Category 2: Small Renovation Projects
Professional residential/domestic restoration, refurbishment or extension costing less than £50,000
Project: Sympathetic extension to 300 year old stone cottage
Client: Yvonne Poole
A small extension to a 300-year-old stone cottage may sound like a modest project, but the diplomacy skills, the quality of work and the customer care and attention lavished on this beautiful, highly professional job won the unanimous vote of the judges.
Client Yvonne Poole of Ilkley in Yorkshire was clearly impressed by Tom Pybus and his team from the outset. “The quote was clear and comprehensive. The team were tidy and courteous and they did a brilliant job at managing the difficult negotiations with two sets of neighbours, who both had right of access across where the extension was to be built.” She said.
Added to that, Tom and his team battled the appalling weather conditions with dogged determination to make sure the project finished on time.
The result of their effort was truly worthwhile. What could have been an unremarkable extension, was described by the judges as a stunning addition to a beautiful cottage.
Yvonne’s story is typical of many people who call in the builders to give them extra space. “I’d been here 10 years and decided I wanted somewhere bigger, but I looked around and could not find anything I liked as much,” she said. “This cottage is lovely, with beautiful views, but it’s a small, two-up, two-down workman’s cottage with tiny windows, flagstone floors and a small living room.
“By taking a wall out and extending into the garden, the living room has become a well of light and it feels as if the garden extends into the living room. It has changed my life and I wish I’d done it years ago,” Yvonne added.
What’s more, TJ Pybus Construction completely changed Yvonne’s attitude towards builders. “Tom and his team knew what they needed to do and just got on with it. There were no issues with punctuality or keeping the house clean - they were just really professional, lovely people.”
“Tom Pybus and his team ticked all the boxes,” said Yvonne. “Coming in on budget, the quality of their work, their courtesy and the professionalism with which the project was completed.” She has since recommended them to lots of friends.
One example of the quality of their work was the removal and repositioning of a window seat and original oak beam from the kitchen to the first floor landing, to give the client some superb views across the countryside. The seat looks as if it was built there 300 years ago.
The judges described this project as the perfect example of a project going perfectly from start to finish. “This is a project of the highest standard produced by a firm that is quickly gaining a reputation for quality, courtesy, promptness and value for money.” they said.
