2023 Master Builder Awards

Built as a kitchen extension to a 17th century farmhouse, this breath-taking project manages to bring modernity into this historic home without disrupting its character. One of the most eyecatching aspects is the beautifully crafted brick and flint gable end wall; a highly attractive feature when viewed from the garden.

Despite changes to the original design being introduced partway through the project, R J Bacon Builders maintained continuous communication with the client to ensure a smooth delivery via video updates and fortnightly onsite meetings.

Their client appreciated their 'can-do' attitude and the expert guidance regarding material selections, which resulted in a kitchen which was 'better than we could ever have expected.' The judges praised the work done to integrate the extension with the existing structure, describing the build as an 'excellent heritage project'.

Find out more about R J Bacon Builders Ltd.

For their winning project, the Excel Home Design Ltd team worked with their client to design a light and spacious kitchen that accommodates the future mobility requirements of a family member who has Alzheimer's.

Made to measure kitchen cabinets provide ample storage, with a central island at the heart of the kitchen. Light quartz worktops and large scale flooring tiles provide a sense of space and natural light floods the room, with a bespoke lighting system providing illumination to set the mood after dark.

Clear communication helped to deliver the project on time, with daily and weekly meetings with the clients and stakeholders to review progress and scope what needed to be achieved. This gave the team a clear idea of direction, as well as the motivation to deliver amazing results, which speak for themselves. The judges lauded the ‘beautifully finished and excellent design’ along with the ‘superb workmanship and detailing.’

Their happy client said: ‘Thank you so very much Excel Homes, everybody that has visited since we moved in has commented on the excellent quality and workmanship of our new home.’

Find out more about Excel Home Design Ltd.

Hawksmoor's work on this property in Hackney saw them give their client's home a new heart, moving the kitchen to the rear of the property where those inside could enjoy the view out onto the garden.

The limestone worktops American Cherry hardwood doors combine well for a wonderful aesthetic, and an integrated larder unit now offers storage space for those everyday essentials.

With COVID-19 hitting the UK just as the project got underway, the build was not without its challenges. Thankfully though due to diligent planning and excellent project management, costs and timescales were kept in check and the client was informed and reassured at every stage.

The judges were impressed by the workmanship on display and the professionalism in handling challenges during the project, describing it as a 'very high quality kitchen with impressive bespoke joinery, beautifully designed'.

Find out more about Hawksmoor Construction Ltd, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

This project in East Belfast saw Nickell & Richmond demolish an existing property to make way for a new, bespoke, detached, three-storey family home. 

One of the key highlights is the rear of the house and in particular the kitchen / living / dining area, comprised of a single-storey section clad in black cement fibre sheeting, panels of reclaimed brick salvaged from the original house and a flat roof fitted with a sedum moss covering. 

The kitchen area is flooded with natural light thanks to 3m high glazed window panels with a lift-and-slide patio door, which glides open smoothly onto a landscaped outdoor area. Matching ceramic tiles inside and out create a wonderful aesthetic and a bespoke roof light combines with frameless wraparound glazing panels to allow additional light into the space. 

The judges described the finished result as a ‘beautiful and excellently designed and exceptionally well finished kitchen’.

Find out more about Nickell & Richmond. 

J C Building Services' work on this property in Ulverston involved the complete strip out of their client’s existing kitchen, with the removal of an internal structural wall and replacement of rotten ceiling joists. They also undertook a complete re-plumbing, rewire and replastering of the room. 

During the course of the works, a stone arch was discovered. Their client loved the feature so they restored it to its former glory and created a matching pillar, leaving it exposed as part of the new aesthetic. 

The new kitchen features a 5m x 1.5m island seating 10 people with matching porcelain countertops, a sink and a white induction hob. The island is lit by LED tape and there is also a concealed, walk-in pantry and triple breakfast cupboard with slide and hide-pocket doors. 

The client stated that ‘J C Building Contractors were a pleasure to work with. All the guys on the project were polite, friendly, and professional throughout.’ 

Find out more about J C Building Services.  

As part of a larger house renovation undertaken by Sheraton Design & Build Ltd, the aim of this kitchen project was to transform the existing space by adding an extension and installing a new high spec kitchen with luxury features such as an eye-height double oven and concealed breakfast and drinks station in a built-in pantry. 

One of the challenges faced by the team was a late-stage decision to add underfloor heating. The extension had already been built, including the concrete floor which would need to be broken to install the heating Sheraton were able to prioritise the clients’ needs to make this happen.  

The judges noted the fact that ‘the company went above and beyond to help the client get the job done, offering to house them and also sending ideas for the design, great finished project’.  

 Find out more about Sheraton Design & build Ltd. 

The brief for Thistle Trade Group Ltd was to create a minimalist, multi-functional space for their client. It needed to include a dining area, a chill-out zone and a fully kitted-out kitchen that allowed them to entertain family and friends.  

An existing conservatory was demolished to make room for a new extension, with large windows flowing onto the outside space and two large skylights, taking advantage of natural light. The dining area features bespoke shelving, and the kitchen houses luxurious touches including a wine cooler and hot water tap. Smart lighting and underfloor heating can be controlled in different zones. 

The judges were impressed with Thistle Trade Group Ltd’s ability to deliver a quality build on time, despite some challenges, including issues with sourcing windows with a high enough U-value and the ceiling height above the kitchen cabinets. They judges said: ‘The builder’s willingness to go the extra mile was evident in the time spent before the project to gain a clear understanding of their client's wishes - something that has clearly paid off due to their enduring relationship.’ 

Find out more about Thistle Trade Group Ltd, which is also an FMB insurance customer. 

Dale Chadwick Carpentry & Construction's work on this property in Exeter saw them create a spacious new open plan kitchen and diner area which now serves as the focal point for their client's home, connecting to the back garden, the kids' playroom, and the office.

The vaulted ceiling and ridge light glazing bathe the kitchen in natural light and illuminate beautiful features including an island packed with storage, power outlets and a sink. The striking worktop finish is matched in made-to-order units and doors plus custom housing for a drying cupboard, ensuring a uniform aesthetic and flow throughout the new room.

The judges loved the modern look achieved by the builder, resulting from the excellent relationship with the client, who was empowered to make great stylistic choices thanks to the provision of sample materials and considerate advice from the team.

Find out more about Dale Chadwick Carpentry & Construction Ltd, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

This project involved the modernisation of a newly purchased farmhouse kitchen to upgrade the features whilst still maintaining a traditional look and feel.

Bagshots provided their client with 3D visuals to help inform their stylistic choices prior to commencing works, before adding a raft of solid oak features integrated with bespoke furniture for a truly unique look. The team added a downdraft hob to eliminate the need for an overhead extractor, and even manufactured a solid oak stable-style door along with aged oak cladding over the rolled steel joist (RSJ) (a beam commonly used for structural steelwork) in their workshop.

The judges were impressed with the dedication the builder showed in conducting daily visits and involving the clients in each step of the renovation journey, ultimately yielding a vast improvement on the original kitchen.

Find out more about Bagshots Ltd, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

The kitchen project in Ruddington, Nottingham was part of the renovation of an historic toll booth which dates back some 200 years, with a view to producing an energy efficient, modern family home.

Despite the technical challenges associated with working on such an old building, IPSUM (UK) Ltd worked hard to realise their client’s vision for a well-lit, open plan family kitchen which could also serve as a focal point for the home and a space for entertaining.

The new space features a large kitchen island, and a direct view of the beautiful rear garden and nearby woodland. Another key highlight is the former toll house wall, which has been carefully restored and now takes pride of place in this modern kitchen.

The client loved the finished result, and stated ‘We would have no hesitation in recommending IPSUM to friends and family, which we have already done. Well done IPSUM and thank you…’.

Find out more about IPSUM (UK) Ltd.