of brick that the house was built with. This involved testing several different options until they found the best match. In the end the couple used Austrian company Wienerberger. “If you’re going to be fortunate enough to build a house in a conservation area you’ve got to understand where they are coming from,” says Colette. “We didn’t put up a fight with the planners, we all got on well, with a bit of give and take.”
After a few more submissions and a further 18 months, the planners finally agreed to the design. However the planning process had taken a lot longer than the family had anticipated. On top of the setbacks in the planning approval, Jess’s busy schedule meant that the project was becoming increasingly delayed. Jess took a step back from the project, and her parents hired a locally based architect, Denovo Design, to help speed things up and put together the tender packages. The family put the build out to tender to locally based contractors themselves. Jess admits they were slightly naïve when it came to budgeting for the project. As well as topographical and geographical surveys, the two sycamores had to be removed before any work could begin. This was an extra cost and added on time: “In hindsight we should have hired a quantity surveyor from the start to cost it all up for us.”
The couple chose a local builder, Absolute 16
www.sbhonline.co.uk
“When you are heavily involved and friendly with the builders, like I was, it can be really difficult to tell them they’re doing something wrong”
Developments, that had been recommended by a friend: “They were young and really forward- thinking – we took a slight gamble, but it paid off,” says Colette.
At this point Jess came back to project- manage the construction phase. As the build got underway, the family decided to bring in a quantity surveyor to oversee the contract. “He was worth his weight in gold,” says Jess. “When you are heavily involved and friendly with the builders, like I was, it can be really difficult to tell them they’re doing something wrong.” Once the builders started work, things ran relatively smoothly. However, the project hit a
february/march 2020
ABOVE
The pitched ceilings to bedrooms gives a pleasant feeling of height
HIGH POINT
“I am most proud of the fact that our daughter designed the house, not many people can say that.” – Colette Howard
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