Brickwork Signed Off, an Old Conservatory Comes Down and a New One Starts

This week brickwork is finished and signed off in Ashford, an unusable conservatory is taken down in Bracknell, and the dig starts for a new conservatory in Chichester, with a flint wall to follow.

It’s the end of the week. Let’s get stuck into this week’s showcase projects

• The brickwork on this extension is now finished, and the building inspector has been out to sign it off.
• It has been built with a 100mm cavity and foil-backed insulation, so it meets building regs in full.
• That cavity is the part you never see, but it is the reason the room will hold its heat in winter and stay comfortable in summer.
• For the homeowner it means lower running costs, a room that gets used all year, and a certificate at the end confirming the work was done properly.
• The frame is due on site shortly, and once that lands we move on to fitting.

• We have started taking down the existing conservatory, which had reached the point of being completely unusable.
• Rather than reuse what was there, we are breaking up the old footings and starting again from the ground.
• Old conservatory bases are often shallow, uninsulated and cold underfoot, so building a new room on top of one just repeats the same problem.
• The new base will be modern and insulated, which is what turns a conservatory from a summer-only room into somewhere the family actually uses in January.
• It is more work up front, but it is the difference between a room that lasts and a room that gets replaced again in ten years.
• Regular skip collections ensure our clients site is as tidy as possible.

• Planning came through recently, so this week we made a start digging out the space.
• The existing garden is being dug back to create the footprint, which takes a bit of care to get the levels right against the house.
• Alongside the conservatory we are building a brand new flint wall, a traditional detail that suits this part of West Sussex and will look right long after the build is finished.
• Groundwork is the messiest stage of any project, so we keep the site tidy and the access clear while the digging is going on.
• This one is a little bit special, so keep your eyes peeled for how it turns out.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

A new Build Begins, Fresh Plaster and a High-Class

This week plastering finishes on a reborn conservatory in Bitterne, a warm new room gets boarded and skimmed in Chichester, and building begins on a stone-matched extension in Chipping Norton.

Another Friday. Another 3 projects. Let’s go!

• Building has started on this project, with cream-coloured frames matched to the existing house for a seamless, continuous look.
• A super-insulated flat roof will keep the space comfortable, with a lantern in the middle to flood the new room with light and keep the rear of the house bright too.
• The glass for the doors arrived manufactured incorrectly, but a good relationship with our manufacturing partners meant a turnaround in about a week, even though it is toughened glass.
• To avoid any delay, we temporarily fitted polycarbonate into the door gap so the electrics and plastering can still go ahead next week.
• That keeps us on track for the completion date we give every customer from the start, so they always know when their project will be finished.

• The roof is now fully boarded out, and the existing single-skin walls have been lined with insulated plasterboard to make the space warmer.
• That insulation took up a little interior floor space, but the gain in comfort and year-round use far outweighs the small loss.
• The skim plaster has gone on and the finish is excellent, which matters because the finish is the part you see and live with every day.
• The customer is over the moon with how it has turned out.
• The kitchen units are booked to be fitted next week, so this one is moving fast.

• The conservatory is now fully plastered out, giving the sitting side a fresh, clean finish that looks like a brand new room.
• The existing walls had picked up some damage during the fitting, so rather than patch over it we plastered the whole space for a proper finish.
• It cost a little more, but our goal is always a finished project the customer is genuinely happy with, so we found a solution that worked for everyone.
• The fresh plaster means the customer can paint the room exactly how they want before the kitchen goes in.
• Next up is the kitchen install, with the space now ready and waiting.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

Final Finishes, Fresh Footings and Foundations Down

This week the finishing trades move in on a near-complete extension in Chipping Norton, footings go down for a quick-turnaround conservatory in Waterlooville, and foundations are dug for a new dining space in Ashford.

It’s the end of the week. You know the drill. Let’s get stuck into this week’s showcase projects

• First fix is in and the whole space has been boarded out, so it is now ready for plastering.
• Finishing the skimming is booked for next week, along with fitting the replacement glass units.
• The original glass units were delivered incorrectly, which has added about a week to the build.
• We have kept the customer updated throughout, so the short delay has been an easy one to manage and they have been more than understanding.
• We can’t wait to see the finished room once he moves in and gets it decorated.

• Footings have been dug this week for a simple, smart-looking lean-to conservatory.
• It is adding much-needed space to a rental property, so the owner wanted a fast turnaround to make the investment worthwhile sooner. 
• We are aiming to complete the whole project in around three weeks, with groundwork this week and nearly all the brickwork next week.
• It is a good example of how a well-planned conservatory doesn’t have to be expensive or drawn out to add real, usable space.
• Keep your eyes peeled for the affordable lean-to going in.

• The footings have been dug for a much-needed extension that will give the family proper dining room space, as the current room is too cramped.
• This build falls under building regs because of the tiled roof, so at the end the customer gets a certificate confirming the work has been done properly.
• That means no issues when they come to sell the house in future. It does cost more in our proposal, but we would never cut corners on something with such a long-term impact.
• Plenty of photos were taken and a site inspection booked before any concrete is poured to comply with building regs.
• As always the site is cleaned down which is part of our clean site guarantee.
• Concrete goes in next, then the brickwork starts to rise.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

Stonework Finished, Watertight in Days and an Old Conservatory Reborn

This week brickwork wraps up on an orangery in Chipping Norton, a watertight new extension takes shape in Chichester, and an old conservatory gets a modern, year-round upgrade in Bitterne.

End of the week, new project so showcase!

• The brickwork is now up and complete on this orangery, and the finish is a real standout.
• We matched three different types of stone to tie the new structure into the house. That cost us more, but it was the only way to give the customer the finish they always wanted.
• The pillars break up the glass nicely and lock the orangery into the existing building, so it reads as part of the home rather than an add-on.
• Keeping the original stonework matters for the look of the house and the wider development, tying it beautifully into the whole street.
• Next up are the cream-coloured frames, which will contrast beautifully against the stone.

• We took down the old conservatory and started building a far better insulated space that can be used all year.
• The existing single-skin walls were sound, so we kept them. That avoided needless work and kept the build moving.
• Getting the structure watertight in the first couple of days was the priority, protecting the existing walls and plaster from any weather damage.
• This will be a proper utility room, warm and practical, not a cold space that only works in summer.
• Keep your eyes peeled next week for the plasterers as this one turns around quickly.

   

• We are replacing an old wooden conservatory that had started to decay with something modern and built to last.
• A skip went on site from day one so all the waste was cleared away properly and the area stayed tidy.
• The existing brick walls were in good shape, so we reused them. That kept the build budget-friendly without cutting any corners.
• The roof is fitted with solar glass so the room stays comfortable through summer and winter.
• The space links to the kitchen, so we have planned the work to keep the kitchen usable throughout.
• Plastering is booked for next week for a nice quick turnaround on this project. Ready for the customer to fit their units.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

Footings Down in Chipping Norton, Fitting Underway in Bristol

This week we have a fresh start in Chipping Norton, an orangery fit getting going in Brislington, and a gable end build wrapping up in Westbury-on-Trym ready for sign off.

Let’s get stuck in!

• Work has started on what will be a fantastic orangery, with the footings dug and poured this week.
• We laid a damp-proof membrane across the base so it is fully waterproof from the ground up.
• The base is being built up to match the house floor level, which gives a smooth, step-free link between the home and the new room.
• The site is sprayed down every day to keep it clean and tidy, so the customer can still use their driveway over the weekend.
• Keep an eye out for the brickwork going up in matching stone so the orangery sits naturally against the existing house.

• Fitting has started on what will be an immense orangery, taller and more imposing than a standard build.
• Full scaffolding went up first to give safe, easy access for the structure, the lintels and the bi-folding doors.
• The customer chose a brick finish to contrast with the rendered walls, paired with grey frames and a grey brick below the damp course. This was chosen based on previous work they had seen us do.
• With plenty of ceiling height, this will feel like a proper room rather than an add-on.

• Fitting is now complete on this gable end structure, with the team adding the finishing touches.
• There was a manufacturing delay on the gable end itself, so we put a temporary fitting in place to keep the project moving rather than holding it up.
• The building inspector is coming over to sign off the work done so far.
• We are well on track to finish this week with full building regs sign off.
• Solving the delay without stopping work means less waiting and a smoother run to completion for the customer.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

Sandstone Walls Rising, Smart Sequencing in Shoreham & Tiled Roof Completed in Worthing

This week we’re on site in Westbury on Trym, Shoreham and Worthing. Walls are rising, plastering is paused at exactly the right moment, and a tiled roof has been completed.

Let’s get stuck in!

• Groundwork has been fully completed and signed off under building regulations before a single wall went up –  exactly how it should be done.
• The base inspection was a key milestone – getting sign-off before starting the walls means there are no shortcuts and no going back to fix things later.
• The walls are now rising in a stunning sandstone brick finish, with a 150mm cavity that fully complies with building regulations, giving the homeowners long-term confidence in the structure.
• The base inspection was a key milestone – getting sign-off before starting the walls means there are no shortcuts and no going back to fix things later.
• Alongside the main build, garden works are underway this week: sleepers have been installed, a new bedding area for planting has been created, and a proper access route through the garden is taking shape.
• There’s real momentum on this one right now, and the team is looking forward to cracking on with the rest of the build.

• Plastering has been completed across the new upgrade extension – but deliberately stopped short of finishing, and that’s by design, not oversight.
• The team held back to allow the plumbers to come in and complete their work first, which means plasterers aren’t trying to work behind radiators or in tight spots that would compromise the finish.
• This kind of sequencing makes a real difference to quality – when trades can access every corner freely, the result is noticeably better than when work is rushed or layered over itself.
• Planning was thorough from the outset: electricians and plasterers were brought in before the existing floor base was disturbed, and drainage work for the relocated washing machine was scheduled cleanly around them.
• It takes slightly longer when done this way, but the homeowners get a finish that holds up – and a project that runs smoothly rather than scrambling to catch up.

• The tiled roof on this wraparound extension is now fully complete – a significant milestone on a project that has been carefully considered at every stage.
• The team made a deliberate decision to upgrade from the originally planned warmer roof or modular roof system, opting instead for a full tile roof finish.
• The result is a cleaner, more traditional look that sits better with the existing property and gives the extension a quality that will last.
• Window and door frames are being fitted next week, with delivery happening today – so progress is moving at pace.
• After framing comes the finishing stages, and this project is shaping up to be a fully converted garage conversion worth keeping an eye on.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

Fitting Day in Worthing, First Dig in Bristol & Steel Sorted in Crawley

This week: fitting is underway on a wrap-around L-shape extension in Worthing, groundworks have broken ground on a large orangery in Bristol, and materials are on site with progress moving in Crawley.

Let’s get stuck in!

• Fitting has commenced on this large L-shape wrap-around extension for a customer we’ve previously worked with. It’s always good to be back on site for someone who knows us.
• The roof finish on this one was a considered decision. We moved away from a modular roof on the side extension and opted for a traditional tile finish instead.
• The reason: a traditional tile roof ties into the existing house roof far more naturally and leaves a finish that looks like it was always part of the building, not an afterthought.
• That kind of detail makes a real difference to the final result. Extensions that blend into the original house always look better and hold their value far longer.
• Completion is expected next week. Although this falls slightly outside our most common project types, it’s a good example of the range of work we can offer – and the same care goes into every build.

• Getting planning over the line is always a moment – and now with approval in place, groundworks have started on this large orangery project in Bristol.
• The site presented some access challenges from the outset. We worked closely with the customer ahead of the dig to find suitable locations for skips, materials, and equipment, managing the practicalities of a tighter site.
• Before we started, we had an honest conversation with the customer about potential disruptions: where things would be stored, how deliveries would work, and what to expect day to day.
• That conversation made everything run more smoothly. Disruption on a live site is often unavoidable, but with good planning and clear communication it doesn’t have to catch anyone off guard.
• Watch this space – with groundworks underway, the structural work will follow soon.

• The old structure has been taken down, groundworks have been dug and inspected, and concrete has been poured with the inspector’s approval in place.
• Materials are now on site, which means this large orangery project can move forward at pace.
• The steel insertion into the existing house structure didn’t go entirely to plan. On older properties, the fabric of the building doesn’t always match what the drawings suggest, and that’s a reality of working on live homes.
• When we hit the snag, we stopped, brought in properly qualified structural engineers, and worked through the correct solution with them before moving on.
• It’s not a dramatic story – it’s just how the job should be done. The right outcome matters more than a fast one.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

Finishing Touches, Final Snags & Preparing for the Build

This week we’re completing a standout orangery, finalising a roof upgrade, and preparing for a new build to begin. Across Bradley Stoke, Crawley, and Horsham, projects are at key transition stages.

We are back!

• After some weather delays, this project is now coming to completion – transforming a redundant corner into a stunning new orangery.
• A super-insulated flat roof has been installed, complete with a large lantern to flood the space with natural light.
• The dark chocolate brickwork contrasts beautifully with the white frames, creating a clean, modern finish.
• Added details include a custom cat step for easy access and an extended extractor through the fascia to retain full kitchen functionality.
• Keep an eye out for final photos in May/June.

• Fitting is now complete on this conservatory roof upgrade, with just a missing roof cap identified during our snagging process.
• Boarding has started, with plastering scheduled over the weekend to bring the space to a move-in-ready finish.
• This is exactly why we carry out a full snag walkthrough – ensuring everything is picked up before final handover.
• And for those wondering – all site waste will be removed by our disposal team, with a full clean carried out so the space is ready to move into once complete.
• Look out for this one on our case studies page next month.

• A major delivery has arrived on site, marking the start of this exciting orangery project.
• Bricks and internal steel systems have been delivered in advance, ensuring all structural elements are signed off and ready for building control before work begins.
• A goal post system will be installed around the bifold doors, adding both strength and a high-quality finish.
• Keep an eye on this one as it starts to take shape over the coming weeks.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

Foundations Down, Structures Up & Drainage Challenges Solved

This week we’re laying foundations for new extensions, completing a lean-to conservatory structure, and tackling complex drainage work. Across Worthing, Christchurch, and Southampton, projects are progressing through very different stages.

Let’s get stuck in!

• We’re back with a previous customer on this project, building a new extension down the side and across the front of the house.
• Planning permission was approved at the end of last year, and groundwork is now underway.
• Footings have been completed on the side extension this week, while the front extension has already been poured and brickwork is beginning to rise.
• It’s always great returning to work with existing customers as we help convert their garage into a proper usable room as part of the project.

• The conservatory structure has now been fully fitted with a smart modern lean-to design.
• A box gutter and false back allow the roof to neatly join onto the existing bungalow roofline.
• The base has now been damp-proofed and insulated, ensuring the space stays warm and dry, with insulated cavity walls creating a comfortable year-round room.

• This project started with significant underground drainage work to reroute an existing sewer pipe.
• Before starting, we secured a full build-over agreement from the water company and created a detailed plan for the work.
• During installation we coordinated with neighbours to temporarily avoid pipe usage while connections were made, allowing the system to be rerouted and fully operational again by the end of the day with minimal disruption.
• With the drainage now complete and better weather ahead, the structure can begin to rise quickly.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.

Roof Structures Rising & Quick Turnarounds on Site

This week we’re seeing builds move from structure to usable space. In Bradley Stoke, frames and roof installation are underway, in Crawley a large insulated roof is complete, and in Christchurch fitting has begun on a red-brick conservatory conversion.

See the project below!

• Great progress this week as frames and roof installation have begun.
• A ¾ height wall on the left-hand side provides functional wall space while still allowing plenty of natural light as the sun moves around the garden.
• Wide French doors are being positioned on the right to open the space up fully.
• We discovered the house and garage weren’t perfectly square – something that happens – but a replacement frame has already been turned around and is arriving today to keep fitting on track.

• A large insulated roof has now been installed on this roof-only conversion.
• Completed in just one week and made watertight within days, we’ve been able to protect the existing base and walls.
• The super-insulated roof transforms this space into a true year-round room, with plastering and electrics scheduled for next week.

• Walls are now complete in a stunning red brick, giving the customer the option to paint in the future to match the house.
• Frames have been delivered and fitting has started today, ensuring a smooth transition from brickwork to installation – keeping the overall project time shorter so the customer can move in sooner.
• A neat step has been built from the doors down to ground level, finished with a patio slab supplied by the customer, completing this simple but highly functional conservatory conversion.

That’s a Wrap For This Week

That’s it for this week’s round-up! It’s always exciting to see these spaces take shape. From first foundations to final finishes. Whether you’re mid-project, just getting started, or simply gathering ideas, we hope these updates give you a clear view of what’s possible.

👉 Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our team. We’ll help you explore ideas, understand the process, and see what’s possible for your home.

Check back next week for more real progress from real homes – From The Ground Up.