These clients had sold their business in Cumbria and moved to the West Country where they now breed dogs. The existing house was not in the best condition, poorly laid out and of no architectural merit. Adding an extension and major refurbishment were considered but that would have been costly and full of compromise. So they decided to demolish and start afresh.

Our clients had originally approached a local architect but his proposal failed to capture their imagination and it took so long to appear that they dispensed with his services and contacted Design & Materials.

Our Regional Manager, Ian Watson arranged an initial consultation to get to know each other, discuss what the clients wanted to achieve and to establish the key factors involved. He then provided them with a draft budget and left them to consider where to go from there. Happy that they were on the right track they invited Ian to return and carry out a Feasibility Study (see Design & Planning section.)

Ian says, "In the open countryside the general rule for replacement dwellings is an increase in 'footprint' of c30% and I calculated that this would enable them to build something in the region of 200 m2. Looking at similar case studies the clients felt that a house of that size could satisfy most of their requirements and it also fitted the budget.

The clients were much taken by the style and appearance of a house built by past clients in Scotland and that was used as starting point for the design process. With consideration of the clients' wish list and the orientation of the plot Beverley prepared an entirely new layout whilst retaining the shape and look of the donor design. We were almost there and following a few tweaks the clients had their ideal layout. The planers also liked the design and full permission was duly granted".

We quickly submitted for Building Regulations approval and Ian arranged for a selection of local builders to provide firm quotes for labour in conjunction with our fixed price materials supply service. Ian and our Materials Manager, Dan guided the clients through the many options and a final specification was agreed.

Our clients are delighted with their new home. At the end of each project we send our clients a questionnaire and they kindly marked our service 9 out of 10.

We pride ourselves on bespoke considerate design, quality materials, value, choice and a high level of customer service built up over four decades in the business. If you are thinking of building a new home, talk to us.