Phone: 01297 32380

Email: Procbuild2002@hotmail.com

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External view of award winning green oak timber framed house.
The customer asked if we could bring the outside into the house. This was achieved by adding windows wherever possible.
Rear view of green oak timber framed house.
The car parking and driveway were landscaped and a porch added to shelter the back door.
The view from the access driveway shows the glass wall on the front elevation.
Commanding views of the valley from the living room.
View from the mezzanine floor in the house looking down on the living room.
Impressive oak timbers were intentionally left on show, the glass roof windows allow light to flood in.
Oak timbers held together with tenon joints and oak pegs.
The oak will create its own colour and harden as it ages.
This picture showcases the tenon joints.
Insulation was added to the roof and then clad in with timber that is now painted red.
View of the mezzanine banister and oak flooring.
A private gallery and office is on the mezzanine, a kitchen is below.
Sweeping oak roof timbers reinforce the structure.
All structural timbers were oak and left on show. FMB new home award winners 2004.

Green Oak Timber Framed Homes

Name: A. J. Proctor Builders Ltd.
Telephone: 01297 32380

Completed in 2004, this bespoke, architecturally distinctive new-build residence was constructed using traditional green oak timber.

The structural framework is assembled entirely without screws, bolts, or metal fixings, utilizing oak pegs and tenon joints for a durable and authentic finish.

Numerous windows have been incorporated to maximize natural light and enhance the interior ambiance.

The property is equipped with ground-source underfloor heating, one of the first installations of its kind in the United Kingdom.

This project was recognized with an award from the Federation of Master Builders in acknowledgment of its craftsmanship and innovative design.

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Land was reduced in height by about 12 feet and a new retaining wall and footing added.
A steel frame was erected on the concrete footing.
Reinforced concrete retaining wall goes down about 4 feet to underpin the old stone wall.
Retaining wall diminishes in height as the land reduces in height.
Floor was added and sits on sleeper walls, air is allowed to circulate beneath the floor.
Periscope vents were added to allow air to get beneath the floor without letting light in to prevent plant growth beneath the floors.
Steel framed extension was finished with powder coated aluminium cladding to give it a clean and easy to maintain finish.
The entire building can be washed down to remove any debris from the near by trees and salt spray from the sea.
Large patio area and aluminium glass sliding doors finished the exterior and allows light to flood in.
The views of Lyme Regis and the famous cob can be enjoyed from the large windows.
Internal view of the extension. A large fireplace was added to complete the look.
Lyme Regis cob is visible from the windows and can be enjoyed year round as all the walls have doors that can be opened.
View back to the rest of the house via a connecting corridor.
Corridor is also steel framed and glass making the walk from the house to the extension pleasant.
View down the corridor to the extension.
To take full advantage of the view the decision was taken to raise the floor of the extension by about 12 inches.
Traditional kitchen connects to the glass corridor.
Marble worktops and an electric AGA were added to complete the look.
A large and well equipped kitchen with marble work tops and island.
The kitchen is the gateway to the rest of the property, and is absolutely stunning.
Kitchen as viewed from the extension.
Dining area with solid wooden floors and under floor heating throughout.
The view of the corridor from the kitchen.
The glass and steel extension allows light to flood in to the property.
In 2025 the customer requested that the chimney was to be removed. Whilst removing the chimney it was decided to render the wall.
The wall was rendered with Silicone Hybrid Render - adding to the thermal value of the house and waterproofing too.
This chimney was leaking water into the property and was not in use, so removal was an option.
The pointing was in a good state of repair but the cold air in the chimney was causing condensation in the house.
Chimney part removed, the void in the chimney trapped cold air causing condensation in the house.
There are several ways to resolve the damp issues, (insulation, removal, filling with vermiculite & cement) removal was chosen.
The chimney was fully removed and capped off, insulated and new timbers were added.
Finally, the roof was slated and a new ridge tile added to complete the removal.
Base coat Silicone Hybrid Render application.
It was decided to render the wall and add waterproofing all in one process. This is the base coat.
Silicone Hybrid Render completed and chimney removed.
The glass handrail was replaced and down pipe reinstated. This will never need to be painted or maintained.

Steel Framed Extension Lyme Regis 2020

FMB runner up - general build category.

A steel-framed extension featuring large glass panels and sliding doors, complemented by substantial external landscaping, earned us our second FMB award.

Aluminium cladding was selected for its enhanced weatherproofing capabilities and resistance to the salt air prevalent in Lyme Regis.

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Lead flashing to connect the 2 roof lines.
A change of levels on the roof line breaks the ridge on the house and makes for a more aesthetically pleasing roof line.
Rainbow staircase handrail spindles, steel stairs and stair lift..
Rainbow staircase handrail spindles brighten up any home, Paul our painter has painted these on several properties.
Refreshing handrail spindles & stair lift.
Rainbow staircase handrail spindles with white handrails look very fresh. Paul our painter has painted these on several properties.
External view of larch timber framed extension as viewed from the access track and driveway in Axminster, disabled accommodation.
Accessible extension for disabled people. Wider wheelchair accessible doors.

Timber Framed Cedar Clad Extension 2025

Extension for disabled pensioner suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

This well made and substantial extension has access to the main house and is intended for a disabled lady who has Parkinson's disease.

As she deteriorates this will become her main living accommodation. The build enclosed an existing steel fire escape that had to be kept as it had a stair lift installed to access the first floor. A wheelchair ramp will be added as required in the future.

The downstairs has a bedroom, accessible bathroom and utility room and the upstairs is a large reading room with VELUX roof windows.

This extension is well insulated in the floor, walls and roof and is exceptionally warm inside.

The timber cladding is larch, a soft wood that will last many years without the need for painting or ongoing maintenance.

The team at A. J. Proctor Builders Ltd. did a fantastic job on the extension. I can now sleep, shower and access the kitchen and living room as they are all in close proximity.

The workmanship is precise and detailed and the finish is excellent.

I am over the moon with the results. Many thanks indeed.

Mrs. C. - Axminster 2025

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Render on the right is new Silicone Hybrid Render. Left is original cement based render.
Original cement based render.
Original cement based render had cracks and was allowing water ingress.
Silicone Hybrid Render base coat application.
Finished Application of Silicone Hybrid Render to weatherproof wall.
We added a bell cast bead to create a drip half way up the wall, this reduces cracking and allows for expansion.
Side elevation was also insulated externally then rendered with Silicone Hybrid Render.
Insulating the inside wall was not possible so external wall insulation was used.
Gas combi boiler was installed and enclosed in a wall cupboard.
Gas combi boiler was installed and enclosed in a wall cupboard.
A new front and rear door were added as well as all windows being replaced. The door is a UPVC wood composite door.
Garage had a new metal roof and timbers fitted.
Garage windows were bricked up and a new metal roof fitted.
External view of garage new metal roof fitted.

House Renovation & External Rendering

Axminster 2024

A customer required their property to be modernized and updated with a view to renting it out. New kitchen and bathroom, all electrical circuits replaced, new radiators, boiler and all floor coverings were replaced. The entire house was then repainted and the external walls rendered and a new metal roof was added to the garage. We also replaced the slate roof on the rear and most of the facia and barge boards.

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Flint barn conversion from former stables.
Building is finished in local flint that has been picked from the surrounding fields.
Local fossil from Charmouth incorporated into the stone wall.
Wall is built from local flint from the surrounding fields.
Archway to secret garden and BBQ area.
A small bridge over the stream and through the gate to a patio area.
A stone BBQ and patio area with seating.
A relaxing spot with a large meadow and views over the valley.

Stone Stable Conversion 2004

Into a 2 Bedroom Holiday Cottage

A flint stone barn that had been used as a stable for many years was in need of renovation. The customer decided to change use on the building and use it as a holiday cottage.

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Kitchen Installations - Assorted 2004 - Current

A selection of different kitchen installations.

We install kitchens of all shapes, sizes and constructions, we have 3 carpenters on staff and 2 plumbers so there is little we cannot do. Below are a selection of pictures from an assortment of installations from 2004 to present.

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1: Room is stripped back and cleaned ready for insulation.
The insulation chosen is solid slabs with foil, this offers very good insulation and damp prevention.
2: The first layer of insulation is added between the joists, rafters and other obstacles.
Filling the voids is important as any void creates a cold area, this will cause damp later on if not filled.
3: The second layer of insulation is put on in larger slabs, reducing the potential for gaps.
Larger sheets provide several benefits including better R values, smoother finished surfaces but take time to install.
4: The second layer of insulation is complete.
This is now ready for plasterboard, due to the height of the building pink fireboard is chosen for fire protection.
5: Fireboard application on all surfaces to be plastered. This provides about 30 minutes of fire protection.
Due to the height of the building, (3 floors) fire prevention and protection are important concerns.
6: The room is plastered and after a period of drying is ready to be painted.
This is one of three rooms that we insulated in a property in Sidmouth, it is now warmer and a useable space for the homeowner.

Insulating existing loft conversion - 2024

Our customer in Sidmouth requested insulation to be added in his loft as it was too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

After some planning and talking with the customer it was decided to remove some internal walls to open out the area and make a more useable space. The original conversion took place in 1985 and was in need of modernisation and significant insulation being added.

Step one was to remove all the internal plasterboard and ceilings.

Step 2 was to insulate the roof and walls.

Step 3 was to plasterboard, plaster and decorate.

The customer was Mark Diacono, well known chef and writer.

Why not stop by and see him at your local trade show or check his website and get cooking in your new kitchen, (we can install this for you)!

https://www.otterfarm.co.uk/mark-diacono/

Otter Farm Cookery Books

Mark Diacono, Author and Celebrity Chef.

Commercial Works

Axminster Fish & Chip Shop - The Lemon Plaice. 2010

The owner required the front of house to be re-tiled in their colour scheme featuring yellow tiles and a smooth, easy to clean finish.

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Seaton Gateway Theatre Company.
A Bank of 5 basins in ladies toilets.
Basins are inset into the worktop.
There are 5 toilets in the ladies as well as a disabled toilet, so 5 basins seemed about right.
Basins can be accessed from below for maintenance.
The panels on the front are removeable.
Ladies toilet cubical doors.
The entire theme of the lavatory was blue.
Disabled and ladies toilets.
Spacious and well laid out lavatory.
Spacious, accessible and comfortable disabled toilet.
All cisterns are hidden within the walls behind removeable panels.
The gents also get a toilet.
4 well spaced urinals, 3 hand basins and 2 toilet cubicles for when you need a sit down.
Gentlemen maintain privacy thanks to a stud wall shielding them from the foyer.
Urinals auto flush on sensors so you need never touch a leaver.
Gents toilets are hidden by a stud wall for added privacy.
Fancy 1920's themed gold lettering is a stunning detail.
The stairs in the foyer were altered.
The old stairs had a 'T' at the bottom, we removed one half of the stairs.
View from the ladies to the main hall.
Carpet tiles were replaced where the stairs were removed.
Foyer has been painted with a visually pleasing blue.
The matt paint looks and feels very nice and compliments the gold lettering.
Entrance to the rock hall.
Foyer opens out into an impressive space.
Rock hall doors were repaired and repainted.
The varnish is several layers and should protect the doors for many years.
The old stairs were literally smashed out with a concrete jackhammer and breaker.
The handrails were then welded back in position and a new wooden handrail made.

Seaton Gateway Theatre Company.

Entrance Hall & Toilets.

The operators required the front of house to be painted and refreshed, the reinforced concrete stairs had to be altered, internal load bearing walls removed and lintels added then all the old toilet facilities removed and replaced. Lastly stud walls were added in the ladies and gents for privacy. This was completed during the tail end of COVID lockdown in 2021.

Many thanks for getting all this installed despite the COVID pandemic and lockdowns. The finish is very professional and it is far better than what was here before. Worth every penny.

Spokesman For The Board - 2021

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1: Before - Note different colour cement and no lead above patio door.
Any water that soaks into the stone lintel will drip on or behind the door.
2: Before - Lead tray above lintel is not working for some reason, we needed to investigate to find out why.
It was discovered that the lead tray was not correctly installed, it was full of debris and insulation and did not reach the inside wall.
3: Removal of stonework shows 3 issues. A lead tray filled with rubble and mortar snots.
issue 1, the tray has rubble in it and this stops the water flowing out and can bridge the cavity.
4: Lead tray removal, issue 2, this tray had insulation in the tray and this wicks water.
Issue number 3, the lead tray did not reach the internal wall skin.
5: Lead tray and rock wall insulation removed, cavity cleared.
Acro props and strong boys hold the weight of the masonry allowing safe removal of the lintel.
6: After removing the lintel it is obvious the flash band had been cut through by the window fitters some years ago.
Flash band is a cheaper lead substitute made from layers of tar and foil.
7: A new lead tray is added above the door and a 'C' section steel lintel is added.
The steel has a gap between the top and bottom to bed the stone lintel back in the middle.
8: A second lead tray and cavity trays are added above the steel to further waterproof the wall.
The two trays have solid insulation between them to reduce condensation.
9: Solid insulation is added and the masonry is carefully replaced.
We then leave this over night for the mortar to dry and harden before removal of the strong boy supports.
10: The repair is complete, all areas are cleaned and rubble removed.
The cement is now the correct colour, the wall should be warmer and dry.
11: Weep holes were added on both trays to allow water to escape the wall before flooding the trays.
We fully guarantee any work we do for no less than 10 years.

Small Works

Replacement of lintel above patio door - Charmouth 2025

Our customer in Charmouth was getting damp patches appearing at the top and sides of their patio door, especially in bad weather and driving rain. We investigated the issue and determined that the existing cavity tray that had been recently added by another tradesman to cure the problem had failed or was not working.

The house had rock wall insulation cavity fill that was bridging the cavity, and the tray was filled up with mortar overspill that had fallen down the cavity, this made the tray ineffective as water could still bridge the cavity.

The decision was made to remove the existing tray, lintel and masonry to add a new lead tray above the door, a new steel lintel with a 'C' profile that the sandstone lintel could sit within, a cavity tray above the steel lintel and then new solid insulation that will not permit water ingress.

This was completed in a little under 3 days

I would like to record our appreciation of the work that has been done by Colin and Les, it was a pleasure to have them here.

Thanks very much for all you have done.

Andrew Lightfoot - Charmouth 2025

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The original retaining wall had failed and soil was falling into the garden.
There are several houses at the top of this hill that were being held by the timber wall.
We retained the timber retaining wall and reinforced it with scaffold planks, this was all removed later.
The timbers had all rotted and could be easily snapped and removed later.
A footing of reinforced concrete was dug to a depth of 1M deep and 75CM wide.
This footing had rebar in placed carefully to link in to the hollow blocks, effectively acting as an anchor.
The steel reinforcing bar protrudes out of the top of the concrete blocks to add strength.
The hollow blocks are then filled with concrete to further strengthen the wall.
Horizontal rebar is added on every course of blocks to key the wall into one solid mass.
Weep holes are added just above ground level to allow any water collecting behind the wall to escape.
The reinforcing process is repeated as the wall gains height.
As the wall is built we removed the wooden posts and backfilled with 40mm gravel for drainage.
The wall is then rendered with K-REND.
K-REND is fairly waterproof, resistant to cracking and will never need to be painted.
The soil is replaced and landscaped.
Unfortunately the grass has not survived as well as we hoped.
The cap stones are cemented on the top of the wall and the site is cleared.
Grass seed has been sewn on the top soil.
The fences were repaired and replaced.
A new fence has been installed between the 2 gardens.
The grass has recovered and the new fence is in.
The fences are pressure treated and should last about 20 years.

Retaining walls

Retaining Wall - Axminster 2022

Our customer in Axminster purchased a new house on a housing development. After about 20 years the retaining wall constructed out of logs had failed and was falling into their garden.

It was decided the best way to resolve this was to remove the existing retaining wall and construct a new one out of reinforced concrete and hollow blocks.

This was completed by hand with no mechanical assistance with the exception of a cement mixer.

All materials were brought in by wheelbarrow to reduce damage to the lawns.

Colin, Les & Paul did a cracking job on our wall, it was getting rather dangerous and we are glad that they were able to resolve it.

It is a shame that when the wooden wall was first built Wain Homes did not take the same amount of care and pride in the job as Andy's lads have done, if they did we would not have had to fork out for a new wall.

Many thanks for all you do, the wall looks great.

Mr. & Mrs. Webb - 2022

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Removal of an old 1920's fireplace revealed a much larger fireplace in behind.
We decided to see how big the original fireplace is and make it into a feature.
With the 1920's fireplace removed and the rubble removed the size of the fireplace is more apparent.
Approximately 1 metric ton of rubble was removed from this fireplace.
Now fully opened out, the original size of the fireplace is restored.
The fireplace was cleared out and cleaned as much as possible to reduce dust.
Brick slips were used to create an impressive fireplace.
A brick slip is a brick cut in half, we built this in a herringbone style.
The brickwork is complete and pointed, the chimney can now be addressed.
A registry plate was added to close off the chimney.
The existing chimney was in a poor state of repair.
The masonry was crumbling and the top section was in need of replacement.
As this was fairly involved we decided to erect scaffolding to safely access the chimney.
The chimney will be capped and have new pots and a flue liner added later.
The top of the chimney to be removed and rebuilt. A liner is added.
After the liner is added the chimney was filled with vermiculite and cement to insulate it.
The chimney is rendered and new pots added.
There is a concrete cap on the top of the chimney to strengthen it and cap the top.
The chimney looks great and functions well.
The weatherproofing also keeps the loft and chimney dry inside.
With the flu liner installed and the fire connected a new log burner was installed.
Flagstones were added to make a traditional hearth.

Chimney & Fireplace Renovation

Fireplace Removal & Renovation Renovation 2022

Our customer in Harcombe purchased an old farm house and inside it was damp and dated.

The property required a lot of TLC and this included:

A new heating system, pipework, boiler and radiators.
All fireplaces and chimneys to be rejuvenated, some bricked up.
Re-plastering & decorating
A walk in wardrobe built
A library built, (shelving)
Rendering both gable ends
Painting front and rear of house and all chimneys
Chimney repairs, new pots and capping
3 new bathrooms fitted
New kitchen fitted
Install a new bio tank
Move oil tank outside to new location
Installing Belfast sink in boot room
Wood panel and waterproof boot room
Shelving repairs in pantry
Extensive waste pipes installed outside of the property
Assorted additional works

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The customer drew what she would like on her computer and printed it out for us to create.
From this sheet of A4 paper, we began building the wardrobe. It must have a top shelf large enough to hold plastic storage boxes.
A timber frame was built then clad with 18mm MDF to form the doors.
MDF was chosen for its ease of use and uniform structure, ideal for doors and painted surfaces.
Colin was very happy about his new work of art.
From concept to completion, this wardrobe took almost 10 days to fully build. The details were added from strips of scotia with the profile.
Once completed Paul painted the wardrobe whilst Colin & Les built the fireplaces.
The wardrobe is now ready to have the shelves put inside and clothes rails added.
The finished doors look very close to the picture we started with, all doors open and you can walk through the cupboards full length.
Door handles are solid copper.
The room is painted to match the wardrobe.
Emulsion paint was used for the walls, oil based paint for the wardrobe doors.
A side image shows off the mouldings on the white strips of scotia.
A white band is added to the bottom made from skirting board to match the rest of the room.
The wardrobe has shelves, rails and dividers added.
The top shelf is large enough to accommodate large plastic storage boxes.
A shower cubical from the smallest of the three bathrooms.
We installed 3 bathrooms in this property, all had the same vinal flooring pattern and looked very impressive.
A picture shows the highly patterned vinal flooring, this makes the room look larger than it in fact is.
Vinal flooring has many advantages including waterproofing, no water can leak through any cracks.
The wall boards are solid panel sections made to simulate tiles but are very easy to keep clean.
As the wall boards have no tile grout, cleaning is as easy as giving it a wipe with a cloth.
The fireplace in the living room was in a dire state.
The old log burner was to be replaced, and the fireplace replaced. A new slate hearth was to be added.
We reused the old timber mantle piece and added bricks to match the other fireplace.
A new slate slab was added to finish the fireplace off, the chimney was lined and insulated with vermiculite and a new fire installed.
At the end we rendered the wall on each gable end with K-REND to waterproof and reduce cracking.
K-REND is far superior to sand and cement based renders, will not crack and never needs to be painted.

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Underfloor heating added and the floors are insulated.
We dug the floors down 350mm to add insulation, sand blinding's, hardcore and then floor screed to make the floors level & efficient.
The finished floors were engineered oak planks, resistant to shrinking or expansion.
Please note the oak beams, this cottage had 4 major oak structural beams added.
Structural oak beams added to the ground floor, internal walls were removed.
Please note the reinforced pad stones used to spread the load at the ends of the beams.
Investigation of the chimney shows it is in dire need of repair.
The render has blown, (let go of the bricks) and water had begun to seep behind it, freeze thaw will make it fail over time.
Colin removes the old render from the chimney.
The old render is carefully put into bags and retained on site, we have a drainage trench that will benefit from the rubble.
The chimney is repaired and rendered, ready for painting.
Masonry paint is used to paint the chimney and house, no less than 3 coats should be applied.
A reinforced concrete block retaining wall was constructed behind the shed base.
This wall will later be clad in flint to match other buildings in the area.
A new shed was built in place of the old concrete garage. The block wall is clad in flint.
The shed is on a concrete base and was made off site in our workshop and brought in ready made in sections.
A new piece of tarmac was laid to repair the road surface that had washed out previously.
Brick paving allows better grip and maintains the gravel on the driveway.
A concrete garage was removed and the driveway landscaped.
Gravel and brick paving were added to the driveway to allow grip as the driveway is steep near the road.
Once the beams are installed, the new kitchen and tiled floors are installed.
The kitchen was installed by Paul from Colyton Kitchens and was stunning.
A smaller oak beam above the alcove where an oven is to be installed.
This span was an old fireplace that had been repurposed to house an electric oven and extractor unit, hidden behind the beam.
A 26 foot long oak beam supports the weight above the kitchen.
These beams will naturally shrink and develop cracks as they dry out, this is normal and nothing to worry about.
The impressive beam in the kitchen was inserted through a hole made in the front wall of the house.
The beam was posted in like a giant peg into the hole, through the living room then another hole in the kitchen wall at the rear.

Full House Renovation

Cob walled very old cottage, Axmouth 2021

We were approached by Alan & Nancy to renovate a barely habitable cob house in Axmouth.

They desired a full refurbishment:

underfloor heating to be added
a drainage ditch dug to reduce outside water levels, (a french drain was installed under the path at the rear of the building) as was a waste pipe.
New paths and retaining walls
New extension built with dog washing facilities
A new kitchen
4 oak beams added and internal walls removed
A new bathroom upstairs
The house repainted
A chimney repaired
A concrete garage was removed, retaining wall built
A solid and secure shed built
Air source heat pump added

Thank you for all the work that has been done at Haven Cottage, especially to Colin, Lez and Paul whose skills were superb. Hope you will all stay safe and well through these hard times. Best wishes Nancy and Alan

Alan & Nancy - Axmouth 2021

Legal Notice Privacy Policy

A. J. Proctor Builders Ltd. Artisans In Construction.

Address Coles Farm, Coles Lane, Sector, Axminster, Devon. EX13 5SB

Contact details Tel. 01297 32380 / Email: procbuild2002@hotmail.com

Business ID no. Company registration number: 4647257

Green Oak Timber Framed Homes

Steel Framed Extension Lyme Regis 2020

FMB runner up - general build category.

Timber Framed Cedar Clad Extension 2025

Extension for disabled pensioner suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

House Renovation & External Rendering

Axminster 2024

Stone Stable Conversion 2004

Into a 2 Bedroom Holiday Cottage

Kitchen Installations - Assorted 2004 - Current

A selection of different kitchen installations.

Insulating existing loft conversion - 2024

Our customer in Sidmouth requested insulation to be added in his loft as it was too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

Commercial Works

Axminster Fish & Chip Shop - The Lemon Plaice. 2010

Seaton Gateway Theatre Company.

Entrance Hall & Toilets.

Small Works

Replacement of lintel above patio door - Charmouth 2025

Retaining walls

Retaining Wall - Axminster 2022

Chimney & Fireplace Renovation

Fireplace Removal & Renovation Renovation 2022

Full House Renovation

Cob walled very old cottage, Axmouth 2021

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