Rear and Side Extension Heswall

The house was built in approximately 1930 and had previously had a kitchen extension and a conservatory added. Both needed updating and upgrading in terms of insulation and glazing plus as individual spaces they were not sociable for family and friends.

I decided to demolish them and make one larger room across the rear of the property which would be accessed from the current dining area and also the rear living room, making an up-to-date open plan living space to suit today’s lifestyle. I wanted it bright with plenty of natural light coming from roof lanterns and large sliding doors maximising the view of the garden. Externally I wanted all the pebbledash removed from the rear and replaced with k rend, outdoor electric and lights.

Down the side of the property was a small existing extension, this would be extended to the full length of the side of the house to make a downstairs toilet and cloakroom, a much-needed addition. To facilitate this the gas and electric numbers needed to be moved to make a doorway from the hall.

I contacted Paul at OPB after a recommendation from a previous customer. Plans had already been drawn and approved so Paul came to the house to discuss them, I explained my vision and what I wanted to achieve, I had a few queries that he was able to answer and reassure me on e.g., what would happen to a manhole cover currently under the conservatory floor! He made some suggestions for me to consider, and I valued his information and advice. I received a detailed quote, and a contract was drawn up based on plans and discussions, and I received a schedule of works.

Demolition was quick and all rubble removed from site. The build progressed well, but as expected, there would probably be one or two unforeseen circumstances that may affect build time /cost e.g. building inspector wanted one of the walls that was to be retained to be rebuilt. The team quickly and efficiently included it into their schedule.

There were some variations, mostly at my request which added to the total cost, e.g. I wanted larger roof lanterns than the ones in the plans, Paul sourced sizes that would fit within the roof space whilst keeping symmetry, so it looked right from inside and options for the glass and glazing bars. I also decided to have a new roof down the side of the house, remove the existing one and have new Velux windows, tiles needed to be in keeping with the main roof. These and other variations were completed, and build was amazingly kept on time, enabling the trades and kitchen fitters to hit their dates.

Paul project managed and organised all the trades, plasterers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, tiler, groundwork and the building inspector. He also liaised with utility company to move the meters and got reconnected with minimal disruption. It was very well co-ordinated and if more than one trade was on site, they worked well around each other. All arrived on time, were friendly, approachable, polite, respectful, and clean and tidy. The site was kept remarkably clean and tidy, with a clean-up done at end of each day. As I was living onsite this was much appreciated.

Due to teams experience some things were suggested for e.g. Extra electric cables were put in for future garden plans, and an electric cable in kitchen for an oven or induction hob if future appliances required it. I would not have thought of these, but the team did, all done before the plasterer arrived. Paul also suggested a Crittall style door which completed the look superbly and fitted by joiner alongside the skirting boards etc.

I am absolutely delighted with the completed build; it's exceeded my expectations and met all my wishes. It’s a beautiful light, bright, airy, warm inviting space. It sits well on the back of the house, the old and new blended seamlessly. It’s made such a difference in how I live and how I spend a lot of my time in there, such a contrast to the dark, cold, boring space I once had. It’s such a versatile room, can be used to relax, dine, or entertain in. I have had 'wow' from a few visitors as it has truly transformed the living space.

I would have no hesitation in recommending OPB . Paul and his team all work to high standards, they were a pleasure to have at the house and Paul has an excellent eye for detail, organisational and communication skills and is approachable, and I felt supported with decision making from start to finish, was given advice and options as and when things arose and kept informed on the progress and what was happening next. Overall, a good experience.

I sincerely thank Paul and all his team.

Technical details

• Large open plan living.
• New Kitchen.
• vaulted side extension roof with velux windows.
• New windows and doors.
• Internal Crittall style doors.