We are delighted with the comprehensive service that Peter Tesar has provided throughout the process of extending our house. His early advice, detailed designs, comprehensive schedule of work, tendering, assistance with planning authorities and project management of the build itself have been exemplary. He has been available throughout, keeping us informed of progress and monitoring the trades as they have completed their tasks. That the extension has been completed to a very high standard throughout, ahead of time and on budget is tribute to his knowledge, dedication and project management skills. We would wholeheartedly recommend Peter to anyone considering a similar project themselves.
When you buy your first ever house after forty years of marriage it is a big moment. Having lived in church and military provided accommodation we had some ideas of what we wanted, not least somewhere to house over a thousand books. We managed to find a property we thought had potential, we could afford, and was in a suitable location. What next? The decision was to trawl the internet for someone who could help us transform our new house into what we wanted. We had nearly a year and, hopefully, enough cash for the project.
One of the first websites we discovered was that of Peter Tesar. Nearby to our new house his previous work and interesting blogs offered an insight into someone who appeared likely to be able to help. So we made contact with Peter and sixteen months later and living in our wonderful home we have had no regrets. When Peter came to see the property he immediately opened us up to a new approach to the use of the space. We had already decided that the integral garage would become the study but his suggestion that the top floor would make an excellent bedroom, dressing area and en suite transformed the property. When we discovered that he was also able to offer a service from providing the drawings to the eventual hand over of the building we were delighted and accepted his proposal.
Although things took longer to get started than we had hoped, once underway the project was handled very well. This was important because when the building work started on the rear extension there was a problem with finding firm ground for the foundations. What threatened to be an expensive solution that would require a considerable delay to the work was dealt with so that an elegant, reasonably priced and quick alternative was discovered and implemented. We are also grateful to Peter for his local contacts. One of the builders asked to tender was a local firm. He came with an excellent recommendation from Peter and we were delighted that he was willing to work with him and with us as clients. The work was carried out to the highest of standards. He used wonderful sub-contractors and pointed us in the direction of suppliers and tradesmen who would contribute their own little part of the whole. Throughout Peter was in the background and we could go to him for advice whenever we needed it.
Although a relatively small project, there was a considerable amount of work involved as the house was taken back to bare walls so that rewiring, and the remodelling of the plumbing, could take place. This meant that there was a lot of individual pieces to bring together as the transformation took place. We might have been able to have done it ourselves but I doubt whether the cost would have been worth it. We were delighted to have made contact with Peter and pleased with the final outcome.
Peter Tesar Architectural Design carried out the design and management of our project whilst Nick Bennett carried out the construction part on our house extension & renovation. The overall cost of the project was approximately £300,000 and involved demolition and extension of our House, while we were living in there. It involved the reconfiguration of half of the house, together with an extension and the replacement and re-siting of approximately 30 wooden sash windows and doors.
Pete provided a complete overlay project management service, that was very much bespoke towards our needs. As and when there was an issue with a sub contractor, Pete was great at managing them to ensure that as a client, the project was as stress free as it possibly could be. He was also there after the project to address any issues that came up with planning/building control and snagging.
We would fully recommend him in the future.
With regard to the build, at many times Nick was managing up to 20 contractors on site, and we were extremely happy with the build, and more importantly how it was managed and how Nick accommodated some of the changes we requested part way through the build. In addition the post build, services were still there, and whenever something has come up Nick has always been on hand to either address or help us manage with the supplier.
We would absolutely use Nick and the team again on any building projects we would undertake.
We could not let this extension project draw to a close without expressing our sincere gratitude for your professional input throughout. We really enjoyed working with you and hope you did not find us too difficult. For us it was an ambitious undertaking and it was a huge comfort to have your support and advice from the very early stages of concept, design and planning through to completion. It all began, around our kitchen table over numerous cups of tea in the summer of 2013, with your meticulous thoughts put down on paper and explained at our level. It should be noted that, despite the additional cost, the M & E drawings were an essential ingredient to the fluent outcome. At the Planning Application stage you helped us to successfully negotiate the complexities of the way forward so as to ensure the preservation of the trees along the SW boundary using an arboriculturalist. Going out to tender was the next hurdle which potentially could have caused considerable grief. Once again, we need not have been concerned as you skillfully helped us to engage what can only be described as an ideal builder for our needs in ASP Murphy. The project got under way a month earlier than we had expected and was completed in record time on schedule despite the most atrocious wet weather that the UK has seen in over 100 years. Your weekly site meetings ensured that everything was in order and work was according to the plans. When further structural calculations for the 9m steel beam were requested by TVBC, you supplied these to the satisfaction of the authorities without holding up the build. As the project was nearing completion, it was helpful to have you there to ensure that everything was as it should be. We are delighted with the end product which has far exceeded our wildest dreams and was within budget with no hidden costs taking a mere 9 weeks from start to finish. Your exceptionally professional relationship with Steve Murphy was truly valuable and communications were thorough to ensure that the logistics never held up the proceedings. In essence, it was you who facilitated the extension project on our behalf giving us 100% satisfaction. We are most grateful for the enjoyable experience and would recommend you and ASP Murphy to anyone who wishes to embark on a complex extension knowing that they will get exactly what they requested. Yours sincerely Pen & Richard Barnes-Gorell
Having taken on a very tired-looking 1930s property in need of significant alteration, I knew I needed a design that made maximum use of space but was realistic in terms of my budget. I chose to work with Peter as I appreciated his honesty and realism and it was a very wise choice! Peter project managed the build for me - worth every penny as he was able to deal directly with the builder and resolve minor issues as they arose. He kept the build on time and on budget and we met up regularly to agree each stage. Peter is a true professional; he is able to tailor his involvement to suit his clients and has the patience of a saint. His knowledge and experience of local builders and traders certainly saved me time and money. I have a beautiful, modern home thanks to Peter and I can highly recommend his services.
Dear Peter, Thank you so much for all your help and work with the planning and design of my new kitchen. It's been quite an experience altogether! Thank you too for your goodness and kindness in stepping back after I told you I needed to cut costs however possible. I appreciate you finding John Richardson as one of your tenders do the build. He has been excellent. Courteous, pleasant, patient, organised and very hard working, in my experience, these last six weeks. John told me you had asked him to fit my build in soonest and I greatly appreciate this too. It's so wonderful to be able to have this extra living functional space now and I will enjoy it and be thankful all my days, living in this home. I am sure there are some words of thanks and praise I am missing out. A huge thank you for all your encouragement, advice and support over this conversion. Kindest regards, Heather Dawson
