OUR BLOG

When it comes to building work and obtaining a building quotation it can be the start of a daunting process. How do you know which is the right builder for you? Are they quoting a fair price? We bring together 9 things you should know before you choose your builder. Why is money such a complex matter in the construction industry? It’s simply because the sums of money are large and buildings take a long time to complete so builders require stage payments, normally monthly valu

Oxfordshire is a lovely county with many beautiful homes in it, so it’s no surprise that it’s so popular with people seeking new homes and with those upgrading and extending their existing properties. Whether you want to build a new property or extend, improve or refurbish an existing one, we have a wealth of successful experience in similar work, from new builds to extending and upgrading mature, conserved and listed properties. We’ve gathered together a few of our previous

We're delighted that one of our prestigious listed building projects has been commended in The Georgian Group Architectural Awards 2022, sponsored by Savills. Presented by John Goodall at The RIBA, the awards are designed to recognise exemplary conservations projects and reward those who have shown commitment to restore Georgian buildings and landscapes. As the chosen listed building contractor for this comprehensive conservation project we are humbled to have restored, remod

Planning a Victorian Cottage renovation can be an exciting time but what’s important is that the finished project should be all you want it to be and, depending on what you want done, achieving that may need the knowledge, skill and experience of an architecture, engineer and interior designer, as well as the skills and commitment of your builders, turning the design into reality. We provide our top Victorian Cottage renovation tips and answer some key questions: What’s Speci

When it comes to a Listed building renovation it’s important to take into consideration what the renovation process will involve. If you are contemplating a listed building renovation then a little research can go a long way. To help make your project run smoother we’ve gathered some key information as well as answering some of the commonly asked questions when it comes to a listed building renovation. Types of listed buildings A building gets listed by being added to the li

As an outstanding, traditional renovations building contractor based in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire we have over 30 years of experience in building renovations. We thought it would be helpful and beneficial to share some information when it comes to building renovations. Here are some of the top questions we get asked as a renovations builder: What is a building renovation Put quite simply, a building renovation is the process in which a property is improved or modernised

Thinking about your ideal house extension is exciting, but navigating planning permissions, building regulations, and structural considerations can feel overwhelming. However, your architect will know what’s necessary and these essential steps are the foundation of your dream home extension and well worth the effort. Below, we showcase some stunning house extensions Saunders Brothers has completed throughout Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, highlighting the unique aspects of

Here at Saunders Brothers we take immense pride in the projects and buildings we work on, especially as we know how our work can positively change our clients’ daily lives. With a lifetime of specialist experience working on barn conversions, listed buildings and conservation properties amongst others, it’s no surprise that our craftsmen’s skills and respect for traditional construction and materials are chosen for good reason. We work closely with our clients and architects

Conservation areas exist to protect the special architectural and historic interest of a place or area – in other words, the buildings and their features that make it unique and distinctive. What is a listed building? A listed building is one that is included in the National Heritage List for England, which is a list of buildings, structures and places worthy of being conserved individually, whether the area they’re in is conserved or not. If you own a listed building, whethe

Your Guide to House Extensions and Renovations Have you been contemplating an extension to your home or a substantial renovation which could also include an extension? Perhaps you’re looking to create additional space for a growing family or even a dedicated environment to work safely from home. Whatever your circumstances, an extension or renovation to your home can be a daunting process and not knowing where to begin with a building project can cause confusion. If you need

At Saunders Brothers we pride ourselves in delivering your project - whether a dream home or prestigious new office - safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to our clients. The Covid-19 pandemic suggests anything but ‘minimal disruption’ and the mission here at Saunders Brothers is to continue to achieve utmost safety by investing in responsible management, excellent training and skilful staff - we think that’s why our safety record is so good. We care about everyone

What is a listed building? The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (Historic England for short) maintains a list of all places (not just buildings) of special architectural or historic interest. Buildings on that list are called listed buildings and all features affecting their significance as heritage assets must be conserved in any alteration or development. So what features make a building listed and what is it actually like to work with listed buildin

Every responsible builder has to comply with a huge volume of legislation and regulation. Fortunately, our clients have no need to be concerned with most of it, but there are exceptions and an asbestos survey is one of the most important. Where appropriate, an asbestos survey is required by law, but it’s also just possible that it could save you and your builders from serious ill-health so it’s not something you want to try to avoid. So What Is an Asbestos Survey? Put quite s

“The best pre-qualified construction contractors & companies” We are delighted to announce that we have recently become accredited members of Constructionline – a register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants used by the construction industry. By collaborating with Constructionline means we can now reach a wider audience across the public and private sectors, but more importantly it demonstrates the credibility of Saunders Brothers and transparency of our Health and

The Construction Design & Management (CDM 2015) regulations, which govern all construction work, require a Principal Contractor to be appointed on any project with more than one contractor. Whether there’s a Principal Contractor or sole contractor, their are main duties to be adhered to. We outline some of the duties of the Principal Contractor below: Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate the whole of the construction work. Provide a Construction Phase Plan. This gives deta

When it comes to a building project, choosing the right builder can make all the difference. Whether you are planning a home renovation, extension or new build, taking time to find the best team is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here are our top tips for choosing a builder to help your project run smoothly. Do your research A successful building project starts with thorough research. Take the time to understand what you need and find builders who have expe

We've been helping homeowners build their dream homes for over 30 years, and during that time we've found that some questions get asked time and time again. Here are 10 frequently asked questions that will help you choose the right builder for your project. Top 10 frequently asked questions by homeowners What legal duties do I have when embarking on a building project? At Saunders Brothers we know all the legal requirements under The Construction Design and Management Regulat