Southsea company is throwing a spanner in the works for cowboy builders and changing perception of construction industry

A COMPANY that was founded to change the perception of building companies is going from strength to strength.

Richard Cano founded QBuild in 2018 after his 20-year career in construction left him feeling like there was something that needed to change within the industry.

He found throughout his experience in the industry that many of the companies that were currently operating across a range of trades were leaving customers frustrated and unhappy with the process and service associated with their home improvement projects.

Richard decided that change was needed, so established QBuild.

The ethos behind QBuild is a community-focussed company that helps people complete any job they require throughout their home, from fixing boilers to completing extensions.

Unlike other construction companies, it has a physical shopfront on Winter Road, which allows people to pop in whenever they need to discuss their project or get a quote.

Director Richard wanted the company to have a physical premises to ensure its customers knew they could trust the company and had a one-stop-shop for all of their domestic needs.

He said: ‘During my career I’ve found that there are a lot of cowboy companies out there that often exploit people, especially elderly and vulnerable people. They’ll turn up in an unmarked van, give someone a quote that is ten times what it should be and even sometimes flee with a 50 per cent deposit without leaving a trace, or they’ll send a text to cancel a visit, just before they’re due to come round, after the customer has planned their day around the visit.

‘We wanted to change how things are done, which is why we opened up our premises in Southsea, so people can pop in, get to know the team, have a cup of tea or coffee and discuss their needs.’

QBuild has 30 trade specialists currently on the team, alongside the 12 admin and management staff who are based in the office.

All of the team members, who specialise in everything from roofing and electrical to plumbing and construction, are fully-qualified and DBS checked.

Although the lockdown threw a spanner in the works when the company was just starting out, it has grown significantly since and is continuing to expand, offering more services and now having a fleet of seven vans covering each of the trades, and a brand new website launching later this month.

It is also offering a range of finance options for those who need work done but are struggling financially due to the rising cost of living.

Richard said: ‘We know that times are tough for people, but for many, they either need something done urgently or wish to modernise their home or just make it more comfortable for their family, so it’s important that our services are affordable and accessible to all.’

For more information, pop in to the shopfront on Winter Road in Southsea, email Richard directly at richard@qcurb.co.uk or call 023 9235 0442