Overview

This two-storey home originally featured a galley kitchen accessed from the hall, with a separate dining room and a living room that could only be reached through doors from the hall. The layout made the rear of the house feel cramped, boxy, and disconnected, limiting how the family could use and enjoy the space.

What Was Needed

The homeowners wanted a more open, sociable layout that encouraged interaction and created better flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. They also required additional functional spaces, including a utility room and a sunroom, with plenty of natural light to brighten the rear of the home. Importantly, they were seeking a contractor who could manage the process transparently and deliver the work to a high standard with clear communication throughout.

Our Approach

To achieve the transformation, we removed the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room, creating a spacious open-plan hub at the heart of the house. A single-storey extension was added to the rear, incorporating a practical utility room beside the kitchen and a light-filled sunroom featuring French doors and a Velux window. These design choices ensured the new space was both functional and inviting, maximising natural light while maintaining modern comfort.

We worked closely with the clients on project management, providing clear contracts, milestone payments, and handling all necessary paperwork including the building warrant. Regular consultation and recommendations along the way ensured the project ran smoothly and aligned with their vision.

The End Result

The new open-plan layout has completely changed the feel of the home, providing a versatile and sociable living area ideal for entertaining. The sunroom brings warmth and light, while the addition of a utility room adds much-needed practicality. The homeowners were delighted with the quality of the work, the clarity of communication, and the professional management of the project from start to finish.

In the client’s words:

“Sawmill Contracts was one of three builders recommended by the Federation of Master Tradesmen. I was able to agree to a clear contract with acceptable timescales and milestone payments – which were met. Paperwork was kept up to date and there was no difficulty obtaining a building warrant. Project management was good with consultation and recommendations along the way. Additional kitchen procurement and fitting, as well as flooring, were carried out at a reasonable cost.”