2023 Master Builder Awards

A small project with a big impact, Swiss Build Ltd extended the lower ground floor of their client’s home, linking it with an outbuilding to create a spacious open living space. Vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of light and space, and floors were set at the same height as the patio to create flow into the garden.

The renovation included a traditional-style kitchen and an oak beam installation, in keeping with the home’s traditional feel and village location. They also installed a practical utility and cloakroom, sitting and dining area, bifold doors, roof windows and a quirky circular window – giving the new space plenty of character. When they weren’t able to save the original tiles as requested by the client, they took care to source reclaimed slate to achieve a close match.

The clients praised Swiss Build Ltd’s quality and professionalism. ‘From the moment we approached Swiss Build, we were confident we had chosen the right company. They suggested changes to the design that we had in mind and created the perfect room for our family’s needs. 'The judges put the project’s success down to ‘an excellent relationship between the builder and the client’ and agreed it’s ‘a project that ticks all the boxes from achieving customer satisfaction to creating a fabulous new addition to the clients’ home'.

Find out more about Swiss Build Ltd.

Excel Home Design Lid delivered an outstanding result with this winning kitchen project, where the concept was to create an open plan living space that flows seamlessly into a new kitchen extension and patio.

Excel installed a large lantern roof and Crittal-style glazing to let natural light flood into the space. But with such a large expanse of glazing, care was taken to place an emphasis on energy efficiency and creating a comfortable living environment.

The biggest challenge of the build was the limited access to the site. The team needed to dig deep foundations due to building regulations, but with no access for a dumper truck, this could prove to be very labour intensive. To overcome the issue, the team used two mini-dumper trucks, with three operatives receiving training specifically for this task.

The judges commented ‘The company and particularly the project manager were at the core of this project, not only making suggestions to the clients based on their experience but also communicating regularly to help them feel supported through the whole process and it appears it was a seamless one’

The owners added: ‘Ni allwn ganmol Russell a’i dîm o weithwyr mwy am gwblhau'r estyniad i’r gegin/ystafell . Roedd y gweithwyr yn frwd ac yn brydlon ac yn broffesiynol dros ben. Fel pobl brysur nid oedd amser gennym i drefnu gweithwyr gwahanol i ymweld â’r safle. Roedd Russell wedi trefnu popeth ac felly roedd y broses yn llyfn.’

(We cannot praise Russell and his staff more for completing the kitchen/living room extension. The workers were enthusiastic, prompt and extremely professional. As busy people we didn't have time to organise different workers to visit the site. Russell had organised everything and therefore made the process smooth.)

Find out more about Excel Home Design Ltd.

In taking on the design and renovation of this period property in Hayes, Middlesex, Aspen were able to right some design wrongs by stripping out the additions made by a previous unsympathetic renovation, and inject both period character and practical contemporary features. They re-wired the property and added period panelling finishes, traditional cast iron radiators, upgraded the sash windows and added contemporary glass work to bring light into darker hallway areas.

As the building material crisis hit, Aspen were able to produce bespoke fixtures and fittings where supplier had let them down. Their client commented: ‘I would recommend the team for their combined expertise, high standard of workmanship and overall approach. The ability to stay connected and relate to us as clients was what stood out for us.’

Our panel of independent judges praised the level of research that had been done into this sympathetic renovation.

Find out more about Aspen Dv Ltd.

This kitchen renovation project in Ballyclare saw James Wylie Building & Joinery introduce an abundance of space and light where their client can cook, dine and socialise with family and friends. 

A well-positioned roof lantern now illuminates the space, and clever use of artificial lighting along with a unique bulkhead over the kitchen island makes it appear much larger than it really is. 

The build was not without its engineering challenges, but this builder worked well with a structural engineer and the architect to ensure it was delivered without issue.

The client was impressed by the team’s positive approach to problem-solving and was able to live in the property throughout the build process. 

The judges loved the high standard of workmanship shown through the project and complimented the builder’s approach to solving the technical challenges which presented themselves. 

Find out more about James Wylie Building & Joinery. 

The team at Cheshire Building and joinery Ltd whipped up a delight for the homeowner of this project in Altrincham – a side and rear kitchen extension to help her run her cake making business from home, which also caters to the needs of a growing family.  

The team offered a full design and build service, aided by inspiration from Pinterest boards provided by the owner, and the results exceeded expectations and fit the brief of a commercial kitchen on a family scale. Keeping to a limited budget, they delivered Crittall-style French doors, VELUX windows, a bespoke handmade kitchen fitted with commercial appliances (but without an industrial look), skirting boards templated to match the existing ones and a wet underfloor heating system to keep family toes warm. 

The team hit a few setbacks with planning in this historic market town, which led to them altering the design from a full wraparound extension to the current layout. However, they pride themselves on the relationships with their clients and communication was key in helping to manage expectations.  

Their client commented that ‘Paul and his team have done a fantastic job and we cannot thank them enough. It was a pleasure having the team here. We’ll definitely be using them again for any future work.’ 

Find out more about Cheshire Building and Joinery Ltd. 

CTJ Services Ltd removed a dated old conservatory from this period seaside property, replacing it with a new sunroom for their client, featuring double-glazed wooden sash windows and rooflights to make the most of the views and sunny location. 

Outside, the green windows and oiled timber cladding fit seamlessly with the original home. Inside, detailed tiles and bespoke joinery fit make a link to the age of the home. The client had a unique vision in mind for the finished room that CTJ Services Ltd was attentive to and happy to create. 

The team’s biggest challenge was the property’s hillside position, with no level access to the house, so all materials for the build had to be carried up by hand. They hit issues with the foundations, having to dig them a lot deeper than expected to find the hardpan, and also needed to dig a new soakaway in the garden to address an issue with limited drainage – hiring a Manitou to lift a mini-digger into the garden. 

The judges commended their problem-solving: ‘Whilst a very small project, this to me demonstrates exactly what builders can (and do) do on a regular basis. Working under challenges but delivering a great build which is totally in sync with the building and its surroundings.’ 

Find out more about CTJ Services Ltd. 

Oakston Solutions Limited were tasked with creating a useable outdoor living space with multiple functions, including a barbeque area, bar, hot tub, seating and cloakroom. They made the most of the space with an L-shaped garden room with bi-fold doors flowing on to the deck. Privacy was considered with the inclusion of a cedar screen. The result was a social space with exceptional flow and useability.

The team maintained an excellent relationship with their clients with regular meetings to address budget changes and walk through the tasks for each day. The judging panel commended the use of multiple techniques to add concealed lighting with no compromise to the design.

The clients commented: ‘We have had trouble in the past with tradesmen but our faith has now been restored. We are over the moon with our new space and getting a lot of use out of it all year round.’

Find out more about Oakston Solutions Limited, which is also an FMB insurance customer

As part of a larger renovation project, P C Builders Ltd were entrusted with the cosmetic upgrades needed for this small holiday let property situated within the grounds of the main property.

The work was a late-stage addition to the main build, and the builders worked hard to slot this into their schedule. The judges praised their approach to accommodate this additional work, with the builders viewing it as a positive, stating that they ‘see it as a compliment that they would like to work with us further.‘

To keep costs to a minimum without compromising on quality or continuity with the main build,  existing features were re-used wherever possible – including reconfiguring and updating kitchen cabinets, working with an existing bathroom suite and using décor touches to add personality and warmth – like the addition of panelling and wallpaper in the bedroom.

Find out more about P C Builders Ltd, which is also an FMB insurance customer.