There are over 1 million small builders in the UK and many of those are one-man bands that bring in trades and experience to enable them to carry out their projects.
The majority of works we carry out at Elivate would be considered to be larger construction projects, e.g. Loft conversion, full home renovation and double or single-storey extensions, but occasionally a client will ask us to carry out what we would consider to be minor works and probably the sort of contract a smaller builder may take on.
So why do clients choose to work with us and what makes Elivate different?
One of our recent minor works clients is an excellent example of why using a local builder with an in-house team, one that relies on a local reputation, is the best solution when you’re looking for a builder you can trust and will make sure the project is carried out with the same level of care as a larger construction project.
This was a client in Woodley. They wanted new bifold doors fitting into an existing extension, so finding a builder with an in-house structural engineer, to be able to provide the detailed calculations for a new supporting steel was a bonus.
As we have 3 teams working in the company’s domestic building section (1 team in Commercial sector), we are often able to schedule in minor works between the completion of a larger project and the beginning of a new one.
This minor works project only took 5 days and some of that time was preparing the working area to protect the existing property from dust, create a safe working space for the team, and enable the family to be able to continue to use the living area during this cold winter weather.
We built a temporary internal stud wall to separate the living area from the extension and this was sealed with tape to ensure no dust penetrated the property. We know many builders would do this with dust sheets, but in our experience, the cleaning required after these works are completed can carry on for weeks if only dust sheets are stuck up. It also means the clients are unable to use the space next door, and the health and safety measures are not sufficient when you are demolishing walls, adding in new insulation and bringing a steel beam into the property to support the above load.
We also laid a polypropylene floor covering from Travis Perkins, called Proplex, this protects the floor finish from any scratches or damage. It is easily cut to fit any area and can also be used over Kitchen worktops when carrying out renovation works in a kitchen area. Although this set up takes time, in the long term, the client’s experience of having a building project carried out while they remain in the home is a positive one.
The steels in this job were supplied by Metal Pro and the Bifold Doors were from one of our long-term and highly reputable window suppliers, Woodley Trade Windows.
The client was thrilled with the completed job, and they now have a set of 5 panel bifold doors, opening up the extension and adding new light into their living area. This will be a brand new living experience for them this summer. A great investment that has modernised their home and brought their garden and home closer together.
If you are looking for a reliable, 5 star reputation local Reading Builder for either minor works or a larger building project, get in touch today and book in for a free quotation.