Full Home Refurbishment with Extensions and Loft Conversion

Project Overview

The homeowners had just bought a semi-detached two-storey house in Kingston upon Thames. While the property had potential, it was in poor condition and did not meet the needs of their growing family. They wanted a complete renovation to turn the house into their forever home, complete with new spaces and modern features.

The project scope was extensive. It included a rear single-storey extension, a double-storey side extension, a garage and loft conversion, and landscaping. Inside, every part of the house was redesigned and rebuilt, from flooring and walls to windows, doors, and utilities. The goal was to create a modern, spacious, and light-filled home with enough room for the whole family.

Design & Planning

The project went through the complete Refresh process:

• Concept Design: Initial design ideas were developed in collaboration with the family to ensure the new home would meet all their needs and requirements.
• Planning Permission: A complete householder planning application was submitted to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and successfully approved.
• Working Drawings & Costing: Once planning was secured, detailed drawings and costs were finalised. This step made sure that the project could move forward without surprises.

The planning phase also focused on sustainability and budget management. The family wanted superior finishes and modern comfort, but costs had to be carefully managed since they were also paying rent for another property during the renovation.

Project Execution

Once approvals were in place, the build began. The work included:

• Demolition: Old structures and outdated interiors were removed to prepare the house for new construction.
• Extensions & Conversions: The rear and side extensions were built, and the loft and garage were converted into usable living spaces. These additions provided much-needed bedrooms, living areas, and storage.
• Utilities & Services: Upgrades were carried out on gas, heating, plumbing, and electrics to bring everything up to modern standards.
• Roof & Windows: New roofing and large glazed sliding doors were installed. Symmetrical triangle windows above the doors filled the living space with natural light.
• Interior Works: Custom joinery, plastering, painting, and flooring were completed. An updated lighting plan was introduced, and all rooms were finished to a high standard.
• Landscaping: Exterior works completed the transformation, tying the home and garden together.

The project required careful coordination of many trades, including builders, roofers, electricians, plumbers, glaziers, painters, joiners, and more.

Challenges Overcome

This project faced several challenges, many caused by COVID-19:

• Material Shortages: The pandemic disrupted supply chains, causing delays in the delivery of essential materials. The Refresh team leveraged strong supplier relationships to secure stock as early as possible.
  
  
• Lockdowns: Work had to stop during lockdowns. Once restrictions were lifted, teams worked in parallel wherever possible, while following strict safety measures like PPE and welfare compliance.
  
  
• Budget Pressures: With the clients paying both rent and a mortgage, finances were stretched. The Refresh team worked flexibly, finding cost savings on materials and reviewing the scope to cut costs without compromising quality.
  
  

Despite these difficulties, clear communication and creative problem-solving kept the project on track.

Client Experience

The clients sought a professional and trustworthy team to manage the project, as they were busy working parents with limited time for project management. Their previous experiences with single-trade jobs were mixed, so they appreciated having a one-stop service with Refresh, managing everything from start to finish.

They valued the transparency around budget and timelines, and felt reassured that every step was being handled with care. Even with the COVID-related setbacks, the clients felt supported throughout and were kept fully informed.

Final Results

The result was a beautifully transformed family home. Highlights include:

• Spacious new living areas created through smart extensions.
• A pitched roof with triangle windows floods the kitchen and living space with natural light.
• A seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, thanks to large glazed doors.
• Comfortable, modern interiors with quality finishes and thoughtful design details.

What started as a house in poor condition is now a tailor-made home designed for the family’s future. It provides style, space, and functionality, meeting the needs of every growing household.

Final Thoughts

The project showcases how Refresh UK can handle the complexities of a large project and deliver it in no time. Even with challenges, the team planned and executed to the fullest, achieving the desired result with finesse.