DownesHomemaintenance

Outstanding Builder and Turned a Nightmare Purchase Into a Beautiful Home Last year I made a terrible mistake buying a house in Wakefield. I didn’t view it, I didn’t get a survey, and when I finally walked inside I was devastated. The place was stripped back to crumbling plaster, cracked concrete floors, exposed pipes, broken fixtures, and a general sense of decay. Every room felt like a reminder of how badly wrong things had gone damp patches, peeling paint, loose tiles, and a cellar straight out of a horror film. I remember sitting on the stairs in tears, convinced I’d ruined everything. Then I was introduced to Oliver Downes, and everything changed. What you see now is nothing short of a transformation. The once‑rotting kitchen area with bare floors and crumbling walls is now a clean, modern space with fresh cabinetry, new flooring, and a bright, welcoming finish. The bathroom previously damaged and dated has been completely renewed with modern fittings, clean lines, and a professional finish that looks like it belongs in a show home. Even the rooms that were once dark, tired, and neglected now feel warm and inviting, with fresh paint, new carpets, and a sense of life restored. Oliver achieved all of this on a very tight budget, working with honesty, skill, and genuine care. He took a property that felt hopeless and turned it into a home I’m proud of. It is now fully renovated and successfully rented out a complete turnaround from the disaster I first walked into. I cannot recommend Oliver highly enough. If you need a builder or handyman who truly goes above and beyond, Oliver is the person you want.

Appalling customer service. We contacted this company for a quote and, despite multiple calls and messages, received no response whatsoever. Our messages were all read and completely ignored. No acknowledgement whatsoever, no call back etc. The level of unprofessionalism and service is shocking how this company is still in business I don’t know and the positive reviews are surprising and questionable. Save yourself the hassle and go elsewhere.

Oliver is amazing to work with. He is a very experienced handyman and he built our new home's wardrobes perfectly. He was very clear about when and how he will complete the jobs. would definitely recommend.

This is the second time we’ve booked Oliver and we’ve been so impressed both times. I honestly don’t think there’s anything he can’t do! We let a list of jobs build up and had him in for nearly a full day — removing and installing light fittings, putting up large/heavy mirrors, hanging prints and artwork, and installing blinds. His communication beforehand is always great: he asks for photos of the items/jobs so he can give an accurate estimate of time and cost, which makes everything really straightforward. On the day he’s friendly, professional and just puts you completely at ease. We’ve already recommended him to friends and neighbours, and we’ll definitely be booking him again soon. A brilliant handyman!

I reached out to Oliver to sort out an issue I had with my curtain rail that required fixing and he was super prompt in getting back to me. He passed by on the same day and was very friendly and knowledgeable in what he does!! Fixed it so efficiently so thank you Oliver. Would recommend

Oliver quickly and professionally sorted out a leaking shower screen in a new build home. If I had done it, I would have done exactly the wrong thing and been in a world of bother but Oliver's knowledge meant that this was a quick and inexpensive job. He even passed on the discount he had when he bought the sealant.

We were very happy with the work carried out by Downes Home Maintenance to sort out a damp & mould problem in a bedroom followed by redecorating. The work started on schedule and Oliver was most considerate in causing the least disruption to the rest of the flat while working and left the room spotless at the end. We felt the costs were very fair for the job and would not hesitate to recommend him.