Refurb. recommendations - Post Reply

[dinosaur]

Hello -

we're planning quite a big refurb. (including basement) at our new house in Balham and are now looking for a firm that could take care of the process for us. The estate agent has recommended Gajaro and also Minale. Does anyone have direct experience of either firm?

This is our first experience of significant works on a house, so it is all a bit daunting!I really want a firm that we can trust, with no hidden escalating costs.
Any advice on tips on staying sane during such a project or doing anything in advance to make things run smoothly would also be most welcome.

[hjm]

Have you appointed an architect? If not, I think that's the best place to start. Some firms do design/build but in my experience (and based on advice from friends who've done design/build for big projects) you are better to get the plans drawn up first and then going out to builders for tender. A good architect will have a number of good builders that they have worked with many times before.

We are currently working with Dyer Grimes Architects on a similar project http://dyergrimesarchitects.com/ and so far we're really impressed. Please PM me if you want more information.

[jess1981]

Hi, We had a guy called Dave refurb our house including the loft conversion. He has a small team of guys who done a brilliant job and looks fantastic. He Gave us a quote for ours and we accepted it as it was a great price and there were no hidden extra charges after the work was carried out. They stumbled across a few things whilst replacing the kitchen where some pipes had to be moved and he did not even charge us! We got him and his team through a recommendation too! The best thing to do whilst it is all going is try and relax and think of how nice your house will look, worked for me! Take some pics of before and after. This is Daves number and Email. Good luck
07939581225, 0800 051 9411, davidfoskettrefurbisments@gmail.com

[lamj1974]

Please do contact Rory Gordon at Good London Builders. Rory converted our house last year. It's a double fronted house in Wandsworth that was very very run down and rory and his team extended up and out, project managed and helped with interiors - he was absolutely wonderful. his website is www.goodlondonbuilders.com

Good Luck! Do pm me with more details

[Flygirl]

I have been in exactly your position some 18 months ago and it is a very daunting task ahead. If you are considering doing any external building works then i would suggest contacting a good architect in case you require any building regs etc. I used a company called Nick Auston Design on Battersea Rise. They managed the entire project for us from concept to completion including organising architects, builders and then later all soft furnishings and furniture. It really took the pressure of us, knowing that somebody understood what we wanted to achieve and then made it happen. The chap who owns the business Nick, is the best person to speak to. He is extremely knowledgable, does great work and is very reasonably priced. I know as well as our property he has done several in Knightsbridge, Kent and Richmond. Definitely worth a call.
www.nickaustondesign.co.uk 0207 2283 904 nick@nickaustondesign.co.uk

Good Luck!!!

[NoisyKiwis]

We used a super kiwi builder, Zander. Reliable and trustworthy. His number is 07977 660087. Good luck. If you get a good builder who you can cominocae with, half the battle is over.

[sarahjac]

Try Matthew Waller at MW Residential. He has worked for numerous mums that I know in the area (we all know we are the hardest to please in terms of expectations and budget) and all his work is word of mouth. From experience, a one stop shop refurb company that is cost efficient, and professional is hard to come by in the building trade. You can get him on 07866 726 347 or email him on info@mwresidential.co.uk.
Best of luck anyway. Sarah

[jessicarees]

Building & Handyman Battersea can do the lot for you, i have used them for smaller jobs but know they are good. 02079243650

[Beanie27]

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...

[Sonia Ferreira]

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

[alexa_w]

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!

[valdonatas]

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.

[upbeatmusic]

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.

[sw11_]

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

[pigeonpairmum]

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)