Duncan Thompson Extensions

I can’t speak highly enough of the entire experience we had with Duncan Thompson. From the beginning, when we met with Jim the architect, we felt that he really understood not only the extension we wanted but how it could be incorporated seamlessly into our existing property.The project involved excellent communication and a professional approach to our job from the whole team starting with James (our amazing and completely unflappable project manager) to Jason, Liam and all the many other tradies required to complete the work at our place. As a point of contact for every aspect of the project, James’ communication and expertise was second to none. He always answered my calls and took all the little hiccups (we didn’t have any big hiccups) in his stride. He always had an answer to how we could solve any problems and ideas about how things could be done but always let us take the lead in deciding on the details. As our building was done over multiple lockdowns during 2021, James was also very clear about all the COVID restrictions in place at any one time and what was/wasn’t allowed on site as a result. This approach gave us lot of confidence.The whole process was so easy and if we renovated again, we would definitely use Duncan Thompson. Since moving back in, many people (including strangers walking past) have commented on how the extension has improved our property and we definitely agree. We would highly recommend anyone wanting to do a project to go with Duncan Thompson. You will not be disappointed.

We engaged Duncan Thompson to renovate and extend our 1930’s California Bungalow chiefly adding a second storey. From the outset they were excellent to deal with. Jim, the architect, come up with a great design for our family, listening to what we needed, and blending the design in with our existing home. James, the site manager, and all the tradesmen were very professional and delivered a high quality build. I would highly recommend them to friends and family. Their after completion follow up and maintenance shows why they have such a successful business. At the end of the day, their business is built on their customers happiness.

We engaged Duncan Thompson to manage and build a second storey on our existing home. We initially interviewed three companies and although Duncan Thompson didn't provide a 'free design', we thought it was worth the money due to Jim's architectural experience. We weren't disappointed as Jim came to us with a very different design to the others, even incorporating an existing fireplace and chimney - which the other two companies told us to convert to gas - Jim thought outside the box. The three quotes we received were very close to each other. We decided to engage Duncan Thompson due to their local experience and after knocking on a few doors of previous clients (who were all very happy). The build was seamless, even though we decided to live in the house during the build. James (supervisor) and his team were impeccable and nothing was too much trouble. Rob (builder) and his crew were very clean and courteous at all times. We would not hesitate to use Duncan Thompson again and have recommended them to our friends.

We commissioned Duncan Thompson to renovate our 1930s single storey weatherboard. We are delighted with the result. From the design to delivery the team has an eye for quality and want to deliver the best product possible. Our house is better than we expected and we know we’ll be happy here for many years to come. Jim has a great understanding of how to interpret needs into design and Sam was patient and honest when project managing the work. We moved back in ahead of time and on budget. Happy customers

Just completed upstairs extension with Duncan Thompson and very happy with the result. Jim put together a great design within our budget as well as an accurate estimate of exclusions. James (PM) was highly professional, ran the process smoothly and kept us informed along the way and navigated the inevitable hassles arising from contractor shortages in this market. Always contacteable and went above and beyond to respond to any queries and offer advice as required. Alex and Mick (carpenters) were great and plowed through the work with very little disruption despite the fact we were wfh during the whole process. Worksite was always tidied at end of day. The other sub contractors were all of a very high quality. Not having to move out was a big bonus. Highly recommend.James and Maria.

Renovating with Duncan Thompson was easy.The design team really listened to our ideas and translated them into plans that gave us everything we wanted and more, with many thoughtful elements to bring the 'wow factor'.The build itself was straightforward and even enjoyable! The communication was outstanding, we always knew what was coming up next and when decisions would be required. Our garden and neighbours were respected throughout the process as well.The building team were a pleasure - from the experience and professionalism of our project manager, to the work ethic of each builder; we see their dedication and pride in their work reflected throughout our home.We would not hesitate to recommend Duncan Thompson and wish them continued future success. Melissa & Chris, Surrey Hills.

Could not be more disspointed. Very arrogant owner!!This company is prepared to promise anything until you sign with them. They don't care after that. They mislead us and deceived us and were dishonest.We engaged Duncan Thompson to do a home extension/build in Nov 2022 and signed with them on the condition of them starting the build in June 2023 (our only condition). Comes May 2023, they tell us they have to push the start date to July 2023 because of unexpected delays from their end which was annoying but we of course said yes because things happen sometimes. Then few weeks later they send us an email (not a call) to let us know that earliest they can start is Sep/ Oct which we initially said it doesn't suit us when we discussed our project with them back in Nov 2022. We said that's no good for us and they couldn't reply faster with ' let's cancel the project'. We then called them (no call from them yet) to discuss options and set up a meeting to talk but less than 20 mins later, they sent us an official email to terminate things. They didnt even want to meet and talk. They still charged us with whatever expenses they paid and for the design even that we had to return the design and drawings to them and not use it in the future. So at the end we lost 7 months of time, few thousands of dollars and we have to start our search all over again. Very arrogants!!

We initially engaged Duncan Thompson due to their reputation and experience. Bryn was personable, a good listener and made sure he understood our needs. He and owner Chris were flexible in negotiations, ensuring a win win outcome. Site manager Sam, foreman Robbie and team, were highly professional, excellent communicators and made sure the work was completed on schedule and to budget. We now have an attractive and spacious family home which we have no intention of leaving! My wife and I would not hesitate to recommend Duncan Thompson.

From the initial discussions with the architect, Jim, all the way through to project completion, we were amazed at the professionalism of Duncan Thompson and their sub-contractors.When we moved into delivery - having an on-site supervisor (Nick) that was always accessible and super responsive was fantastic and made the whole experience (we built through covid lockdowns and home schooling) smoother than anticipated. An extension to the supervisor - the construction manager (Sam) was also readily available if we ever needed to discuss anything.We processed a couple changes through the project, and these were handled in stride and was never too hard for the team. And when some minor things didn't go to plan - DT owned the remediation of any issues immediately and clearly had the best outcome for the owner in mind.Robbie and his team of trades that were on our project and were fantastic - conscious of us living in the house with a 6 year old and trying to minimise the impact to us whilst bringing a friendly, vibrant feel to the build!Despite all the adversity of a build in 2021 - the project started on the day quoted (materials came a week early!!) and came in very close to the projected 4 to 6 months quoted.Some of the key things we were very impressed with that is unusual in the building industry:- clear communication- a collaborative approach to developing a functional design that optimised the space available- easily contactable and responsive sight supervisor- excellent build team- owned and remediated any issues immediatelyWe have no hesitation in recommending DT to friends or family.

We can't speak highly enough of Duncan Thompson. The whole team were truly amazing to deal with. From the initial design phase with Jim who delivered a layout that exceeded our expectations, through to the construction phase with a very professional team lead by site forman Sam and even the MD Chris made himself available which really reassured us that we had chosen the right builder. We have dealt with other builders previously and we believe there is no comparison. Duncan Thompson delivered a quality finish on time without an issues what so ever. For anyone thinking about renovating, we cannot recommend them highly enough and will certainly be using them again for our next renovation.