2021 Master Builder Awards

Radford Construction Services Ltd converted this old farmhouse loft into a luxury bridal suite with a large bathroom. The project saw them overcome a series of challenges including the limited space available, awkward spatial properties and limited access to the property. Working closely with their client right from the early design stages, the team have added twin showers, a large roll-top bath and twin sinks as well as a waterproof TV and mood lighting with surround-sound music. The judges described it as a “fantastic creation” and were impressed by the “brilliant communication and relationship with the client.”

Find out more about Radford Construction Services Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

When company owner and director, Ian Curry – a 30-year FMB veteran – suffered a heart attack in September 2019, he and his team showed tremendous resilience to continue delivering for their clients and for each other. The judges noted that even with the additional obstacles presented by the pandemic, this is a business that has continued to grow and thrive, even taking on a new joinery apprentice to help them with an order book that is already filling up well into 2022. They praised I J Curry & Son’s recognition of the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of their employees, and their “solid financials to support a good family business.”

Find out more about I J Curry & Son Ltd.

Radford Construction Services Ltd converted this farmhouse into a stunning stand-alone wedding venue complete with a ceremony room, large function space, five en-suite bedrooms for guests, and a professional kitchen. The judges noted that the main challenges came from dealing with the fabric of the existing building and incorporating modern services and features within an aged structure. Radford Construction was heavily involved in the evolution of the design from the initial consultation and developed an excellent relationship with the client who was delighted with the finished renovation.

Find out more about Radford Construction Services Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

McKnight & Son Builders demolished an old Victorian farmhouse to build a stunning, modern family home. The building work took place in the middle of a fully functioning farm, and McKnight & Son Builders exercised great care in looking out for the welfare of the local livestock, as well as the preservation of several centuries-old trees which also occupied this site. Designed with sustainability and modern technology in-mind, the new home makes use of digitally controlled heat pumps and an integrated heat recovery system to maximise energy efficiency. Constructed using recycled materials to reduce waste, the judges described the finished product as a “stylish well-proportioned family home”.

Find out more about McKnight & Son Builders.

This impressive renovation of a derelict cruck barn saw Carrock Homes create a bespoke, energy-efficient home for their client. Using traditional techniques so as not to disrupt the building’s historic character, the team lovingly restored the original oak frames before implementing modern air-source heating technology. A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system has also been routed through the air ducts to provide hot water at virtually no cost whatsoever to the client, who was delighted with the results, stating: “The wow-factor stops us in our tracks daily and makes us realise how fortunate we were to have found a company with such vision and professionalism”. 

Find out more about Carrock Homes Ltd. 

McKnight & Son Builders added an extension to this 400-year-old Grade II Listed barn, which was originally constructed using a rare historic method of clay dabbing, to meet their client’s needs for a new kitchen, day room and shower facility. The judges were struck by the way the extension stands in complete contrast with the existing building, but still complements its aesthetic. McKnight impressed the judges with their attention to detail throughout the build and their considered approach to material choices, earning the following praise: “This is a beautiful, functional contemporary extension. Some great choices, and a great outcome! “

Find out more about McKnight & Son Builders.

Radford Construction Services were called upon by a former client who they helped some 12 years ago, to create some extra space with this unique conversion of an old cowshed into a two-bedroom home. Unfazed by the access challenges the property presented, the team worked closely with their client to design and create the new space, carefully considering material usage to ensure, it blended seamlessly into the existing building. The judges liked the abundance of natural light throughout the home and were impressed by the excellent communication on display between builder and client from start to finish.

Find out more about Radford Construction Services Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer. 

Carrock Homes Ltd were more than up to the challenging task of converting this historic cruck barn into a modern, energy-efficient family home. After the careful restoration of the original oak frames using traditional construction techniques long-forgotten by most contemporary builders, Carrock installed a raft of modern technological features including an air-source heat pump, sustainable drainage and a ventilation system. This Master Builder’s diligence impressed the judges and their client, who stated: “Carrock have more than accommodated our lifestyle needs and wants beyond our expectations.”

Find out more about Carrock Homes Ltd. 

Andrew considers himself a craftsman rather than a tradesman, taking great pride in the high standards of work he can always be depended upon to deliver. He is known for always making himself available to others to give advice, and colleagues have expressed appreciation for the way he and his wife Michelle have reached out to those who have struggled through the recent pandemic. He impressed the judges not just by zip-wiring off the Tyne Bridge for charity, but also with a superb testimonial from his clients that read: “The FMB should be very proud to have him as a member as he epitomises everything they stand for".

Find out more about Radford Construction Services Ltd.