Whole-house refurbishment contractor introductions in London.
A whole-house refurbishment is closer to a small construction project than a home improvement. Walls move, services are replaced, and every room is finished again, often with an extension or loft at the same time. Epelle & Co. introduces independent main contractors whose experience matches that scale and level of finish.
We do not run the project, act as contract administrator or carry out any of the work. Appointed firms contract directly with you.
What a whole-house project usually includes
The scope typically reaches every part of the building: stripping out, structural alterations to open or reorganise rooms, new heating, plumbing and electrical installations, insulation and windows, and a complete set of new finishes, kitchens, bathrooms and joinery. Many projects also deal with damp, roofs or long-deferred repairs that only become visible once work begins.
Because so many trades follow one another through the house, the main contractor's planning, supervision and supply chain carry as much weight as the quality of any single trade.
The kind of contractor that suits
Whole-house work calls for a main contractor with a site manager present, an established group of trades, and experience of coordinating with an architect, structural engineer and, often, an interior designer. Firms that excel at single extensions do not always have the depth to run a full refurbishment.
We also consider how the firm handles the unknowns of an older house: how it prices risk, records changes and communicates when something unexpected is found.
What to prepare
The more complete the tender information, the more comparable the prices you receive will be.
- An architect's or designer's drawings and, ideally, a written specification
- Measured and condition surveys of the existing house
- Structural information for any walls being removed or altered
- A view on whether you will move out during the works
- A working budget range that includes a contingency
- Who will administer the contract on your behalf, if anyone
Common pitfalls
- Going to contractors before the design is developed enough to price
- Treating the lowest tender as the safest choice without examining its assumptions
- Not allowing for discoveries in the existing fabric
- Leaving decisions on finishes and fittings until the contractor needs them
- Having no independent person to review progress and valuations, where the scale justifies one
How we approach a whole-house enquiry
We start with the design status, the budget and the programme, then consider the type and age of the house. Where the design is advanced, we look for main contractors with recent full refurbishments of similar scale. Where it is not, the first introduction may be to an architect, interior designer or cost consultant.
Introductions are made only with your agreement and with a short summary. Tendering, selection and appointment are yours.
Advisers who usually sit around a whole-house project
On larger refurbishments the main contractor is one of several parties. An architect normally designs and often administers the contract. A structural engineer designs alterations to walls, floors and roofs. A services engineer may design heating, ventilation and electrics. A cost consultant can prepare budgets and check valuations, and an interior designer may lead finishes and furniture.
Not every project needs all of them, but understanding who is responsible for what makes it much easier to choose the right contractor. A firm comfortable taking instructions from a contract administrator works differently from one that expects to deal only with the homeowner.
Where some of these roles are missing, we may suggest introductions to fill them before approaching contractors, so that the prices you receive rest on the same, complete information.
Budget and programme
Budgets vary widely with size, specification and site conditions; we discuss realistic ranges once we understand the brief.
- 1. Review
We read your brief and ask what we need to understand it.
- 2. Qualify
We check budget, decision-maker and timing are in place.
- 3. Source
We identify a small number of potentially suitable firms.
- 4. Introduce
With both sides' agreement, we make a direct introduction.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I appoint an architect before approaching contractors?
- For most whole-house projects, yes. Contractors need developed drawings to price properly. We can introduce designers first if needed.
- Can you introduce a contractor and an interior designer together?
- Yes, where both are needed. Each would be appointed separately by you.
- Do you manage the tender?
- No. Your architect or a contract administrator usually does. We make introductions only.
- We plan to live in the house during the work. Does that change who is suitable?
- It can. Some contractors are used to phased work in occupied homes and others prefer an empty house. We take it into account.
- Do you work on listed or period houses?
- We review those enquiries, and look for contractors with recent comparable experience. Consent questions sit with your architect and the council.
Next step
Enquiries are free and reviewed individually. Epelle & Co. makes introductions only. It does not design, build, project-manage or guarantee work; appointed parties contract directly with the client. See our Privacy Notice.