Past Project

Complete Refurbishment

Refurbishment throughout and a substantial modern extension

Briefly

Transforming a run-down bungalow into a spacious, modern home

We began with a very run down two bedroom bungalow that was in need of a complete renovation.  As well as refurbishment, we added a large extension to the side and another extension to the back, greatly enhancing the size and flow of the property.

Nearly every internal wall was demolished to make way for the new layout. The original roof was completely stripped off and RSJ’s were fitted to accommodate the new dormer and the new layout over the two floors. The suspended floor was ripped out internally to make way for a new fully insulated concrete slab. 

We carried out every aspect of this project from ground works to construction, flooring and decoration. The renovated and enlarged property now comprises three new, fully fitted bathrooms, a utility room, new kitchen, three reception rooms and three bedrooms. 

We are proud of the transformation from the original to the new and of the high level of finish throughout the property.

The project was managed on a tight schedule that was strictly adhered to. We had regular site meetings with the customer to ensure that both parties were well informed at all times, which allowed us to bring in the build on time and on budget.

Project at a glance

See other extension, renovation and interior projects from Smart Build, or return to the list of all projects

The full story

Case Study: Refurbished bungalow in Ascot, Northampton­shire

This was a comprehensive refurbishment of a tired smaller property. We were recommended to the clients, Caroline and James for our experience on similar projects.

Specification and quote

Once planning permission was granted we began to work with the clients.  We ran through several alternate layouts to try and make the best and most practical use of space. Together with our professional tradesman we produced a detailed electrical specification for the build, itemising every room to the last point together with detailed costings. The village doesn’t have a gas supply so we also discussed with the client the various heating options. They went for an oil fired boiler with an unvented hot water cylinder, (Megaflow). This was the most practical and cost effective option. The house also had three big bathrooms and the unvented cylinder would produce the best supply of hot pressurised water to cope with this. 

With all of the projects that we undertake, a detailed fixed quote was given followed by a schedule of works. The schedule allows us to structure regular site meetings throughout the key aspects of the job.

Ground works and superstructure build

On starting the project a substantial amount of site clearance was required. Two large trees needed to be chopped down and the roots excavated. An old conservatory was demolished and the high ground level was graded down before commencing the excavation of the footings for the new extensions. The ground works were undertaken including adding new drainage and new block and beam floors. The super structure was built in a matching LBC brick to the original house.

Building the dormer

The original property consisted of a ground floor bungalow. Our brief was to strip off the existing roof and timbers and build additional courses of brick and block work to the original structure to lift the wall plate height. This enabled us to construct a new cut roof and create an additional storey to the property. The majority of the internal walls on the ground floor were demolished and new walls constructed, allowing us to dramatically change the layout of the old bungalow. A substantial amount of steel work was fitted to support the existing structure and the new floor joists that were added to create the first floor. 

Jobs of this nature sometimes require a bonnet scaffold. This provides a temporary roof over the property, allowing the roof to be stripped while still keeping out the rain and other elements. However a bonnet scaffold is reasonably costly and because this property was being completely gutted we decided against this option.

First fixing

With the new extensions and first floor structure completed our experienced tradesmen set about first fixing the property to include the new heating system, three bathrooms and a streamlined kitchen. We then fully insulated the new vaulted ceilings on the first floor with Celotex between the rafters, followed by a covering of highly insulated space blanket. This product offers high levels of insulation and saves space when compared to Celotex. As a company we are very aware of the difference that the correct choice and proper installation of good quality insulation can make to the U values of your property. This will then reflect in your heating bills.

Beautiful finishes

We undertook a large amount of floor and wall tiling throughout the building. The three bathrooms were fitted throughout with a Travertine tile, which was then sealed. The kitchen, living room and hallway floors were tiled throughout.  We fitted the rest of the house with oak flooring throughout.

The bathrooms were fitted to a luxurious standard with rain head showers, wall mounted contemporary sink units and slim line shower trays. We fitted the contemporary pre-made kitchen to the customer’s layout and specification. Our expert kitchen fitters followed detailed plans and design to produce a perfect finish. The entire house was then decorated throughout. 

Communication and quality

Our team of tradesmen endeavour to produce the perfect finish and strive for complete customer satisfaction. Internally this house was completely transformed from a tired bungalow to a spacious, quality, contemporary home. We feel that our experience, attention to detail but most importantly, high level of communication with the customers throughout the built, led to a well-managed project.

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