A M Price & Sons

Directors Luke & Craig Price initiated the project with the assistance of their local architect and interior design consultant. Initially the drawings were developed to maximise the development potential, then submitted to the Bromsgrove District Council. Planning permission was later granted for the extension to the existing dwelling to provide an additional first floor bedroom, bathroom and a loft conversion on the second floor which would form the master bedroom. The ground floor was replanned and extended to benefit from a large open plan kitchen/dining room that allowed a natural feeling of space developed by the velux roof lights featured in the pitched roof.

Due to the cottage being located in a green belt conservation area the local council were continually consulted to ensure the scheme was appropriate and in keeping with the guidelines relative to the development within the rural setting.

Once commenced works were overseen and managed by Director Craig Price; the sub-contractors were selected carefully based on quality of workmanship. It was essential to ensure all works were carried out sympathetically and in keeping with the schemes carefully selected specifications.

Due to the extent of the dilapidations at the property the schedule of remedial works was extensive and furthermore substantial in terms of cost.

A M Price successfully carried out the full scope of works and completion of the cottage was within the twelve week time frame they had scheduled (including planning consent) and within budget.

The works carried out ranged in terms of both size and cost and in brief consisted of;

• Excavation, removal and replacement of all ground floors. Upon pre surface inspection it was found that there were no foundations to the property and the quarry tiles which constituted the current ground floor level were sitting on soil. 16" of hardcore was filled into the ground at foundation level prior to a concrete setting.
• Damp proof injection to one meter height at ground floor level
• A full waterproof membrane system including waterproof rendering were applied to all walls up to 300mm above the adjacent ground levels.
• The membrane was applied to the inside face of the wall and turned down continuously onto the floor slab.
• A full DPC injection was carried out to all walls
• Mass fill with hardcore and surface seal to cellar
• All ceilings were removed, replaced and lowered by 16" to accommodate an increase for head height in the loft space.
• A complete re-wire was carried out to the property in line with current NICEIC regulations, a burglar alarm system was installed. High specification, polished chrome sockets and light fittings were installed throughout.
• A complete mains water system was integrated and a Worcester gas combination boiler was installed to serve the central heating system.
• The roof required a complete overhaul which incorporated re-felting, dormers installed in conjunction with building regulation approval and the original roof tiles were re-claimed, repaired and re-fitted.

In order to achieve the idyllic traditional look, it was imperative aesthetically the cottage sat in keeping with its adjoining semi detached cottage. The neighbour who resided appreciated workmanship and style that A M Price were working to develop and commissioned the firm to carry out works to create a symmetrical exterior to that of Chapel cottage under refurbishment.

In order to achieve a meticulous finish both cottages were rendered and painted in all weather antique white masonry paint and Portland stone cills sat beneath replacement UPVC double glazed Sash windows.

Planning permission was later granted for off road parking and a block paved driveway was created. The perimeter of the drive was finished with low level brick walling which enclosed a neatly turfed and landscaped fore garden. A new soak away had to be installed for the drive to conform to current building regulation approval.

Internally to create the desired high specification finish A M Price had hardwood surrounds made and fitted to border the re-enforced glass that was used as an alternative to internal plaster wall partitions.

Complementary solid oak panel doors were fitted throughout the cottage and contemporary fashionable internal door furniture was used.

To compliment the finish within the extension a "Tenby" classic kitchen was fitted with barrel top style ivory painted doors, finished with simple tongue and groove effect end panels. This type of kitchen introduced character whilst the light oak solid wood post formed work tops, country cream splash backs and stone floor finish gave a contemporary twist and completed the look. Quality Integrated appliances were installed to include a range oven, hob, hood, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher.

Contemporary white suites were fitted to both the bathroom and ground floor WC. Stylish tiled splash backs constituted mosaic tiled borders that complemented the tiled floor finish. Designer chrome taps, a clear glazed bath screen and a heated chrome towel rail was fitted. Under floor heating was introduced throughout the property in keeping with the high specification finish.

Outside the rear garden was landscaped to develop a cottage garden including an extensive patio area. This involved removal of 3 feet of soil to allow for an appropriate size patio area. Coping stones were used to offer a traditional external floor finish. Complementary brickwork was used in the formation of steps and enclosing walls that lead up to the extensive lawned garden.

Once the majority of the building work was complete a design consultant worked closely with A M Price to create an interior colour scheme that would compliment the specifications and finish. It was decided that an element of modern contemporary colour was to be introduced to compliment the country cream fitted kitchen and white sanitary wear.

Over a dozen individual buyers approached A M Price whilst works were underway at the cottage to enquire about the possibility of purchasing the property prior to the instruction of an Estate Agent. A sale was agreed to a cash purchaser who was willing to meet there full asking price in exchange for the opportunity to purchase before the house went to market.

A M Price were commended by locals for their sympathetic approach to the project and the luxurious contemporary specifications they achieved whilst maintaining the cottages traditional country feel.