Full House Renovation & Extension - Frinton On Sea

Summary:

Shortlisted via our architect partner, we supported the clients from early concept through to completion on a six-month whole-house renovation with a rear extension. Over the year between first visit and acceptance we held multiple site meetings, refined specifications, and value-engineered options so that scope, programme and budget were clear before works began. The build combined major structural alterations, a reconfigured ground floor, full rewire and replumb with a new heating system, upgraded insulation, three new bathrooms, a new kitchen and utility, fitted wardrobes, new glazing, and full finishes.

Pre-construction & coordination

• Design & stakeholder liaison: Worked with the architect to finalise layout, extension envelope and glazing strategy; coordinated client selections for kitchens, bathrooms, joinery and finishes.
• Structural engineering: Commissioned calculations and details for removal of load-bearing walls and the rear extension; specified RSJs and padstones with temporary works sequencing.
• Statutory compliance: Managed Building Regulations engagement (structure, fire, services, insulation, drainage) and notified key inspection milestones.
• Programme & logistics: Phased works to keep the home weather-tight, sequencing structural, first fix, plastering, second fix and finishes; planned just-in-time deliveries for steels, windows and sanitaryware.
• Commercial control: Issued an itemised quotation with allowances, tracked variations, and provided regular cost and progress updates to keep the project on budget.

Scope of works

Structural & shell
We removed several load-bearing walls to open up the ground floor, installed RSJ steelwork to engineered details, and constructed a new rear extension tied into the existing fabric. Openings were formed for new glazing, lintels installed as required, and all masonry, carpentry and weathering completed to specification.

Building fabric & insulation
Thermal upgrades were carried out across walls, floors and ceilings in line with current regs. We installed new vapour control where required, improved airtightness at junctions, and prepared all substrates for plaster, tiling and joinery.

Electrical (full rewire)
The property was completely rewired with a new consumer unit, certified circuits, and first/second-fix accessories. We installed task and ambient lighting layouts, appliance feeds, extractor provisions, and required smoke/heat alarms to meet current standards. Certification provided at handover.

Plumbing & heating (full replumb + new system)
A full replumb included hot/cold and waste throughout, new soil connections, and isolation for future maintenance. We installed a new heating system sized to the house, with radiators/emitters as specified, thermostatic controls, and system balancing/commissioning.

Kitchens & utility
We prepared the kitchen and utility spaces (first-fix services, walls, subfloors), then installed units, worktops and appliances to the agreed plan. Services were connected and tested, splash-back/tiling completed, and user guidance provided at handover.

Bathrooms x3
Three bathrooms were stripped back, re-boarded where needed, tanked in wet areas, and fitted with new sanitaryware, brassware, ventilation, tiling and lighting. All falls, waterproofing and penetrations were detailed for long-term performance.

Glazing
New glazing to the extension and selected elevations improved daylight, views and energy performance. Frames were set, sealed and trimmed to manufacturer tolerances, with internal reveals plastered and decorated.

Joinery & fitted storage
We supplied and fitted wardrobes to the specified rooms, along with internal doors, skirtings, architraves and window boards. Ironmongery was installed and adjusted for smooth operation.

Floors, tiling & finishes
Subfloors were levelled where required; floor tiling laid to bathrooms/kitchen/utility with appropriate decoupling; timber or LVT installed to living areas per specification. Walls were plastered, mist-coated and decorated with durable finishes.

Compliance, testing & handover
Electrical and gas/heating certifications, ventilation flow tests (where applicable), and Building Control sign-off were completed. We issued O&M information, care instructions and warranties, then undertook a snag walk-through and promptly closed items.

Outcome

The renovation has transformed the property into a bright, energy-efficient home with a practical flow for modern family life. The rear extension creates a generous kitchen-diner that connects to the garden through new glazing, while the opened-up internal layout adds flexibility for daily living and hosting.

Services are now future-ready thanks to a full rewire and a new, properly sized heating system, and the insulation upgrades improve comfort and running costs year-round. With three well-appointed bathrooms, fitted storage and a high-quality finish throughout, the clients gain both day-to-day usability and long-term value. The project was delivered in six months to the agreed £260,000 incl. VAT budget, with phase-two landscaping scheduled for 2026 to complete the outdoor living vision.

The client was so happy with the project outcome that we return in 2026 to deliver front and rear landscaping as phase two.