In June 2014 we started the exciting task of demolishing the existing house in readiness for the construction of a new fully wheelchair accessible Cranham. 

The first task was to demolish the house with excavators and then clear the site. Then we could begin digging a huge 600 square meters for the foundations. Whilst doing this we encountered many enormous rocks, as previously this area was an old stone quarry. After breaking the large rocks we levelled the ground ready for the concrete raft foundation.

We shuttered and cast the basement retaining walls, which took 240 cubic meters of concrete in the whole foundation. Once the foundations were complete we could then begin the block work, which quickly reached ground floor level. We next laid the concrete block and beam floor and also proceeded building block walls up to roof height. After completion we were then able to build external stone walls, incorporating stone cills and lintels.

We were soon ready for the roof trusses, which was a difficult task over a very cold winter period. Once all the roof trusses were fitted the roof could be felted and tiled, now starting to seal the house. To complete the exterior, we fitted all the windows and doors. The house was now water tight so we could begin concentrating on the internal work.

Firstly, we built all the stud walls to create the internal rooms. The house was beginning to take shape and our clients were getting excited!

The next task involved installing approximately 5 miles of underfloor heating pipe, which would then be ready to take screed for the floors. Fix electrics were next fitted along with plumbing, and when this was complete we started plaster boarding the walls and ceilings. It was starting to take shape like a house internally now; after many square meters of plastering, all internal oak joinery, and the installation of bathrooms, kitchen and the lift.

Carpets, blinds and curtains were fitted soon after which enabled it to begin to feel like a home, and our client moved in just 13 months after the start of the build in July 2015.

All the living area and bedrooms are on first floor level, enabling the house to be fully accessible from the driveway with the integral garage on ground level. The gardens and paths are all fully accessible. The house works extremely well and has made a big difference for all the family.