Development

The majority of the building work we undertake is for ourselves.
We spend most of our time developing and maintaining the portfolio of properties that we own.

Occasionally however we undertake projects - both large and small - for a select number of private clients.

We operate to the same stellar standards, with equal attention to detail, careful product selection, care and cleanliness when working for a third party as we do when working on our properties.

What can we do?

• Loft and ground floor extensions
• Replacement bathrooms and kitchens
• Laying new floors, building new walls, spatial reorganisation

We undertake small projects with our own permanently-employed team

We undertake larger projects in partnership with one of our favoured associate teams of contractors

We have a five-step process to ensure a private client
enjoys the same exacting design and building standards that we do

step one: Feasibility study

First we seek to understand what the client wants to achieve.  We ask the obvious questions... what are the objectives of the project?  Is it viable?  Does it add value to the property beyond its costs?  What disruption will it entail?  Is there a better way?

Then we consider what are the building options to achieve the client's objectives at the least cost of time and money.

step two: Design and Consent

If the project is a "go" we will need a high level design to work from.  We prefer to work with our favourite architect, Godson Egbo of Studio Seventi , but we are happy to work with anyone (competent!).  The architectural plans will form the basis of any application for planning consent or lawful permitted development.  And we can develop our own set of plans if the project is small and planning consent is not required.

On large projects, whoever is the architect, we will transfer their drawings to own CAD system allowing us to suggest further iterations and optimisation of the design to utilise every bit of space.  Our CAD drawings soon become "living documents" - constantly evolving as the project progresses.  They say "the first casualty of war is the plan" and whilst this is not quite the case with building works, there are few architect's drawings that can predict fully what will be found once foundations are dug, walls are removed and conduits opened.  Our CAD responds to the fortunes of the building project, making subtle improvements wherever possible and responding to challenges as they arise.   

We can manage other preliminary matters such as applications for Planning Permission and Lawful Permitted Development, Party Wall notices, Structural Engineering drawings and calculations and Building Regulations consent.

step three: specification, costing and appointment of sub-contractors

The basis for any well-run project lies in a set of documents: (1) clearly written works specification (2) a comprehensive set of drawings (3) a detailed costing.  Collectively these documents should provide absolute certainty what is to be done, at what cost and by whom.  

We will draw up a detailed specification listing everything to be done and at what cost and we will sign this document (together with a building team if we are working with one).  

We have worked with our favoured teams of builders for many years on many projects.  We trust them and they trust us.  Our relationships mean a third party client can avoid arguments and disputes with unknown and potentially unscrupulous builders.  

step four: project management

On a small project we will do the physical work ourselves using our own permanently employed tradesfolk.  On a larger project we will work with a sub-contracted team of builders.  

We will attend site as often as is necessary - at least every week and at most every day - to ensure proper progress of the project.  We will meet challenges as they arise and liaise with you - the client - throughout.  

We will also procure materials, arrange deliveries, co-ordinate which sub-contractor works when and in what order.  We will liaise with Building Control to ensure each project stage is signed off in order to provide a certificate of compliance at the end.  We will dispose of waste.  We will clean up.  We will maintain good relations with the neighbours.  In other words, we will simply be the builders you expect us to be.   

step five: finishing

Everything up to this point is process.  It is the final outcome every client is interested in.

Our task will be to bring the project in on specification, on timetable and on budget.

We have an eye for detail.  Our quality control on your behalf will be the same as if we were working on our own property all along.