Be in control - pick a professional team of designers, Architect, Structural Engineer and work with them to develop your brief on paper and submit a planning application (or PD) that is exactly how you want it to be.
Your Architect could then provide a set of tender drawings and specification for issue to a shortlist of 4 local builders/contractors.
The more prepared you are before engaging a builder - the more control you have and the better the project will run.
You should also include your neighbours sooner than later as you may need to serve notice under the Party Wall Act.
D

Richard Dewhurst has been doing a lot of similar work around nappy valley recently. He will do everything from initial planning/ drawings to project management and end result. His website is www.richarddewhurst.com where you will see images of some of the properties including one of the most recent Balham houses. He's also the interior designer for Jenny Packham so you can check out what he's done for her too!

Hi there

I recommend my kiwi builder - Leon. He completely transformed my house in Putney. Side return, bathroom extension, removal of all redundant chimneys. Done to spec, on time (we rented and needed to be back in at a certain date) and to budget.

Leon is just a good, reliable kiwi builder with excellent hi spec experience. He's now done a further two friends houses in Putney and they are also delighted.

Initially we had a shocking experience with another builder. Leon any his team had to come and redo everything. He was recommended to me and I wouldn't hesitate in doing the same.

His website is :

http://www.ljbbuilding.co.uk

Delighted that you posted that - so people know I don't just delete the "too negative" ones that come from new posters!

:-)

funnily enough i had posted a recommendation for a builder today but it was too positive!! As it was my first post it was understandably removed until it can be verified i'm not a business...anyhow the following New Zealand chap has just completed a loft conversion for us and we couldn't be happier or more impressed with him and his team...

Robin Holthusen (http://www.handzontools.com)...extremely professional, very considerate with regards to impact on our family and easily contactable when we had concerns and queries.

Highly recommended.
Happy to be contacted for further details and i can guarantee i'm NOT a business or associated-just someone who has had a good experience with a building project. Hopefully original review will be re-instated soon.

Good luck with it all!

We are currently using Diamond Constructions for a very large project in the Heaver. I am happy with them so far (6 months in to a 10 month job) and their prices are competitive. If you PM me I'll give you the details.

Try Terra House ltd. Good luck

Hi, I know someone who does a lot of building for people in Fulham. I only mention Fulham because that gives you an idea of the standard of his work and I am sure he could provides references. I've been in homes that he has extended etc. and I have been very impressed. His name is Roy and his number: 07958 219504. As the previous posting suggests, he always has work but then anyone that is any good will. Good luck.

Hallo,
Try to call this guy he could help you if is not to busy.Hi is a very nice person and got reasonable prices.
Davor 079-5153-7266

Hi

We are about to start or start thinking about some hefty work on our new house. We have one quote which always makes me nervous.

please please any recommendations?

It's two bathrooms, garage conversion, possible extension, etc etc.

Thanks a million