Family Home Extension and Renovation

HASLEMERE, SURREY

Extending and improving a 1950s Haslemere home to meet the needs of a growing family

Brief

The owners of this 1950s home in Haslemere, Surrey, needed the space to work harder for their growing family and wanted to modernise the design throughout. Having initially collaborated with an architect, this couple approached us to bring their vision to life following several recommendations from friends.

With the flow of the existing home being hampered by lots of individual spaces particularly downstairs, an open plan space was delivered to allow for smoother family living and better entertaining space. Project managed by us from start to completion, a large two-storey extension combined with refurbishment and high-quality finishes throughout created a contemporary family home.

MWBrace-Project-KP-Haslemere-Surrey-Full

Build

One of the first tasks was to tackle the demolition of the single storey garage which was no longer required, and the assessment and enhancement of the existing foundations to support the large side extension to the property. The original awkwardly configured utility and storage were also demolished. Levels proved particularly challenging, with the additional complication of an intense period of rain during the build, with significant work required to create appropriate levels of flooring, damp course and glazing between the extension and the existing build. As is typical of buildings of this age, we found asbestos in the chimney during the build and had this removed by a specialist firm.

We added a large double story extension, enabling the creation of a large kitchen and dining area, playroom and utility downstairs, knocking through when the time was right to seamlessly merge the old with the new. A modern box window creates a view to the garden from a seating area in the kitchen, along with panoramic doors out to the garden.

The additional space created by the extension on the first floor enabled a large master bedroom and ensuite, as well as other enhancements to the first floor. Key features of the new master bedroom included vaulted ceilings and a stunning glazed gable end with Juliet balcony to make the most of the incredible view.

We were delighted to support the client with further refurbishments throughout the property, delivered by specialists including carpentry, electrics, tiling, plastering, painting and plumbing, all taking pride in exceptional attention to detail to deliver on the client’s exacting brief to achieve a high-end finish.

Groundworks, Drainage, Brickwork & Roofing
Steel Fabrication and Installation
Oak Frame Porch Construction
Carpentry, Plumbing & Electrics
Glazing, Decoration & Landscaping

Result

As well as a light- and space-maximising design, quality finishing and high-quality building materials were key to delivering the right result on this project. The client was heavily involved not only in the design and specification, but also in refining certain details as the project evolved. Real care was taken in making sure that all building materials, such as the bricks and handmade tiles, were carefully sourced for a perfect finish with the existing build.

Additional elements such as underfloor heating, a new boiler and plumbing for the whole house as well as the stunning hand-build oak framed porch delivered finishing touches to the build.

The glazing in this project particularly stands out for us, drawing light into the house and affording the family an ever-changing canvas of incredible views from both the ground and first floors, maximising the stunning location of the property. We are also very taken with the beautiful tiles used throughout the interior.

This project has transformed this property into an outstanding home which perfectly suits the needs of the family, filled with light and with exceptional detailing providing an ease and enjoyment to everyday living. The extension blends perfectly with the existing house, creating a cohesive finish.

“We couldn’t be happier. We had a clear idea of what we wanted but, having only undertaken smaller building projects before, knew we wanted someone who not only was highly experienced, but who we could trust and get along with, to bring our vision to life. From our first meeting we felt Martin was the right fit for us!

Martin kept us informed of challenges as they came up and offered appropriate solutions as the project unfolded. We were working on a strict budget, and living on site throughout the works, and the team were respectful of that, minimising the impact on us as much as possible.

We love our home and have achieved 100% of what we wanted on this build. We enjoyed the collaboration with Martin, trusted his judgement and are grateful to the team for all their hard work. We now have a wonderful family home which delights us every day.”