Jethro E.
1/5
If you are thinking of using Adair for any kind of project management or consultation services please read this first as I have recently had a painfully disappointing experience with them.
My involvement with Adair came about as I was looking for a company to help me project manage the construction of my first new build development (a seven unit residential block in East London). I met with several different PM companies and Adair seemed the most impressive of the bunch so I decided to go with them. Once they had been instructed though, things quickly changed. I was often waiting several days for replies to my emails and I just generally got the feeling that my project was no longer very high on their priority list. I stuck with it for a while and hoped they were just going through a busy period but when my architect and I went in for a our first major meeting we were both shocked by their overall lack of awareness of the project and the challenges we faced. They didn't seem interested in the details or the specifics of our project but rather appeared to just be going through the motions with a minimal amount of effort.
I realised at this point that Adair were definitely not going to be a good fit for us so a couple of weeks later I sent them an email apologising and explaining that I was not going to be moving forward with them. They finally responded with an invoice (which is obviously fine) but one that was over three times what I was expecting. I replied questioning the amount and was told their "abortive fees" were calculated at hourly rates of £210/h or £150/h and that this was explained in their terms and conditions etc etc. I felt very strongly that the quality and quantity service I had received was totally disproportionate to the amount I was being charged so I firstly asked them to send me a detailed breakdown of their hours (which I never got) and then, in the interest of fairness, tried to persuade them to accept a partial settlement (over half, which I then paid). This was, however, unsuccessful and instead of negotiating with me they just got their lawyer to threaten me with legal action. At this point I realised that I wasn't getting anywhere so to avoid the risk of legal action I begrudgingly set up a standing order for the full balance of the invoice (I couldn't bring myself to pay it in one go).
I thought at this point that the matter was settled but to my horror a couple of weeks later I received a high court summons! Terrified that my credit rating would be affected I instantly paid the balance of the invoice only to then be told I also needed to cover their solicitor's extortionate costs and fees!
I can't remember ever being as angry as I am right now. This is the first step I am taking to try and vent some of that anger but I feel like it's now my duty to do everything I can to try and stop them being able to treat other customers this way.
If you are considering using Adair to help with any aspect of your construction project - please don't risk it! If you'd like to contact me to discuss my experience in more detail or ask any questions you can find me by searching for Fairstone Property. I would also love to know I have helped save someone from a potentially similar experience so please don't hesitate to get in touch.
