Suit you, sir

THERE is generally something for everyone rolling off the production line of the major manufacturers and, while this meets the needs of the vast majority of purchasers, there will always be customers looking for something a little more specific.

That’s why there will always be a place in the market for manufacturers like Shirerose Park Homes, who work on the basis that every customer has different needs.

Gap in the market

Partners Tom Earl, Anthony Evans, Ronald O’Brien and Jason Gibson set up the business in March, 2005. Each one of them has extensive experience working in the park home industry. As Tom Earl explained, “We wanted to work for ourselves and prove we can build very good quality homes at a competitive price.”

The Shirerose factory forms part of a small group of trading units sited on a picturesque farm estate just outside the village.
As they only ever build one home at any one time, their production line usually consists of work being undertaken building one section of the home inside the factory and finishing work being carried out on another section in the outside courtyard. On the day of my visit a completed single unit sat in the courtyard awaiting delivery.

The workforce consists of five people, who are all hands-on with each project from inception to completion. There are several advantages to this way of working. As Jason commented, “I can tell you from scratch how the home is built. I can advise through experience how certain customer choices will impact on the build and offer alternatives.”

Customer focused

I wanted to know how one set about ordering a home with Shirerose and was guided through the process by Tom and Jason. As expected, with any bespoke operation it is very customer focused.

Initially, customers set up an appointment to visit the factory, where they complete a checklist detailing their requirements. It is at this stage a client’s hopes and expectations are noted and, in some cases, tempered by the experts. This is where the partners’ many years of experience comes into play.

Usually within 48 hours, customers are quoted a basic price to consider for the proposed build. If the customer wants to go ahead with the project they are then expected to commit to a non-refundable deposit of £1000.

The construction of the home then begins, and takes anything from four to eight weeks to complete. With a custom-built project, it is usual for the end user to be involved with the project on an ongoing basis. Shirerose assured me that customers are welcomed at any time during the construction phase.

First class

It all sounded impressive and I was keen to take a look around the finished example in the courtyard. The quality of the construction was self evident from the outside. Prestige Plastics manufactured all windows and doors and I was particularly impressed by a door that offered the security of eight locking points. Tom pointed out that they also construct homes with alarm systems built in if required.

Stepping inside, the home felt extremely firm underfoot and the interior was first class. All homes come fully carpeted, with a choice of vinyl floor coverings in the kitchen and bathroom. The front lounge with marble effect fireplace was lovely and light. I particularly liked the inset ceiling, which was a nice alternative to the more traditional version. All windows had locks fitted as standard and the overall feel was bright and airy with coving provided throughout.

The kitchen was finished with black granite-effect work surfaces and chessboard-effect vinyl flooring. Unlike many manufacturers, Shirerose does offer the alternative of a fully-tiled kitchen floor. All their kitchens are supplied with hob, built in oven, extractor and fridge as standard. Both the centre single bedroom and the rear double bedroom were finished to a high level with fully fitted cupboards. The fully tiled bathroom was of a very high standard with an attractive scalloped effect bath and sink.

Structurally, the home felt firm and very sturdy, with no discernible looseness in build quality. Heating was provided via a combi boiler and radiators, though this can be upgraded to include under-floor heating if required. A nice touch, too, was the provision of a full loft space for extra storage room, accessed through a hatch in the hallway. This is achieved by raising the roof pitch slightly.

What does it cost?

Given that each home is a project designed specifically for the individual customer, cost obviously depends on what exactly is required. As a guide – and the figures do not include transport or siting – prices range from £28,700 (excl VAT) for a 30x12 single unit with one double and one single bedroom to £90,500 (excl VAT) for a 50x24 twin with two double bedrooms (one ensuite). Within these extremes are a variety of different sized homes at various prices.

“If you’ve been round some of the larger manufacturers, it’s also worth having a look at a smaller firm who can cater more for your individual needs,” says Tom. Having seen the care taken by Shirerose, I’m inclined to agree. Maybe commissioning a made-to-measure park home is akin to that first new suit, a coming of age for the discerning purchaser?

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