FAQs – Building Works

What kind of building works do you do?

ReVamp offer a wide range of building services from internal renovations to extensions, garage conversions to loft conversions, summer houses to new build homes.   No job is too big or too small subject to location and availability. Check out our gallery here to see examples of some of the projects we have undertaken.

Do you do new builds?

Absolutely.  We have done several new builds over the years, both for customers and our own developments that we have then successfully sold on.  Check out our new build gallery here.  Mac loves working with customers to build their new dream home. 

Can you build eco friendly homes?

Yes, we are working with SIPS Eco Panels to build energy efficient homes for the future.  There are many benefits of building a home with SIPS Eco Panels.  Firstly, it is a much quicker build, saving you both time and money.   Secondly, it is also a superior, stronger and airtight build resulting in lower annual energy costs.  
 
Alongside this, we are also working with specialists to install mechanical ventilation, solar panels, ground & air source heat pumps which together significantly reduce energy usage and make considerable savings to the cost of living. 

If I just want you to dig the foundations and build the shell of my extension is this possible?

Yes, we have done this for other customers before who prefer to manage the finish themselves.  We are happy to just dig the foundations, build the shell and pass back to you to take over from there. 

Is my job too small?

Not necessarily.  ReVamp often take on smaller jobs, such as a small extension, a garage conversion, a summer house, or internal renovations, as an infill between other larger build projects.  Subject to availability and location, we will consider every job on a case-by-case basis.  If in doubt, check with us. 

Will you just be working on my build project?

Ordinarily ReVamp take on 2-4 building projects at a time, that are at different stages of a build and therefore require different trades at different times.
Mac’s ultimate strength lies in his incredible project management skills.  As all trades are sub-contracted in, Mac has access to many professional individuals and businesses which he calls upon at the various stages of a build project.  These are all co-ordinated by Mac like clockwork to ensure the trades can work effectively around each other, are on site when needed, and every job can move forward swiftly and smoothly.
 
Mac spends his days moving around between the various sites checking progress, ensuring supplies are delivered, checking the trades can crack on with their respective jobs without delay, identifying and resolving any issues that may come up along the way and ensuring things are moving forward as expected to keep the jobs on budget and timeline. 

Can you do my landscaping too?

Whilst ReVamp don’t do landscaping ourselves, we work closely with some ground works, landscaping, driveway, tree surgeon and planting companies.  We can therefore invariably organise any landscaping jobs that need to be co-ordinated around your build project, or point you in the right direction to get quotes.  If you are looking to do some landscaping as well, it is good to discuss this in connection with your building works to consider what needs to be done in what order and how best to co-ordinate these around one another. 

What areas do you cover?

ReVamp are based in St. Albans, with our sub-contractors coming in from Hertfordshire and surrounding counties.   Most jobs undertaken are therefore in and around St. Albans, with works having been undertaken in Radlett, Harpenden, Bushey, Park Street, Bricket Wood, Welwyn, Redbourn and Hatfield.  We have also gone as far afield as Hadley Wood and Berkhamsted.  It ultimately depends on timelines, size of job, and other commitments  ReVamp has on the go.
Mac personally oversees and project manages every customer job, stopping by regularly to check progress.  Therefore, if jobs are spread too far afield this isn’t practical.   However, if you are in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas do check with him and he will let you know if your job location is within ReVamp’s reach.
 
Whilst Mac may not be able to take on your build project, he can still be booked in for a consultation to discuss your build/renovation options and give you a ballpark idea of what you can expect to pay a builder so you have a benchmark to work from and know what you can achieve within your budget, and ultimately what is possible. 

How many staff do you employ?

Only Mac and Emma are officially employed by ReVamp within our family business.  Over the years, we have built up a regular, reliable crew of sub-contractors, all of whom are specialists in their own right.  They consist of builders, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, carpenters, roofers, tilers, decorators, landscapers and many more.  With experience over the years, we have been quick to identify any unreliable or substandard tradesmen so that our multi-labour force consists of dependable sub-contractors, both companies and individual professionals, many of whom we have worked with for many years.  Thus they are familiar with the high quality standards we set and the delivery timelines we expect. 
 
By sub-contracting in all the trades and having a home-based office, this enables us to keep our overheads low as a business, whilst still ensuring a high-quality finish to customers. 

How much will my build cost?

How long is a piece of string?!?!  We often get asked, “I’m just doing a small side extension, what will it cost?”, or similar.  Ultimately, it all depends on size and how much prep work is involved.  Ordinarily ReVamp can give you a quick approximate costing based on the size of your extension or internal renovations – cost is invariably based on a sqm size basis.  We can also give an idea on what you should expect to spend on flooring, stairs, tiling, fitting out bathrooms, kitchen etc. 

What is included within your quote?

Ordinarily our quotes for building works include the following, unless discussed otherwise, but always check the detail on our quote as everything included will be listed:

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  Protection and security of site
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  Skips and grab lorries for clearance – estimated quantity
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  Scaffolding
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  Drainage - allowance
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  Digging of footings, pouring of concrete for foundations
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  Damp proofing
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  Engineering the build
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  Building materials, timbers, insulation, plaster board, plaster
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  Structural steels – estimated
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  Windows/doors
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  Supply and fit of architrave & skirting
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  First and second fix plumbing & electrics – an allowance based on x number of points/spotlights.
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  Underfloor heating if requested.
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  Soffits, fascias and guttering
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  Roofing – felt, baton & tiling
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  Painting / decorating where requested
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  Communication with Building Control to sign off each stage of the build
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  Certificates at end of build – plumbing, electrics, Building Control

What is NOT included within your quote?

Ordinarily, the following are not included in our quotes unless otherwise discussed, but can be provided separately:

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  Kitchens
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  Sanitary ware / bathroom furniture
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  Boiler / radiators
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  Internal doors
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  Staircase
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  Tiles & adhesive
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  Flooring / carpets
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  Landscaping

If in doubt, always refer to our quote which will detail all items included.  If items are not mentioned, invariably this means they are not included.  Alternatively, check with Mac directly who can confirm. 

What unexpected additional costs may come up along the way?

Until we begin your building works, it is difficult to forsee additional costs that may come up along the way from the purchase of products or additional labour that wasn’t anticipated.  We therefore always recommend you allow a 10% contingency for unexpected extras.
From previous experience, here are some examples of the sort of additional costs that may arise: 

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  Additional ground works.  For example, there may be a requirement to dig foundations deeper than expected on instruction from Building Control.  Or we may find out that your existing foundations are piled, which will then require additional works.
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  Drainage / pipework issues that need resolving above expectations
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  Additional skips/grab lorries above quoted allowance
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  Additional electrical/lighting points above quoted allowance.
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  Also, if you are adding an extension to an existing house, it may be that you need to upgrade the electrics, plumbing, wiring or piping in the existing parts of your house for the whole system to be compatible and work effectively throughout.
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  An upgrade in products for which we have allowed a budget within your quote.  Any uplift in cost will be advised and payable if you proceed with those items.
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  Changes and additions to the build.  Until ceilings are pulled down and floors ripped up, where you then have full visibility of what is underneath/above, an architect generally has to guestimate the base from which they are working and doing their drawings.  Therefore, it is quite common that changes need to be made, or additional measures taken, to build what is intended. For example, until we can see what the sub-floor consists of, we can’t accurately advise what ground and floor preparation works will be necessary.  Until we start taking your roof off, we can’t see if your existing house roof is eroded and will need fixing, before we extend on to it.  If we’re decorating a room and identify that the render is blown, this may need stripping and redoing.  Some of these things just can’t be known until we’ve ripped out what is already there for full visibility on our starting point.
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  Where are structural engineer is involved for calculating steel requirements or other, this will have a corresponding cost both for his involvement and the outcome of his instructions.

However, be assured that ReVamp will always discuss the options with you, and corresponding costs, should unexpected works come up through your build.  This way we can agree what actions to take and manage your expectations on any additional costs likely to be incurred.

Do I need to send you plans in order to get a quote?  What if I’d like to consider my options first?

Mac is, of course, able to quote from building plans and is frequently sent building reg. drawings from customers or architects to tender for a job.  
However, we also appreciate that many people want an idea of likely costs for building works before they start spending on architects and the like, so they know if they have the budget to do the works.
 
This is where an initial consultation comes in handy.   We charge £300 (+VAT/travel) for a 2 hour consultation with Mac which will be followed up with a breakdown and approximate costing for the works discussed.   Mac  has a good idea of what can be done under permitted development and what will require planning permission, and likewise will have a good idea as to what walls are structural, which way the joists go etc. which all impacts your building, extension or renovation options. This knowledge, together with Mac’s experience in reconfiguring and extending homes, means that he is well placed to discuss possibilities with you during a site visit and the different cost implications of those options.   This is often a good place to start before spending too much on architectural drawings, as every change can then become costly. 

Also have a read of our blog on considerations to factor in at the start of a build.

I am thinking of buying a house that requires renovations/building works, can you help?

Customers have frequently called upon ReVamp’s consultancy service to view houses with them that they are thinking of buying that will require building works and internal reconfiguration/renovations.  As above, Mac can be booked in on a consultation basis to do site visits with you and advise options and expected costs. 

Can you help me with designing my house and submitting my planning application?

ReVamp now offer a Design and Build service, working with architects to take your home vision from conception to completion.  We work together with the customer and architect to finalise a design that factors in your home aspirations, the practicalities of building it along with any design features sought, and the walk flow through the home.  The architect will come up with drawings and revisions until the customer is happy with the final design, and produce the final planning drawings to accompany your planning application.

ReVamp will submit and manage your planning application, along with the necessary Planning, Design & Access Statement to support your application,  in the hope of working towards a successful approval.

Can I use my own appointed electricians and plumbers alongside the building works you do?

If we are overseeing the works and project managing your building project, we prefer to bring in our own sub-contracted electricians and plumbers who are familiar with how we work, our expectations, and the timelines we require from them.   The process tends to be smoother when we can co-ordinate all trades directly.  You also may like to have a read of our blog ‘Your Checklist for First Fix Plumbing and Electrics’ for everything you will need to consider. 

Who deals with Building Control to sign off the various stages of the build?

If ReVamp are project managing your building works, Mac will personally oversee the requirements and relationship with Building Control, submitting any building control applications, ensuring building regs are met, contacting Building Control when necessary to arrange sign off the various stages of the build, right through to receiving Building Control certificate at the end of your build.   Photographic evidence is often required during this process too, which Mac will ensure is taken and provided.   Where Building Control require technical details and section drawings, ReVamp can arrange these with the structural engineer.

What if I want to add additional works in once we’ve started?

This frequently happens once a customer’s building works have started, when they decide to do more than initially planned as they are happy with the progress ReVamp is making.
 
Additional works can usually be added, and will be quoted/invoiced separately.  Naturally, it needs to be understood that where additional works are added this may affect the timeline of your project though any impact will be communicated to you to manage your expectations accordingly.  Invoices for works already carried out should be settled on completion of those works and separate to additional works/payments agreed. 

Can you help me with the interior design of my home, and sourcing products?

Absolutely!  Emma oversees the interior design side of the business, bringing her practical and creative insight to every home she has the pleasure of designing, whilst tuning in to the personalities of those within and the look and feel they're looking to emanate.

Emma is able to help customers design their interior layouts ensuring they are fit for purpose, whether it be a kitchen, a bathroom or other.  ReVamp can also help source products for customers, taking advantage of our supplier network and relationships so the customer too can benefit from our trade discounts.  We have access to huge discounts year round through some of our suppliers, such as Porcelanosa tiles.  We can also refer you to some of our recommended trade partners to ensure you get a fair deal.

Read more here about the interior design services we offer.

Where do I start?

If you are looking to get ReVamp to quote for your work, or you’d like to initially discuss your build plans with us, please call or email Mac directly.
Alternatively, if you’re not too sure exactly what you want to do yet as it’s all dependent on possibilities and costs, why don’t you contact Mac to book an initial consultation?
 
Mac will always give priority to existing jobs he is working on, so your patience is appreciated if he doesn’t get back to you immediately.  However, feel free to nudge us again if you’ve not heard back after a week. 

What is the best way to contact Mac?

By phone 07834 351809 or email [email protected]  Alternatively feel free to send an enquiry via our website here.
Once we’ve started a customer’s job, we ordinarily set up a What’s App group for the job to ping questions/clarifications between ReVamp and the customer.  Any additional costs / works will always be discussed and agreed via email. 

Can you provide references on your work?

Absolutely, we would strongly recommend you get several customer references from any builder as part of your decision process. Take a look at some of our customer testimonials here. If you are looking to appoint ReVamp as your builder, we will happily provide references you can contact to get first-hand feedback on the works we have undertaken for them.  Please also read our blog on ‘How to Avoid Cowboy Builders’ for more tips on checking the credibility of your builder. 

Why choose ReVamp for your building works?

ReVamp has been building, extending and renovating homes since 2006, with all projects personally overseen by Mac.  As a result of Mac’s passion, commitment and high-quality build finish, ReVamp has built up an excellent reputation locally, being the builder of choice for many – just speak to any of our previous customers.   View our testimonials here.
 
What’s more, Mac’s knowledge in all matters surrounding house building and renovations is extensive, pulling on his years of experience.  He’s come across many hurdles over the years, so when issues arise, he’s all about finding the solution and moving forward.   He also won’t cut corners.  Even if you can’t see what’s behind a wall or under the foundations, Mac knows and prides himself on going above and beyond to ensure your home is sound, solid and well insulated. Read more about Mac here.
 
With his experience comes a comprehensive network of trusted tradesmen and businesses, all specialists in their own rights, who Mac can call upon and sub-contract in to support his build projects, and who are familiar with the high-standards of finish he expects.  Mac’s strength as a project manager means he runs a very slick operation, co-ordinating all trades and supplies whilst keeping on top of progress daily.   A well-run operation will save you significant time and money.