In this series of articles by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), we will showcase some of the highly commended entries in the Master Builder of the Year Awards. In this article, we’re looking at those firms which were recognised for the ‘medium renovation project’ (projects costing between £50,000 and £150,000).
The Master Builder Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of Master Builders, showcasing examples from across the UK of high-quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service and building excellence. Now in their 14th year, the awards help to recognise the significant contribution that small and medium-sized (SME) building firms make to the construction industry.
Tricklebank has a saying in its company: “There is only one way and that’s the right way”, and their renovation and refurbishment of a Cheshire barn captures that perfectly. This project successfully preserves the property’s character but adds a twist of contemporary country chic for a stunning finish. The team worked closely with the client to understand their dream and held weekly on-site meetings to this end. When it comes to building work, there are always unexpected challenges, and as part of this conversion, the team had to resolve a 65 mm sag in the joints for the entire first floor.
The Master Builder Awards are all about rewarding quality craftsmanship, and Tricklebank excelled here by setting up an on-site workshop to produce bespoke built-in cupboards, wardrobes and bathroom units. Managing Director Martin Silcock said: “In all honesty, although this project would not be considered ground breaking, I feel it shows the true nature of what the FMB stands for”.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, M G Developments has been highly commended for its work updating a family home with a kitchen/living area and first floor extension. The team worked closely with the client and architect to maintain that all-important channel of communication, and this helped Directors Peter, Oliver and John McGarel to deliver a top-quality project for them. M G Developments cleared several obstacles including building around on-going family life and maintaining access and functionality of their kitchen. The team also had to avoided weather damage when cutting into the first-floor bedroom and even had to build new foundations that required the excavation of rock below. The project was highly-commended because the firm added an exceptional space to a treasured family home, and installed high-quality insulation while they were at it.
Finally, Surrey builders Adobe Building Services received special recognition for its kitchen/diner extension. Speaking to the project’s success, Adobe Building owner Ryan Meager, said: “It’s been one of our favourite projects to date and we look forward to keeping in touch with the clients”. Indeed, key to this success was understanding the customer’s vision and delivering a contemporary exterior for the extension blended with the existing older property. The unexpected challenge, which became a theme among all highly-commended entries, was that the drawings didn’t show the true height of the exterior once the crank steel had been installed. The team responded to this by increasing the height of the external and internal doors for a slim and elegant aesthetic. Additional features that made this an excellent extension were the maximisation of light, the bespoke timber internal doors and, finally, the underfloor heating.
