Contemporary bungalow
During 2024 we took on an unusual project that required renovating and enhancing a large contemporary bungalow over 4000 sqft, in the heart of National Trust woodland. With a set timeframe to work with to allow the family to move in after completing on their existing house. Frithsden Construction provided a dedicated site supervisor, (an overseeing site manager) and interiors manager. Weekly site meetings with the clients and Contract Administrator ensured that the programme ran as planned, whilst also incorporating additional items as they arose to achieve the end goal.
The main scope of works was incredibly varied, involving replacing the flat roof area, internal refurbishment & complete redecoration throughout, full audio-visual requirements throughout for stereo sound and TV/WIFI, including an advanced security and dual gate entry system. Various plumbing & electrical works, and bespoke cabinetry works. Externally all the timber cladding was repaired and renovated, the wrap around patio area extended, incorporating large concrete supporting walls, and bespoke glass balustrading. Not forgetting the bespoke recessed hot tub area, so the family can enjoy a dip whilst enjoying the far-reaching views!
"All of the Frithsden team have been a pleasure to deal with and have made our first build project hassle free and a really enjoyable experience"
"Supervisor/Carpenter Morgan has done a really good job of managing the project on a day to day basis and knitting all the trades together. He is also an incredibly talented tradesman in his own right."
A key element of the works was working with external slate textured tiles, with an interlocking fitting system. An area that was new to our team, and some companies were daunted by the extensive meterage given how time consuming it was to fit such tiles. So after discussing the best options with the clients, the FC team decided they were up for a challenge, and after attending the suppliers training sessions, several weeks later they had achieved an excellent job, with real attention to detail for a quality finish to the wrap around retaining wall, and large feature chimney. With additional scaffolding and ‘tin-hat’ protection whilst we also dealt with the failing chimney.
The family were a pleasure to work for, keeping the team going with regular cups of tea and cakes, and celebratory fish & chips on the patio for all as we finished the works ready for move in day! We were all so pleased to know that we had contributed to creating a stunning family home to be enjoyed for many years to come…
Client testimonial
In May 2023 we appointed the FC team to undertake a major refurbishment of our new home in Little Gaddesden, Berkhamsted. FC were appointed by us, in conjunction with our Building Surveyor, after a competitive tender process. FC weren’t the cheapest overall tender price but showed enthusiasm, professionalism and responsiveness throughout the tender.
The team, led by site manager Morgan, have been at the property for 3 months now and are approaching the end of the project.
We have been very impressed with the way the whole FC team have delivered throughout the process:
- All work has been done to a high quality standard of finish
- The original project has been run to the agreed contract dates
- There has been an overrun in the original timetable but this has been driven by changes we have requested along the way
- The original budget has been adhered to
- There have been cost overruns but these have been due to extra work that has been required or that we as the client have deemed necessary as we have gone along
- All cost increases have been discussed and agreed by ourselves and the FC team in advance
So in summary FC are on track to deliver the project to spec, to time and to budget once the contract extensions we have requested are taken into account.
Beyond this though, on a personal level, Anthony, Julie and Morgan have been a pleasure to deal with and have made our first build project (relatively) hassle free and a really enjoyable experience. Anthony is a solutions driven problem solver who has come up with cost engineering proposals where issues have arisen. Julie is very hands on. She provides expert advice, support and guidance that goes way beyond the contractual requirement. She also has an excellent eye for design; making and facilitating first-rate suggestions whilst taking into account the clients individual style (well she definitely seemed to “get” our style). Morgan has done a really good job of managing the project on a day to day basis and knitting all the trades together. He is also an incredibly talented tradesman in his own right.
We are really happy with the way FC have guided us through our first project and would have no hesitation in recommending them to friends and family - or even asking them to do another project for us if we are ever silly inspired enough to do another one!
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