Featured project
Full 3-bed refurbishment,
Nunhead SE15.
£112k
Fixed fee
18 wks
Programme
3 bed
Property size
£0
Cost overrun
The project
A 3-bed Victorian terrace in Nunhead purchased by the client as a project property at auction. The house had been tenanted for 20 years — the wiring was original 1970s consumer unit and sockets, the plumbing was a mix of iron and copper, the bathrooms were original suite and the kitchen was beyond repair. The client wanted a fully renovated, move-in-ready property within 20 weeks of purchase.
Scope delivered within the £112,000 fixed fee
Full rewire — new consumer unit, all circuits, LED downlights throughout · Full replumb — new copper throughout, all hot and cold runs · New Worcester combi boiler and all radiators with TRVs · 2 full bathroom refits (main bathroom + en-suite to master bedroom) · Full kitchen refit — L-shaped mid-range, integrated appliances · Full replaster all walls and ceilings · Engineered oak flooring ground floor, carpet first floor · Full redecoration — all rooms, woodwork, ceilings · New internal doors, skirting and architrave throughout · Structural alterations — chimney breast removal ground floor, RSJ installed · Part P electrical test certificates · Gas safe certificate · Building regs completion certificate · 10-year Hutch workmanship warranty
I bought the house at auction knowing it needed everything. Three refurb companies quoted — two gave me estimates that ranged from £95k to £140k with no detail on what was included. Hutch gave me a 22-page scope of works, a fixed price of £112k and completed in 18 weeks. Move-in ready on the date they said.
The complexity of sequencing 12 trades
A full refurb involves 12 separate trades working in strict sequence. Your PM’s most important job is maintaining that sequence — because delays cascade. On this project:
The structural works (chimney breast + RSJ) were completed first, making good before plastering began. First fix electrics and plumbing ran concurrently after structural — saving 2 weeks on programme. Bathrooms were run in sequence as rooms were plastered, rather than all at once — meaning one bathroom was available throughout. Kitchen last — to avoid it becoming a builder’s mess room. The sequence was planned at scope stage and stuck to throughout.
The structural works (chimney breast + RSJ) were completed first, making good before plastering began. First fix electrics and plumbing ran concurrently after structural — saving 2 weeks on programme. Bathrooms were run in sequence as rooms were plastered, rather than all at once — meaning one bathroom was available throughout. Kitchen last — to avoid it becoming a builder’s mess room. The sequence was planned at scope stage and stuck to throughout.