14th November 2008
A small extension to a small 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 by Tom Pybus and his team won the unanimous vote of the judges.
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, flagstones floors and 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,” she said.
“Their 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. There were no issues with time keeping or keeping the house clean – they were just really professional, lovely people,” said a very impressed Yvonne Poole.
Added to that, Tom and his team battled the appalling weather conditions with dogged determination to make sure the project finished on time.
The Master Builder of the Year Awards, now in its ninth year, is organised by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK’s largest building trade association. These annual awards celebrate the outstanding work delivered by the vast majority of builders who can only be nominated by highly satisfied clients.
TJ Pybus Construction triumphed to win the national award in the Best Small Renovation Project category, which is supported by Hilti and Professional Builder.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, FMB director general, Richard Diment said: “These Awards are an opportunity to showcase projects around the country that would otherwise be overlooked. Size is not important, while solid craftsmanship, excellent customer service and delighted clients are. The Awards give these clients a platform to publicly thank their builder both for their excellent work and for the consideration shown to them throughout the build.
“For us it is heartening to see that so many clients are still willing to invest in improving their properties, something that is vital for the future of the domestic construction market, and also to see that they are increasingly concerned with energy efficiency and sustainability,” Richard added.
“Our congratulations go to TJ Pybus Construction for this well-deserved award, but equally our thanks go to Yvonne Poole who nominated them for the award,” said Richard.
Tom Pybus and Yvonne Poole each win a luxury all inclusive weekend break for two at any of the UK Barceló Hotels.
