Case Study for Garage Conversion St Albans

Case Study for Garage Conversion

 

Introduction - outline the issue

Mrs H*** - an elderly lady with mobility problems. She lives alone in a small detached property and recognises the need for en suite walk in shower facilities. Due to the restrictions within her existing property she wanted to convert the garage to an en suite bedroom.

Through word of mouth Mrs H*** came to us as one of several builders to provide a solution. An element of design, drawings and specifying was required to help ascertain her requirements. Upon receipt of our estimate she employed our services.

 

Response

We provided drawings and further specifications and then acted on Mrs H**** behalf to gain building regulations from the Council. We also ascertained whether further works of a conservatory required planning permission. We did drawings, paid fees at council and obtained relevant permissions.

We met with Mrs H*** to agree a programme of works which were quite urgent.

We then proceeded to carry out the conversion and alterations to a set order keeping Mrs H*** fully informed at all stages.

 

Description of works:

Provide single bedroom facility adjoining to the property, with mobility access from the main property and providing within that a bedroom and partition walls to provide an en suite level access shower facility. This included a level dec tray former, manufactured by Impey UK Ltd, wide door access, full height tiling, thermostatically controlled electric shower, Redring Selectronic favoured (3 year warranty and we are trained service agents) anti slip flooring, alterations to drains and all connections. Also fitted grab rails, curtain rail, fold down seat, extract fan, light, pull cord switch, earth bonding

 

Unexpected event

It was planned to extend existing heating system:

During the course of the works our customer didn't feel she wanted the upheaval of extending the existing central heating of her main property. She wanted heating in this new facility and had a distinct dislike of visible pipe work but didn't want the upheaval of hiding them and so wanted a different form of heating.

 

How it was resolved

We researched different options of electric heating to find a cost efficient and effective solution. We provided Mrs Hart with running costs and saved her in installation over the existing planned system.

 

Conclusion - happy customer

Work was carried out on time within budget and to Mrs H***'s complete satisfaction including extra works. Life in her existing home is now future proof enabling her to stay in her own home for the foreseeable future.

During the works Mrs H*** was so happy that she asked us to provide quotations for further associated works, ie loss of garage for construction of car port, we were able to undertake these works within the same contract period.

During inclement weather over the Christmas period we were able to shift the emphasis of our programme according to the weather as all of our workforce are directly employed buy us. This meant we were able to remain within the set timeframe.

Mrs H*** was so happy she invited anyone to view works and provided a testimonial for our website which is under construction.

Anchor Case Study

Anchor Case Study

 

Background

B J Builders have been on the approved supplier list of Anchor Staying Put for over 15 years and have provided quotations for works on behalf of individuals in the private market and qualifying for DFG works. A close working relationship with Anchor's team has enabled us to provide best value and on occasions provide extra over works not covered for by the Grant at no extra cost to see a job complete. For example we offer at no extra charge to supply and fit a coloured border tile in their bathroom and also to decorate the bathroom. Below is an example of a typical job/contract carried out on behalf of Anchor Staying Put.

 

Introduction

Initial contact was made from Anchor sending us their specification which is an interpretation of the Council's specification, with a set date for return of quotation.

An appointment was made to view the property and survey the works based on the specification provided.

A conversation with resident/customer was had explaining what has been laid out and what is to be provided, ensuring they understand the copy of the specification and drawing that they have.

A quotation was then provided to Anchor within timescales requested.

Works required: Conversion of existing bathroom to fully level access shower room on 1st floor with further works to widen doorways.

 

Response

Provided quotation and as successful contractor, works order and minor works contract was signed to carry out the works.

We then contacted the customer and programmed the works for the required start date.

 

Description of works:

To widen door to bedroom and bathroom

To then strip out bathroom, provide level dec shower former in place of bath 1300 x 820

To supply and install corner entry half height doors, curtain and rail

To make all connections to existing waste

To then fully tile the complete bathroom floor to ceiling.

To make good floor and supply and lay Polysafe hydra with coved upstands and tile trim

To supply and install 2 no grab rails

To supply and install fold down padded seat with arms

To supply and install Redring Selectronic thermostatically controlled electric shower

To supply and install green wood humidistat extract fan

To renew light and pull cord switch

To upgrade earthing to gas and water to 10mm

All works to current regulations and NICEIC certificated

As part of the specification we were requested to supply and install Ideal Standard space range built in furniture, which included:

Back to the wall WC with concealed cistern, and cabinet

Basin cabinet with semi counter top basin and lever taps

2 no further small floor units and worktop over

We understand in this situation there was a particular need for further storage for medical supplies and this was part funded by the customer.

 

Unexpected event

After removal of non conforming electric bar heater from bathroom, although there was also an existing radiator, the elderly gentleman had a need for instantly controllable heat due to his condition.

 

How it was resolved

The installation of Dimplex 2 kw bathroom convector heater was installed to the wall as a variation and agreed quoted cost.

 

Conclusion - happy customer

All works carried out in timescales determined with high level of professionalism and customer satisfaction.