Continuing uncertainty over property prices has resulted in many home owners opting to upgrade and improve their existing homes rather than move and incur the cost of selling.
One local company has benefited significantly from this trend. Tobermore Paving and Walling Centre at Bushypark Galway is an example of how innovation and a high level of customer service can lead to very strong sales even in the current downturn in the construction industry.
Tobermore, which won the prestigious European Quality Award (EFQM ) in 2007, offers home owners a range of landscape design services and can make the job of adding a new patio, driveway, paths or steps very simple.
The recent good weather has highlighted the benefits of an attractive external environment which offers leisure opportunities as well as adding monetary value to the home.
Damien Nolan, the manager of the paving centre, has been delighted by the response to a recent advertising campaign in the Galway Advertiser.
“Over the past couple of months we have been inundated with requests for design call outs, where one of our landscape designers visits the home to discuss design concepts with the homeowners,” he said. “Our designers draw up a plan after consultation with the homeowners and we can then price this and provide a list of local contractors that can carry out the work.
“It appears that many homeowners are choosing to upgrade their existing homes rather than moving, and indeed many of our customers have told us that they have opted for a new driveway or patio instead of an expensive continental holiday. The feeling seems to be that the home improvements can be enjoyed for many years to come and add value to the property. Our recent slogan, ‘Why travel to far off places when your home could be your perfect paradise’, has probably influenced quite a few customers.
“With property prices having fallen significantly in recent years, customers are very conscious of anything that will add value to their home. Research has consistently shown that an attractive external environment can create that all important first impression that influences potential buyers.”
Anyone wishing to take advantage of the design service should contact the Paving Centre at Woodstock, Bushypark, Galway (formerly Madden’s Garden Centre ) or visit the centre and discuss requirements with any of the trained staff. For more information phone (091 ) 584208 or visit www.tobermore.ie
