2021 Master Builder Awards

This breath-taking garage conversion has produced an open-plan paradise bathed in natural light thanks to the dual lantern roof windows. A new sunroom and wrap-around double extension provide an abundance of space, while a functional set of bi-fold doors beckon visitors outside into the patio space. A new underfloor heating system ensures energy efficiency, with an LED lighting system offering a choice of up-lighting, downlighting and flood lighting via the specially designed canopy installed above the central kitchen island. The client was clearly delighted, stating: “Never in our wildest dreams could we have envisaged a 'home' like this… but Excel made it happen.”

Find out more about Excel Home Design Ltd.

This Listed cottage holds great historical importance, but despite once being occupied by a monk it needed significant refurbishment. M J Parratt & Son’s thorough restoration was no small task, requiring new lime mortar pointing to the stonework, restoration of the guttering, the conversion of the existing sitting room into a kitchen and of the adjoining barn into a sitting room, plus repairs and new insulation in the bedroom. The attention to detail shown by this Master Builder delighted their client, who stated: “I hope to stay in this cottage for the rest of my life, it wasn’t just a renovation project, it is my home and I love it.”

Find out more about M J Parratt & Son Ltd.

This project required Hawksmoor Construction Ltd to breathe new life into a tired 60s’ townhouse by adding a rear extension, converting the garage into a space for their client’s family to socialise, and even creating a new garden for them to enjoy. In an example of inspired, innovative design, the team implemented a pivoting room-divider, which the judges hailed as “a brilliant solution” for making the most of the space available. They picked up more praise for the “immaculate” finishing and detailing described as “impeccable”. The result is a stunning split-level family home that clearly satisfies their client’s desire for a home which “blur[s] the boundaries between inside and out”.

Find out more about Hawksmoor Construction Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

This stunning project consisted of a rear house extension with bi-folding doors and a roof lantern, a new kitchen and a large garden renovation. This Master Builder brought the architect’s designs to life by implementing a frameless glass lantern, Howdens kitchen, Kardean herringbone flooring, slatted cedar cladding, K-rend planters, porcelain slabs and artificial grass. Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, effective communication was maintained between builder and client, and the latter was thrilled with the result, stating: “Abbey & Lyndon were brilliant throughout the project and we are super pleased with our job”.

Find out more about Abbey & Lyndon, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

McKnight & Son Builders added an extension to this 400-year-old Grade II Listed barn, which was originally constructed using a rare historic method of clay dabbing, to meet their client’s needs for a new kitchen, day room and shower facility. The judges were struck by the way the extension stands in complete contrast with the existing building, but still complements its aesthetic. McKnight impressed the judges with their attention to detail throughout the build and their considered approach to material choices, earning the following praise: “This is a beautiful, functional contemporary extension. Some great choices, and a great outcome! “

Find out more about McKnight & Son Builders.

Alskea Contracts Ltd’s renovation of this beautiful Victorian terrace property sought to showcase its period features whilst adding a cool, contemporary edge. The judges commented on the “really clever use of space… high-quality finishes and transformation of interior” owing to the careful coordination of colours and materials. The team have effectively updated the home and replaced dark, narrow areas with an abundance of light and space, yielding a much more inviting appearance all-round. They won the approval of their client too, who stated: “They are impeccable builders who leave no mess behind them and create a top-class product at the end of the project.”

Find out more about Alskea Contracts Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

The reunification of the two halves that originally made up this early 20^th century home by Lathom Joinery and Construction showcases a wonderful blend of modern features incorporated into a carefully preserved traditional setting. The two former properties now come together in the kitchen; a fitting focal point bathed in natural light. The works consisted of a full internal and external renovation as well as the addition of an extension at the rear of the structure. The judges were impressed by the “remarkable transformation” of the property and stated that

“…making two homes into one seamlessly and keeping the unique and quirky charm of a period property, but for modern living, is impressive.”

Find out more about Lathom Joinery and Construction.

When Coldwells Building Company first encountered this property, they saw beyond the rundown assortment of croft structures initially constructed in 1869, to the potential for something truly special. Stripping out the old cottage and byre, they set about creating a spacious new home environment seamlessly blended with a modern extension made using timber and glass. During the process they inspected more than 30 roof rafters from the original structures, salvaging those in usable condition and treating them for woodworm before repurposing them in the new roof. The result is a stunning family home that combines modern amenities with genuine historic character.

Find out more about Coldwells Building Company Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

This renovation project was comprised of a ground floor extension and bespoke remodelling of the kitchen and family bathroom. Hand-built by the RMR Homes team, the new kitchen cabinetry units were spray painted Ammonite; a colour specifically tailored to their client’s vision. Exposed brickwork has been combined with large concrete flooring slabs and a small TV snug to create a wonderful alfresco feel. In the new family bathroom there is more RMR handywork in the shape of handcrafted storage solutions and vanity units complete with Crittal screens. The project delighted their client, who stated: “We love our home and will continue to recommend this fab company time and again.”

Find out more about RMR Homes Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Set in a Tudor building dating back to the 1700s, this extensive home renovation project saw McMurray and Martin operating within the tight constraints of a narrow, one-way street and negotiating the use machinery so as not to disturb the neighbours. Great care was also taken not to damage the Listed buildings nearby, and to retain the iconic bowed bay window once typical to the buildings in the neighbourhood, but now the sole remainder of its kind. Despite facing numerous structural complications, this Master Builder delivered what the judges described as a "stunning transformation”, displaying an “excellent standard of craftsmanship” and “beautiful interiors".

Find out more McMurray and Martin Ltd.

York Builder.com completed the renovation of a Grade II Listed outbuilding of a former rectory, which included an extension to accommodate an indoor swimming pool.  The addition of the swimming pool with a changing room and bathroom area saw the team undertake tricky groundworks required to protect the existing structures. Together with an architect and structural engineer, they worked diligently to underpin the existing building and create room for the new pool. The judges loved the way the new addition “hides” amongst the other buildings on the site, revealed only after drawing back a sliding door, which they deemed “impressive” in its own right.

Find out more about York Builder.com Ltd.