Background

A member of the client’s family recommended us to him after seeing our work on a neighbour’s house.  We carried some decorating work initially, and were then invited to quote for a larger project that the client had in mind.

The new work was to extend to the rear of the house and improve various elements of the garden.

Preparation Works

We supported the client in discussions with the neighbours to minimise any issues duriing the work.  We also reviewed the architect drawings and structural engineer calculations to ensure that all parts of the required work was covered in our plan.

The client had a vision of the style of the finished extension which meant some additional investigation to source the appropriate materials.

Extension

Throughout the process, we kept in touch with Building Regs to ensure inspections at the appropriate points in time.

The existing conservatory was demolished and then a new foundation laid in preparation for the build.  Steel beams were brought on site and integrated into the existing house.  The roof was to have an Orangery Roof Lantern so we had to check all measurements precisely as the lantern itself was fabricated in Coventry and then we had to build it onsite.  Any errors in our calculations would have meant that the lantern was not supported correctly and so precision was vital!  The roof was a ‘warm roof’.

The electrician completed all the first fix so that we could then plasterboard the inside walls and skim.  The rear wall was made up entirely of sliding doors.  The flooring throughout the extension was then completed including tiling the area.  Walls, ceiling and woodwork was painted as well as fitting architraves, internal doors and skirting boards.

The electrician was called in to finish the work and provide the certificated.  Building regs also completed their final inspection and signed off the work.

The Annexe

The old ceiling was entirely removed to allow insulation to be installed before putting new plasterboard and skimming.  New light fittings were also installed at this point.  We fitted a new bathroom and brought the level of the floor up to then tile.  New skirting, achitraves and internal doors were fitted.  We painted through this room.

Rear Garden

The patio area was originally quite small, so we extended it creating a two level patio using steps to link the two areas.  It was also important to ensure good drainage and a robust base for the new patio.  New stone slabs were laid and finished.

Driveway

The driveway was relocated from the middle of the front garden to the side to minimise the incline of the drive up to house. The new driveway had low walls either side to support it.  A large amount of earth had to be moved out and new hardcore laid in its place.  We used a honeycomb grid system before putting the gravel – this means that the drive is stronger for traffic and allows more comfortable walking or cycling.