Karate and Yoga timber framed outbuilding in Keston – Self build

We were asked to help out on a self build, advising the client on build types and structural and building control requirements. We carried out weekly visits to advise on foundation types, drainage, electrical and insulation, as well as sourcing the concrete and timber frame. With our wide experience and knowledge base, we were on site supervising the unloading and erection of the frame as well as sourcing the correct crane and advising on structural elements to take the roofing.

The frame was erected in a day, the roof was then placed on it the next day, with it being felted and battened the same day. The client laid the roof tiles himself and then we were asked to source and arrange installation of the special double glazed units, doors, under floor heating and insulation. The works are still on going.

“We have been so pleased with all the work Abbo has done for us. He is reliable, quick and very easy to deal with. We would highly recommend him” E.S.

Loft type apartment in Balham

This was a private development, where we bought and refurbished the property, adding value by extending to the loft with a bathroom, kitchen and seating area (you can see one off formed acrylic seating overhanging the mezzanine)

We then reformatted the layout to include a large open plan living space, within its own Juliette balcony and three bedrooms, one of which had an en-suite shower room. This sold at the full asking price within 2 hours of being with the agent (but not on the market)

Side and rear extension with piled beams in Crawley

This project was a side extension, with alterations to the existing rear conservatory to suit the extension. The property is situated adjacent to 5 oak trees, all with preservation orders as well as being situated above to the public sewer feeding the neighbouring houses and main fresh water storm drain. We were approached by the client to manage the works and oversee the site complexities which included a piled and beamed raft to protect the trees and not affect the public drainage

The project was managed on a predominantly self build basis, though we advised on water board requirement as well as future proofing the layout (can be converted into a single house easily)

Included within the scope was also all the setting out of the works, including the foundations and brick work and roof, dealing with building control and structural requirements as well as value engineering the structural elements to speed up the build and reduce costs.

“Abbo dealt with the piling and water board for us, and then stayed on to help out with the management of the builders including incorporating our ideas to allow future alterations. We were really pleased with his efforts” A.D.

Swimming pool and pool house build in Ditchling

We were contracted to oversee the contractors and sub-contractors on a design and builds that had originally been with an architectural technician, on this £800K swimming pool and house build. Everything was bespoke including the sliding double glazed doors (over 3.5M tall) or German origin, heating and ventilation, pool design and sliding cover, sauna and kitchen and pump house.

Added difficulties included the architectural technician and engineer no longer being employed and many subcontractors and nominated specialists who required direction and allocation of space, on a sloping site in a domestic setting. We advised and dealt with all contractual issues, procurement of the correct type of contract for these works as well running the works in the role of contracts administrator covering the issues of valuations, final accounts and defects liabilities.

“Really pleased with the works and would happily recommend your services, could not have done it without you” P.F.

Kitchen and ground floor refurbishment in Lingfield

We acted initially as the client’s loss assessor, settling the claim with the insurance company on a cash settlement, The client then invested heavily on a whole kitchen/utility/shower room revamp, with new heating, structural openings and a bespoke hand made kitchen and integrated appliances.

We acted as the project manger dealing with site detailing to a very high standard, as well as setting out and organising sub contractors. We dealt with the facilitation of new technology such as lighting design and ventilation to accommodate the supplied appliances and the client’s requirements.

“Thanks for all your help with my insurance claim. It really took the hard work out of dealing with the insurance company. The new kitchen looks fantastic and surely wouldn’t be the same with out your assistance.” V.E.

Loft in Tonbridge

We were initially asked to see if we could make a loft conversion work on an older bungalow that had been extended quite a few times previously, after the client had had planning permission by another consultant and a local builder quoted him £175K.

After a site visit and some carefully setting out and utilisation of new technology, we were able to get the building control and structural details passed. We were then instructed by the client to act as his project manager to get the works on site for the structural and waterproofing element. This was tendered and the most suitable contractor, we then negotiated the contract as the client supplied the materials. The works were then completed within time and on a substantially reduced budget (than the original quoted by another builder), including various structural surprises that were found during the build. The client is doing the second fix elements himself.

The clients finishing works are still on going.

“When I employed you to oversee my building works, I expected that I would get someone who would assist me in choosing good cost effective builders, who would liaise effectively with the council buildings regulations staff and who would manage changes of plans with builders and the buildings regulations people to produce cost effective and hassle free solutions. This I got and was quite happy with.

What I didn’t expect or foresee was the 2 additional items as detailed below:

1) I didn’t realise that when you employed a structural engineer, you could issue instructions on how he does his calculation and keep sending his results back until you were satisfied. Since this is what you did do it has resulted in the final building being much more spacious than it would have been. So a better overall result has been obtained because of your efforts.

2) I didn’t think that it was part of your remit to calculate what materials were required and to advise on how, where and when to purchase them. Since I handled the tenders I can see that this aspect easily saved me what I paid you and then some.” – T. H.

Whole house refurbishment in Balham

We have done other works for this client before over a period of about 20 years. We were pleased to be invited back to represent them again. The property was an older building in Balham that require a complete strip out and refurbishment.

The works were fully project managed, with permitted development, structural works, specification writing and repositioning services to accommodate the client’s brief. The works, including additional works were completed on time for the client to move in prior to Christmas.

“Abbo helped us set out a clear specification of the work that we wanted and to find a good builder. He then kept the builders on their toes and helped make sure that the builders delivered high quality work.” G.H.

Overseas Clientele

A client of ours is resident overseas. As we have a long established working relationship, we now acting in their interest to oversee and monitor their rental properties here in the UK, dealing with tenancy call outs, freeholders works and leaseholder/landlords commitments.

“Mr Thompson has been scheduling the maintenance and coordinating the contractors for several apartments which I own. I have continued to renew this contract every year, going on 7 years now, due to his reliability and conscientious attention to detail.” B.C.

Local structural advice / feasibility

Semi detached house in Swanley, Where the client wanted to remodel the layout to suit her lifestyle

“Abbo carried out a survey on a few walls we wanted to knock down in our new house. He was very thorough and left a detailed report. I would highly recommend him not only because of his professionalism but also because he is very friendly and approachable and answered any questions I had – no matter how silly they seemed!” S.W.

Building contractors

Maclen Construction, Croydon – We act on their behalf dealing with their planning and building control issues, as well as structural calculations and detailing for private clients. For their commercial clients, We carry out rationalising works, logistics and works programming, especially or anything that is complex or has tight time schedule/window. We also deal with listed building and conservation consent for them within their scope as an approved contractor in Richmond, London.

West Park Builders, Lingfield – We act on their behalf carry out feasibility studies and then dealing with planning, building control and structural issues for the builder on behalf of their client. We also do call outs to site at times of uncovering an unforeseen problem for advice.

Firesole PK Interiors, Crawley Down – The partnership use our services predominantly on small commercial contracts where they need to run and administer the site where there is no larger FM or main contractor.

A. R. Gunner Ltd. Croydon – Carrying out H&S checks and providing a service doing all the H&S requirements for new projects, with regard COSHH, Risk and Method assessments. Setting out of steel work, timber roofs and foundations on anything other than straight forward works.

Image Construction, Crawley Down – planning, permitted development applications for their clients, as well as site project management on complex new builds.

RLH Developments Ltd, Croydon – Carrying out specialist damp and remedial works surveys as well as producing reports for their clients.

RPL Ltd, Catford – Carrying out contractors insurance peril surveys and scheduling on behalf the loss adjustors.

Solar and P.V. installers – Carrying out structural loading and wind loading calculations as required under the MCS.

Quintessence SMD, Croydon – Building surveyors. Carrying out party wall works and specification and report writing on their behalf.

Mick Oliver, Bromley – Plumber and general builder. General professional advice as to the feasibility of works on going.

“Arrived as promised, completed calculations for steelwork to extension for building control approval. Very pleasant and knowledgeable fellow” M.O.