Thank you to everyone for their recommendations - good and bad, both are extremely useful. Time to organise some quotations (and tough interviews)!

Hope this is not too late but have a 5yr old and 6yr old and had a year long building project whilst we lived on site. Our project was prettybig, with basement, building a new 3 storey extension etc. We worked with Jane at mylondonextensions.com who did a fantastic job. The builders were great and ensured that we had hot water, a temporary kitchen and were comfortable throughout the whole thing. We bought some oil heaters from argos to keep warm, so we were actually quite comfortable throughout and now have a fab extension! I have just used mylondonextensions again to finish off the front of the house so am still friends with the builders, no mean feat after having lived with them on site for a year!l

Give Jane a call if you still need help - 07764 988956!

We used Minale. They are incredible. PM me if you want further info.

Hello
I would be happy to help you with your project. I'm a local RIBA architect with over 13 years experience. I'm currently building two newbuild eco friendly houses in Furzedown which combine great design and efficient build.
From experience I have found that the secret to a great building project lies in the correct application of the list below
1. Watertight design and preparation
2. Progressing diligently and allowing plenty of time especially when there are children involved
3. Being prudent but financially realistic
4. Having a good rapport with your design and build team
5. Patience
I have also found that one woman's awful builder is another woman's fantastic builder. I would be happy to have a free one hour chat with you about your project and to see if you feel comfortable.
We can meet at our funky office in Furzedown, where you get to see the houses in progress and pick some delicious black berries or I can meet you at home.

Kind Regards

Siproj Architecture
23 Thrale Road London SW16 1NS
07792781971

K&A please could you post the link to your blog? We are about to undertake a refurb project and all advice is massively welcome!

K&A wrote:Hi,

We recently finished the renovation of our home - which required everything doing to it. - new gas, electrics, plumbling, decorating etc as it wasnt touched in over 50 years by the person we bought it from. We decided due to the amount of work - we would also do the loft at the same time. We created a week by week blog with detailed pictures to show how the work progressed and the builders we used were absolutely amazing. Since then we have used them for another property.

Happy to give you a link to the blog. Thanks.

Hi, I am currently using Philip Nicholson of ASG for an extension and they are great! They do the complete project, including your architectural drawings, planning and building work. Website is: www.architecturalservicesgroup.com
Also, if you need help with the interior, Georgie Rudge of Townhouse Interiors is great and very reasonably priced, webaddress is www.townhouse-interiordesign.co.uk. Good luck with the project!

Hi,

We recently finished the renovation of our home - which required everything doing to it. - new gas, electrics, plumbling, decorating etc as it wasnt touched in over 50 years by the person we bought it from. We decided due to the amount of work - we would also do the loft at the same time. We created a week by week blog with detailed pictures to show how the work progressed and the builders we used were absolutely amazing. Since then we have used them for another property.

Happy to give you a link to the blog. Thanks.

We're currently undertaking a huge renovation programme of our house, and will let you know how it goes once it's finished (hopefully by Christmas). You can then come and see the level of finish for yourself. This team of builders already did a very good job for us on 2 other properties we own, hence our decision to use them again for our own house.

i see the original Q was a few mnths ago so this might be out of date by now... but i wouldn't rec Battersea Handyman (now known as Building andHandyman). We engaged them on a new bathroom and they weren't vgd. i feel the job was too big for them. We've engaged them on smaller "handyman" jobs and they were Ok with those.

Can anyone rec to me a builder for kitchen / side return extension + extension of loft space to double 3rd floor size + hall/stairs/landing repaint? Prob to start work in Spring so making plans now. Esp interested in a builder who can do all of this with us in situ (2 adults 2 kids under 3 1/2)

Hello - if not too late i can give you some excellent feedback on Gajaro. Let me know.

Richard Dewhurst - Interior Architect - will see your project through from initial concept and design to the finished result. He has just completed a full 4 storey house re-furb including structural work in the Heaver Conservation area and has lots of experience in this field. He comes highly recommended and has even just finished Jenny Packham's house (wedding dress and Kate Middleton dress designer!).

You can check out some of his projects at:
www.richarddewhurst.com
Tel: 07762 346194

References available on request.

We do full and partial property refurbishments in Central and North London. Many good references available. Please visit our website http://www.azbuilders.co.uk for more info.

Hi, Have you thought about Clara Bee? A friend of mine has just undergone an extensive house renovation in Ravenslea Road. She used Clara Bee and was over the moon with the results. She took care of everything and made the project completely stress free. She's based in Balham and knows all the best workmen in the area. I think it would be worth you giving her a shout, this is her number - 07974759428
Good Luck!

Hi

I know a reliable Handyman whom my husband and I call upon regularly to do work at our properties. He is a qualified carpenter, he can paint,decorate, tile or anything I have ever asked of him. He is known around Clapham Junction for the high standard of work and even fairer pricing. He is the official handyman for both Francesca Alexander Hair Salons on Webbs Road. His business is based on work of mouth and referral.

His name is Billy and his number is 07814492755
Here is a link to a fabulous front door restoration project he did -

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1037 ... 6SPl9mSjQE

We have also used Building & Handyman Battersea for all works on our house. They have now merged with a basement company too, always very reliable and competitively priced...