focusing on work 10.30-11.30 but this message is played throughout the day… not useful.
Our coordinator Akhil, is rude, uncooperative and overall completely unhelpful. He’s made claims I’ve asked him to back up and unsurprisingly he’s not been able to do.
I’m looking forward to reading PorthouseDeans response as usually these are quite defensive and detailed. Read my emails, read my husbands emails, review your call logs and come back and tell me our service has been good enough.
I’ve asked to make a complaint but I’m not holding my breath anything is going to be done. I’m 8 months pregnant and thinking about getting these calculations provided by another company, the experience couldn’t be any worse.
However, this is a project which is still ongoing with PorthouseDean and I couldn’t be more stressed with all their jargon and nonsense and lack of communication.
We’ve got bolts sticking up from a walk way… great design work guys. There’s also been push back from the fabricator regarding the use of an RHS and warping that can occur due to heat of the shelf weld and galvanisation process. Akhil’s response was laughable and he asked me does he intend to weld the full steel… that’s what’s been stipulated and how should I know. Again though didn’t answer my actual question of potentially using an I beam to help resolve the issue. Far too defensive to actually help!
Don’t count on any agile working, don’t count on an informed, full responses. This experience is like pulling teeth.
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Reply from PorthouseDean Structural Engineers
Hi Abbie, as I can see you've commented on as many websites as possible try to harm us, I'm just going to copy and past my responses to the other reviews in response: Hi Abbie, I really am sorry about your experience. I can understand the pressure you must be under, and I would be just as frustrated if I felt like my problem wasn't being taken seriously. The trouble you've had getting through on the phone is particularly concerning, but at least now I'm glad that we've now spoken and hopefully I have helped resolve your technical queries. I have asked our operations team to review your comments and come back to me with an explanation about your experience. I do know that the team have been under some pressure lately, which can sometimes explain brief or not fully constructed / considered responses, but this is a false economy because it ends up coming back - sometimes in unpleasant ways like this with unhappy customers. That is not the kind of service that we built our reputation on. In any case we will try to establish the cause and will seek to address it in whatever way we can. Regarding the rest, I will come back to you as soon as I have further information, which I hope will be Monday at the latest. Regards Sam Dean
Steven Jacob
I have used the service a good few times now and have never been disappointed. Its competitively priced and delivers on time. Support is very good even when circumstances prove more complicated than first assumed. I will be using the service for the foreseeable future. More...
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Graham Rose
I've used Porthouse Dean quite a few times. Their work is carried out quickly and always within predicted timescales and a very reasonable cost. Their system keeps you undated through the process and response time is very quick. Heartily recommended. More...
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David Blanco Associates
We have used PorthoseDean many times in our projects and always have been replied diligently. The documentation provided is very professional. I would fully recommend.
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Eloise Phillips
All the engineers at Porthouse Dean have been very professional and helpful. Responses to queries and changes required were replied to and incorporated promptly. I would definitely recommend them.
Reviewed on Google Maps
j p
Having worked with PorthouseDean, since their inception, I cannot fault the service provided - communication, calculations, presentation are second to none. There is no doubt that I will always be using their services. More...
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Michael McClelland
PorthouseDean provided the structural calcs and drawings for our build. Excellent service including rush job on additional details and aftercare support from the team - highly recommended
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Phil Miller
Had a good experience buying a simple structural engineering calculation from these guys. I wanted to choose a lintel beam from a particular manufacturer and PorthouseDean were very happy to tailor their work to make the choice. Would recommend them.
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Kris Jupp
Professional service with good communication. Very polite and respectful staff.
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Dave Chamberlain
Great service. Highly recommended.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Andrew Nowak
I am scoping a loft conversion with three main structural ideas to consider. Porthouse Dean provided me with a timely and comprehensive solution for the project. Steels, timber and padstones clearly specified and overlaid into my architect’s drawings. Always available and speedy to offer advice. The final drawings are a super product. Excellent value for money in my view - especially as PorthouseDean’s solution is easily the most cost effective. Highly recommended. More...
Alex stockham
“I’m really very impressed with the work you did for the steels, I think you got the specification spot on. So many people in your profession have a tendency to over specify steels which can have a detrimental impact on a property given the impact they have on ceiling heights, so it was great to get something which was just right. There is almost no bounce on the floor and the same goes for the flat roof. Your drawings were well laid out and easy to understand which is great for me since I do like to understand the structural requirements rather than just putting in what’s been specified. In summary, a great job and I look forward to using you guys again in the future.” More...
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Neil Bartlett
I used Porthouse Dean through my architect and their service was great. My builder wanted to change the specification of an initial single RSJ to two steels for logistical reasons taking out a double skin solid brick wall, which they were swift in responding to with acceptable revised sizes.
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Rob Connolly
Straightforward process and good cost saving input from designer
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Luke Spencer
I have worked with PorthouseDean on a number of projects and they are my go to Engineers from a professional aspect. They always offer a very efficient and professional service each time and I will be continuing to use them moving forward. 10/10
Reviewed on Facebook
John Petersen
Having used PorthouseDean since their incorporation it has been found that communication and service provided is unrivalled in every aspect.
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Dave Chamberlain
I have worked with PorthouseDean for many years and their work is always produced on time and for a fair price. Highly recommended if you need calcs for a new extension or loft conversion.
Reviewed on Facebook
Matt Fairhurst
We first engaged with PorthouseDean in 2017. Our reasons for looking online for structural engineering services were mainly due to some frustrating experiences with more traditional practices. Not all of our projects require structural input, however for those that do, we refer clients to PD. Projects have varied from simple lintel beams and knock-throughs, to more involved schemes requiring multiple structural elements. We have had no issues with building control checks, and I have received good feedback from builders who have found the structural layouts provided easy to follow. We look forward to developing our working relationship further into 2019. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
James Kinnear
Restoration Design Studio Ltd is an architecture and property development company and we have been using PorthouseDean Structural Engineers for all our projects since August. Over this time we have worked together on a wide variety of projects ranging from simple beam calculations, to complex steel frame extensions involving substantial cantilevers. We have found the team to always be highly professional and friendly. They are always quick to respond with initial concept advice through to post-calculation support - all whilst providing a high-quality and reasonably priced service. I came across PD whilst searching for a reliable, efficient and cost-effective structural engineer company to use reliably and recommend to my architecture clients in order to build a long-standing professional relationship. It took weeks to hear back from other engineers, whereas PD got in touch very quickly and have been my go-to engineers ever since. Thanks to the team for all your hard work in 2018 and we look forward to working on some exciting new projects in the New Year. More...
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Mark Pugh
Very pleased with the prompt service I received. Very good communication, thank you very much.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Richard Borton
Good helpful advice on Wall lintels, admittedly I did ask for PCC sizes, but also thought of doing the opening with steel RSJ’s, and subsequently asked. However, even though calculations had been done on the loads, the reply was they could not help as I only asked for PCC. An option to pay for the short time it would have taken to do would have been appreciated. More...
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Simon Woore
I would definitely recommend PorthouseDean, this is the first time of needing a structural engineer and was very unsure of what I needed but they made it so easy. Great customer service and speedy response times. If I ever need a structural engineer again I would not hesitate to use them again. More...
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Leanne Ryan
We are really happy with the service we received from PorthouseDean, they were recommended to us by our builder for structural calculations and they have been fantastic, they are really nice and friendly in their approach but also very quick and efficient. We highly recommend their services. More...
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Secretary Curzon
Having used this company many times we can attest to the fact that Chris, Neela, and the team at Port House Dean are highly professional and are extremely helpful making them a pleasure to work with!
Curzon Management
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mudimo Okondo
Thorough, responsive, and professional service, with great communication. I received detailed and comprehensive documentation covering every aspect of the proposed scheme design, and clear guidelines for it's construction. Highly recommended.
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richmcditch
Very efficient service. I was kept up to date throughout and it was very straight-forward for me as a customer.
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Gleb Kaplan
Porthouse Dean provided structural calculations in agreed time and at fraction of cost I was quoted by other companies. A “No nonsence” service. Highly recommended.
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Martin Quirke
Used this company several times last year and each time their information went through Building Regulations smoothly and without any hitches.
Found them to be helpful and knowledgeable.
Martin Quirke FRICS MCIAT
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Selwyn Doling
Very professional and hassle free - I just needed some calculations done for some lintels and the prices Porthouse Dean gave me beat two firms local to me and they were much more responsive too. :)
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Ross Cundy
I had a set of structural calculations done for my domestic home extension. Porthouse Dean were very thorough, the builders seemed to find their drawing (and calcs) very clear. They were also good at communicating and were generally good value for money. I would use their services again. More...
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Paul Adams
Great fast service and a good price! I would recommend.
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Leanne Ryan
Highly recommend using Porthouse Dean. Very nice company to deal with, they were recommended to us by our builder and they have supplied us with the structural information required for our loft conversion. We received a very quick and prompt service from them. More...
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215ric
I've used PorthouseDean Ltd for a number of domestic extensions I've designed, the service and attention to detail is second to none. The calculation document and drawings are easy to follow with no issues from building control to date. Highly recommend PorthouseDean for structural design and services. More...
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Mary Williams
Great company to deal with, delivered plans earlier than expected, explained process well, responds quickly to any queries, certainly recommend
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Paul Cramphorn
We've worked with Porthouse Dean for nearly 5 years and they have always provided an excellent and consistent service. Porthouse Dean allow for a smoother project and we recommend that all Homeowners and Developers use their structural engineering service for their projects!
Paul Cramphorn
Detailed Planning Ltd
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Sarah Hamilton
We used Porthouse Dean for calculations for the removal of a load bearing wall. We went for the speedy service as we were pressed for time and were sent a comprehensive report outlining the multiple options available to us within the stated timelines. The technicalities of our particular property were grasped well by the engineers and they were able to suggest a design solution which resulted in much less escavation, intrusion and cost than we expected. Given our property specifics were somewhat unique we had a number of queries for the engineers and found the engineers were always to hand to address these. Similarly when building control had minor suggestions on the design, the team at PD were very quick to respond and amended the report and design within very short timescales not causing any delays to our project. We are very happy with the service we received and will definitely be using Porthouse Dean again for our coming extension project. More...
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Lee Stoyles
Port house Dean provide a fantastic service, especially heir priority option. They offer us cost effective and practical solutions on our building projects
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Kevin Hale
We have been using Porthouse Dean for a few months now and have found them to be extremely helpful whenever needed. We would highly recommend using them.
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Damian Read
Excellent service provided by Chris Porthouse and his team. A number of local engineers had swerved my residential project as it required bit of work. PorthouseDean provided clear and concise information from quote to completion and then provided a very thorough follow up service, when I asked for an alteration to a particular support. The scheme took time, but I was able to follow progress online and once received - The plan and calculations are extremely clear to follow and I would definitely use them again. More...
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Roulla Savvides
What an outstanding level of professional and dedicated service from mr Chris port house
He went beyond expectation and didn't even charge for his extra work and advice
Strongly recommended to all
10 star service
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