Serving Torbay · Building across South Devon jbcarpentryandbuilding@yahoo.com07511 309544 AboutServices Areas Our WorkReviewsContact07511 309544Get Your Plans Priced - Home - Services - Refurbishments # Property refurbishmentsin Torbay & surrounding areas Bring a tired or neglected property back to life. We tackle the structural upgrades first, then manage the trades through to the finish you want. Get Your Plans Priced, Free - Director: 18 years' trade experience - 11+ years trading in South Devon - 1-year indemnity-backed guarantee - Public liability insured - City & Guilds bricklaying & carpentry ## Refurbishment that starts with the structure A refurbishment brings an existing property up to date: repairing defects, upgrading the structure, reconfiguring rooms and renewing finishes. It might be a whole house you've just bought or a long-overdue overhaul of the home you've lived in for years. Our refurbishments are for owners who want the work managed properly from start to finish, particularly where the project involves structural upgrades as well as new finishes. Refurbishment is usually needed when a property has outdated layouts, failing structural elements, damp, or simply hasn't been updated in decades. It's also common before a sale or after a purchase. What separates a good refurbishment from a cosmetic one is fixing the structure before covering it up. Our core team handles the structural and building work, while plumbing, electrics, plastering and finishing trades are managed through vetted subcontractors working through the company. ## The cost of decorating over problems Unresolved structural issues can damage new finishes later. ### Hidden defects resurface Damp, rot and structural cracks come back through new plaster and decoration. ### Paying twice Finishes have to be removed to fix problems that should have been dealt with first. ### Trades clashing Without coordination, plumbers, electricians and plasterers work out of sequence, causing delays and damage. ### Unclear responsibility When several contractors are involved, problems fall between them. ### Common mistakes to avoid - Prioritising kitchens and bathrooms before structural repairs. - Managing a dozen separate trades yourself. - Not checking whether alterations need Building Control approval. - Underestimating how much an older property needs. ## Our refurbishments process - Step 1 ### Send your plans Share your approved drawings and any structural calculations. We'll arrange a free site visit. - Step 2 ### Clear written price You get a written quote for the work, with any fit-out priced separately if you want it. - Step 3 ### Structural upgrades and managed trades We carry out structural repairs and alterations first, then coordinate vetted specialist trades (plumbing, electrics, plastering and finishes) in the right sequence. - Step 4 ### Building Control liaison We can liaise directly with Building Control officers on site where inspections are required. - Step 5 ### Completion and guarantee We hand over the finished work, covered by our 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee. ## Refurbishments project photos See our South Devon building projects → ## What you get with JB Carpentry and Building ### Problems fixed, not hidden Structural issues are dealt with before any finishes go on. ### One point of contact We manage the whole project, including specialist subcontractors. ### Right order, less disruption We coordinate specialist trades to help reduce clashes and avoidable rework. Timing depends on the agreed scope and site conditions. ### Choose your scope We can price the full fit-out or hand over to your own finishing trades. ### Building Control handled We liaise with Building Control where alterations require it. ### Guaranteed workmanship A 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee covers completed work. ## What a refurbishment can include Every refurbishment is shaped by the property. These are the elements that most often come together. ### Structural repairs and upgrades Replacing failed lintels, repairing cracked masonry, strengthening floors, removing or altering walls, and addressing foundation issues where needed. ### Reconfiguring layouts Opening up rooms, moving doorways and creating new spaces such as en-suites or utility rooms, often involving steels or new partitions. ### Roofs and weatherproofing Repairing or replacing roof structures and coverings, including rubber flat roofing as approved installers, to make the building watertight. ### Services and finishes Plumbing, electrics, plastering and specialist finishing trades are managed through vetted subcontractors. Kitchens, bathrooms, doors and decorating can be priced, or left to your own trades. ### Older and period properties Torbay and the surrounding area have many Victorian and older properties. These often need sympathetic structural repair rather than a modern-house approach. ### Related services - Structural Alterations → - House Extensions → - Flat Roofing →Based at 156 Newton Road, Torquay, Devon. Refurbishments across Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, South Hams, Teignbridge. ## Planning your refurbishments project ### Start with approved drawings We work primarily from existing client plans, so the best time to contact us about refurbishments is once your architect's drawings and any planning consent are in place. Drawings fix the size, layout and specification, which helps us define the scope of the quote; any assumptions or changes should be agreed for your project. If your engineer has produced structural calculations, include them too; they set the foundation sizes, steel sections and fixings we'll build to. ### Working with your architect and engineer We regularly work alongside client architects and structural engineers. When a question comes up on site (an unexpected drain, softer ground than expected, or an existing wall that isn't what the drawings assumed), we can discuss it with your designer before proceeding and agree any necessary changes. ### Building Control from first dig to sign-off Most structural work needs Building Regulations approval and inspections at key stages, such as foundation excavations, damp-proof courses, drainage and structural elements before they're covered. We liaise directly with Building Control officers on site throughout the build, where required; inspection timing and approval depend on the relevant Building Control body. ### Shell handover or full finish Our core strength is the ground, the structure and the watertight shell. Once that's complete you have a choice: we can price and manage the internal fit-out (kitchens, bathrooms, doors, decorating) through our vetted specialist trades, or we can hand over at the shell stage so you can bring in your own finishing trades and control that part of the budget yourself. Either way, the structure your finishes sit on has been built by one accountable team. ### Building in South Devon conditions Site conditions vary across South Devon. Sloping plots, restricted access, existing drains, coastal exposure and older structures may affect your refurbishments project. Your architect or engineer can specify the measures required, and we can discuss the site conditions and agreed scope when preparing a quote. ### What happens after you get in touch Call Jake or send your drawings through the contact page. We'll look over the plans, arrange a free site visit at a time that suits you, Monday to Saturday, and walk the site with you to understand access, ground conditions and how you want the project finished. You'll then receive a clear, written quote setting out what's included, so you can compare it properly and decide with confidence. ### One team, managed start to finish A core in-house team of six handles groundworks, brickwork, blockwork and structural carpentry, growing to as many as 15 with long-standing subcontractors on larger projects. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of hands-on trade experience and the company has been trading across South Devon for over 11 years. You get one point of contact, clear communication and strict quality control on every stage. Want to know more about the team? Read about us or go back to the homepage. ## Refurbishments questions ### How much does a house refurbishment cost? It depends entirely on the scope, the condition of the property and the finish you want. A free site visit and written quote is the best way to get a reliable figure. ### How long does a refurbishment take? That depends on the size of the property and the scope of work. We'll give you a realistic programme once the scope is agreed. ### Do you handle plumbing and electrics? Yes, through vetted specialist subcontractors who work through the company, so you have one point of contact. ### Can I use my own kitchen fitter or decorator? Yes. We're happy to hand over once the structural and building work is complete. ### What do I need to send you for a quote? Your architectural drawings, any planning or Building Regulations approvals, and structural calculations if your engineer has produced them. Photos of the site help too. We'll then arrange a free site visit. ### Who manages the specialist trades? We do. Plumbing, electrical, plastering and specialist finishing trades are delivered by vetted subcontractors who work through the company, so you deal with one contractor rather than several. ### Is the site visit and quote free? Yes. Initial site visits and quotes are free. Send your drawings, we'll look at the site with you and give you a written price for the work. ### Is the work guaranteed? All completed work is covered by a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee, and the company holds business and public liability insurance. ### Which areas do you cover? We're based on Newton Road in Torquay and serve Torbay (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) and the surrounding South Devon area, including Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, the South Hams and Teignbridge. ### What are your working hours, and do you take emergency call-outs? We work Monday to Saturday, 6:30am to 6:00pm. Contact Jake to discuss your project and availability. If a structure appears unsafe, seek urgent advice from a qualified structural engineer or the appropriate emergency service. ## Got your plans?Get a clear price. Free site visit and a written quote. Director Jake Brown brings 18 years of trade experience. All completed work carries a 1-year indemnity-backed workmanship guarantee. Get Your Plans Priced, Free +44 7511 309544 JB Carpentry and Building Ltd Groundworks and structural building specialists serving Torbay and South Devon. 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