Submitted
by Rachel Stapleton on 05/26/2024
5 Star Review by Rachel Stapleton
We had a very positive experience using Design Team and Build Team to guide us through our side return extension from start to finish. We have been very happy with the contractors assigned to us (HRS Build) who completed all work to a very high standard, and were approachable, considerate and professional throughout the build. We are also very grateful to Sandra at Build Team who always ensured we were happy with the work at each stage and enabled us to quickly resolve any issues that arose. She was informative, supportive and responsive at all times. We feel it has been invaluable to have Build Team throughout this process as it made having an extension relatively stress free. We are extremely pleased with the end result and would definitely recommend them.
Rear extension with new bathroom, utility, kitchen and dining room in conservation area.
We had a great experience with David at design team and Ignacio at build team. David's design was top notch and Ignacio helped put right any misunderstandings or mistakes made by the contractors. Both were available for any queries throughout the project. The real value add of build team specifically was holding the main contractors to account, because many contractors will attempt to cut corners to save costs. David helped bring the dream to reality and nailed our brief while keeping the local planning office happy.
We used them from planning permission all the way through to construction and plaster skim. We then employed our own kitchen fitters, bathroom fitters and decorators. We did our own project management, party wall, electrical plan, kitchen design and interior design but we appreciated having the option to purchase extra services as an add on, which makes the core offering very competitive on price.
My main piece of advice for anyone planning a project is plan ahead and decide what you want well in advance, order things well in advance and stick to your decisions.
Submitted by Alex Mockridge on 08/29/2024
Hi we met Build Team initially at the Ideal Home Exhibition, we arranged several Zoom meetings to discuss our plans regarding a loft extension and a kitchen extension at the back of our house. One of their architects came to our house and discussed with us further our plans and drew up a workable plan. They guided us through the planning application process and advised us on who to contact regarding Party Wall agreements, these all went through smoothly. Build Team then introduced us to the main Contractor (Bujar Cani of Ican Construction Ltd) who undertook most of the work. Regular meetings were arranged by Sandra of Build Team to discuss progress and sort out any minor difficulties that occured. A WhatsApp chat group was set up to discuss any issues that occured and any messages were followed up quickly (even over weekends) Scaffolding went up as agreed and work began quickly, all mess was kept to a minimum as was any inconvenience to the neighbours. The builders were all polite, turned up early for work and stayed as long as needed to get the days work done. The loft was constructed as per schedule, taking into account a short break at Xmas, further works not included in the original schedule of works were also arranged and carried out (eg. tiling and painting, at an agreed extra cost) as soon as was possible. We discussed with the contractor some slight adjustments to the original plans as work went along and issues arose and the changes that were made, we feel, have improved the final outcome. After completion of the loft extension, we requested a short break of a few weeks, then work commenced again afterwards swiftly on the ground floor extension. This again proceeded pretty much to plan, slight delays caused by the unknown layout of the drains under our old conservatory, otherwise it went smoothly and then when that was completed our old kitchen was converted into a utility room, again plans slightly revised after discussion with the Contractor. Overall the work has been done to a high standard, any issues dealt with quickly by discussion with Sandra and Bujar, the only small delays have been caused by extra work requests by my wife and I and bad weather earlier in the year. Invoices have only been sent once sections have been completed to a satisfactory standard. Overall we are very happy that we decided to use Build Team and Ican Construction to make all these changes to our home.
Submitted by Christopher John Miles on 08/28/2024
We purchased our first home in 2023, a 1930’s build semi detached house. The property had a very old, side garage extension. We decided prior to purchase that this would have to
go.
Planning permission was already in place to construct a new side extension as the existing structure was no longer habitable and was poorly insulated and damp.
We had reached out to several contractors for quotes but had little luck until January this year.
We received a flyer promoting Build Team’s services. Tess and Steven from the design office promptly arranged a first stage architectural visit for measurements and to discuss our
requirements. Preliminary architectural, structural calculations and risk assessment were provided within days and Steven was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. We had a price
lock and target programme established within 3 weeks of initial contact.
A quick handover between the design and build teams was arranged. All details and preliminary services and recommendations were discussed, and the Build Team 10 step
programme introduced. This provided us with greater assurance that we would have a successful project.
A prestart meeting with our Build Manager Sandra and the Principal Contractor Harrison (HRS Build Ltd) was arranged at our property to discuss the communication, methodology,
programme, payment schedule and any risks or opportunities for the works. Sandra assisted us with ensuring all 3 rd party arrangements and building control measures were in place prior
to the start of works.
The works started on time and proceeded efficiently. Several unknown problems or variations were handled quickly and efficiently thanks to good communication between us,
Sandra (BT) and Harrison (HRS Build Ltd) so as not to impede progress and maintain control our budget. All issues and logistics planning were discussed during the weekly
progress meetings. This gave the whole team confidence that the project was progressing as intended.
This was the first major building works we have undertaken on our house, and everything was completed on budget and several weeks ahead of programme. The relationship that we
developed between Sandra, Harrison and all the lads at HRS Build Ltd was essential to the successful completion of our works. Their professionalism, reliability and good nature made
the difference during what was for us a challenging build.
We cannot be more pleased with the end results, and highly recommend Steven and Sandra at Build Team and Harrison at HRS Built Ltd. We have already recommended Build Team
and HRS Build Ltd to some of our colleagues at work, and we will go straight to them in our planned future works.
Top marks.
Submitted by Tatiana Chilovsky on 08/27/2024
Build Team were pleasant, professional and proactive throughout our project. With their help we secured an excellent contractor with whom we developed a fantastic working relationship. We are very satisfied with the quality of the build and finish and would work with them again in the future.
Submitted by Kay Clayton on 05/15/2024
Buildteam did a fantastic job with the design, planning and build of our side extension. Professional and thorough from start to finish. Was a pleasure to work alongside Sandra and the contractors (Peter & Bledi from BuiltPerfect) - we are very happy with the end result. Competitively priced too ??
Submitted by Lochie Kerr on 05/11/2024
A fantastic wraparound extension.
The whole experience from start to finish was managed by Sandra Ditchfield-Ortiz. My wife and I give her 100%. She was always available at the end of the phone to support and guide us. She stuck not only to her word, but she knew the contract and always referred to it, which was a breath of fresh air. So on behalf of my wife and I. Thank you so much Sandra. Also thank you Gustavo for the support you also gave Sandra when needed, working well as a team. The project was planned from start to finish, so there was no confusion about payments, and was very direct with the workers which didn’t always make her popular to them, but for us, we would not have reached the standard or the end results we were working towards without her persistence. Sandra once again on behalf of my wife and I. Thank you. Going forward we would definitely recommend Build Team to anyone considering a build of any kind but most of all I would recommend Sandra head them because she always made us feel safe and secure. That was the best decision we made and would use Sandra again and again and again. All those who behind the scene that helped to make this project work. Thank you so much.
Date of experience: 27 March 2024
Submitted by Egbert Thomas on 03/28/2024
