- Location: Chipping Norton, GL56
- Duration: Approximately 3 months
- Project Type: Stone house refurbishment, annex upgrade, slate roof replacement and porch works
- Role: Principal Contractor (Full Project Delivery)
Project Overview
This project involved a series of carefully managed refurbishment and external improvement works to an old detached stone house near Chipping Norton, close to the Oxfordshire and Cotswolds border.
The property had the character and construction challenges often found in older stone homes: traditional materials, existing roof structures, previous alterations, and areas where modern comfort needed to be introduced without losing the feel of the original building.
DKM Builders Oxford Ltd was appointed across multiple phases of work, including internal refurbishment, annex improvements, structural coordination, roof works, porch construction and external detailing.
The client wanted to improve the house properly rather than carry out quick cosmetic updates. The works needed to respect the age and appearance of the property while making the building more practical, reliable and comfortable for modern family use.
Older detached stone houses require a different approach from newer homes. Walls, roofs, services and previous alterations all need to be assessed carefully before work is opened up. On this project, the work involved close coordination between construction trades, Building Control requirements, roof works, insulation upgrades and internal finishing.
Roof Replacement in Natural Slate
The largest single element of the project was a full roof replacement.
The existing roof covering and defective battens were removed, rotten roof timbers were replaced where required, and the roof was upgraded with breathable membrane, treated battens, natural slates, dry valleys, ridge tiles, fascia works, gutters and downpipes.
Further repairs and detailing were carried out around the dormers, cladding and chimney areas to improve both appearance and weather protection.
Internal Refurbishment
Inside the property, DKM Builders carried out refurbishment works connected to the kitchen, bathroom areas, plastering, structural elements, insulation and general internal improvements.
Annex Works
The annex works included door and window alterations, internal plastering, bathroom and kitchen plumbing, electrical works, insulation build-ups, radiator first fix, floor preparation and general finishing works. This helped turn the annex into a more usable and upgraded part of the property.
Porch and External Detailing
The front porch was also improved, including new timber post details and associated external works.
Coordination and Sequencing
A stone house of this type needs careful sequencing. Structural works, insulation, roof protection, services, plastering and external finishes all affect each other. If they are not coordinated properly, one trade can easily create problems for the next.
DKM Builders managed the works with a practical site-led approach, keeping the client informed while working through the different phases of the refurbishment.
The Result
The completed works improved the property structurally, practically and visually. The house retained its traditional detached stone character while benefiting from upgraded roof construction, improved internal areas, better services coordination and a more useful annex.
Client Feedback
“We asked DKM Builders to put on a new slate roof and build a front porch. We had previously used the builders for some refurbishment work in our house so did not hesitate to use them again. We're really pleased with our new slate roof and porch. The brick work and wood finish on our porch looks fantastic. The quality of their work is always 1st class and they always consult on all parts of the job to make sure their customers are happy. They have a good eye for what looks good and take pride in what they do. I definitely recommend DKM for all projects.”
- Jonathan Freegard, Chipping Norton
DKM Builders Approach
This project shows the value of using one experienced building contractor for complex older homes. Instead of treating the work as separate small jobs, DKM Builders was able to coordinate refurbishment, roofing, annex works and external improvements as part of a wider property upgrade.
Planning a Stone House Refurbishment in Oxfordshire or the Cotswolds?
DKM Builders Oxford Ltd delivers full refurbishments, roof works, structural alterations, annex upgrades and high-quality residential building projects across Oxfordshire, Chipping Norton, the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.
Contact DKM Builders Oxford Ltd to discuss your refurbishment project.
