Frequently Asked Questions

Advice and Guidance

Building & Property Renovation FAQs

We understand that renovating your property can at first seem a daunting task, filled with questions and potential uncertainties, that’s why we have created this useful FAQ page. Here we’ll answer a range of queries you may have about our services, the renovation process, and what to expect when working with our team.

Our experienced renovation specialists have successfully completed a broad range of projects and are here to guide you through any queries you may have.

The FAQ page will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your project and feel confident in choosing Gray & Amor as your trusted building contractor.

Have a query that isn’t answered by our FAQ page? Contact our team who will be pleased to assist.

General FAQs

Please send the details of your project over to us via email or via the contact us form. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to a member of the team telephone us on 01380 587 006 or 01672 596 006. In order that we are best placed to assist, include some photos of the project and any plans or details you have of the works that you would like to discuss and we will be in contact shortly to review the information and arrange a property visit.

We work throughout Wiltshire and the surrounding area. With our workshop, based near Devizes, you will see the team working on many projects predominantly based around Devizes, Marlborough and the surrounding towns and villages. However, we routinely work in a variety of locations and often in other areas such as the villages surrounding Chippenham. If you are unsure if we cover the area you live in, do not hesitate to contact us, and a team member will be pleased to assist.

Gray & Amor Ltd. provide a comprehensive range of high quality building services from carpentry and general building through to electrics, plumbing, decorating, and much more. Please visit our services page for further information or contact us to find out more.

Yes, Gray & Amor Ltd. has undergone rigorous inspection and routine review to allow its status amongst only a very select few companies to become a Chartered Building Company with the Chartered Institute of Builders. We share the values of actively promoting professionalism and integrity in construction. With an in-house Chartered Construction Manager and professionally qualified joiners, carpenters and builders to name but a few, you are in the very capable hands of a trusted company to look after you project which is often the biggest investment, your home. Gray & Amor Ltd. is also member of the Federation of Master Builders, Trust Mark certified and Trading Standards approved (insert hyperlink). Furthermore, in the interest of continuous development and delivery for our clients, the Directors and team regularly undertake CPD (continual professional development) as our commitment to best serving our clients and improving the quality of the industry.

Once we have received your enquiry and carried out a property visit, as appropriate, we will send through a price / specification for the works discussed. Once this is received and you have contacted us to advise that you would like to proceed with the works, we generate an order form which we send to you. This simple document provides all the necessary booking information, such as project start date, estimated completion date and details on deposit payments (generally 20%).

We pride ourselves on the quality of service and workmanship consistently delivered throughout every project. Our many repeat clients value the realistic time frames and costs we provide and our commitment to their delivery on time and within budget. As principal contractor for your project, Gray & Amor Ltd. look after each stage and element of your project whether it be a minor refurbishment of a room through to entire property renovation. We understand the importance of every clients project and are a prompt, reliable, single point of contact throughout the works. We meticulously organise the various trades required and ensure that the project process is as stress free as possible for our clients, along with providing excellent aftercare with a member of the team readily contactable.

Depending on the project and what is involved, planning permission may be required before works can take place, for example an extension or alteration to a property. Additional conditions may be in place for listed properties and those within a conservation area / AONB. Ultimately it is a question to ask the local planning authority and there are several options available to starting this process. A number of clients find the ‘do I need planning permission’ service Planning permission – Wiltshire Council beneficial to gather further information for their project. There are also many works that are likely to not require planning permission such as re-fitting a new kitchen or bathroom however, if in doubt it is always best to check to ensure all the relevant permissions are in place for your project and future peace of mind.

Complete property renovations

We have extensive experience of working on period properties and sympathetically refurbishing them for modern day living. We are expertly placed to discuss your project and its various elements, formulating a best plan and providing realistic costs for the items of work identified. Clients will often come to us with plans they have had drawn up by their chosen architect / design professional, alternatively we are able to suggest companies to assist with this element we have had positive experience with. We then work through these plans with skill and precision to deliver your project on time and in budget. We also understand that period properties have a story to tell, often with many layers of history, our experience in this area allows us to work dynamically and produce solutions as plans potentially develop or areas are uncovered.

Gray & Amor Ltd. are a Chartered Building Company with in house Chartered Construction Management services. We are the principle contractor on projects, meaning that you have one point of contact, with the potential stress of organising various elements removed as we do all this for you. We have an excellent core team of tradespeople as well as network of skilled specialist subcontractors meaning that from general building through to bespoke joinery and working with materials such as lime through to cast iron, we have your project covered. We pride ourselves on always being contactable and our commitment to successfully delivering every project with professionalism, care, attention to detail and customer service.

As well as a wealth of experience in working with period properties, Gray & Amor Ltd. is also expertly placed to carry out an extension as part of your refurbishment works. This includes both a new structure to enhance a modern property or a skilfully incorporated extension to a period property (subject to the relevant planning approval).

Yes, we work with our clients on large or ongoing projects to agree suitable breaks in works. These various phases facilitate the option of doing larger renovation projects in stages as an option for those who this works best for. At each stage we communicate the works to take place and the realistic costs and time frames involved, so that our clients are regularly informed of the works taking place. Having works carried out in phases allows for budgeting to different areas and a pragmatic, functional approach especially to larger projects where a phased approach can facilitate a variety of project possibilities. For example, readying a space to be habituated prior to the rest of works taking place, or preparing an outbuilding to serve as air B&B to generate the client income, through to securing a structure prior to planned future refurbishment at a later phase.

Decorating

Yes certainly, we skilfully refurbish external joinery and decorate facias and soffits to preserve their longevity and restore their appearance. With an in house joinery shop and highly talented carpentry team, we are able to also refurbish deteriorated timbers and expertly match them into the existing style for sympathetic refurbishment.

We have many years of experience working with period properties and the range of specialist materials that are sympathetic to their decoration such as clay, chalk and lime products. We also understand the importance of careful surface preparation and the variety of stages that are often involved to enhance the finished surfaces of your home.

Yes we can offer the fitting of lining paper and wall paper as part of your decorating project.

With our painting and decorating services we understand the importance of choosing the right colour for your project. After the careful preparation works have taken place, we want your new room through to your new piece of bespoke joinery to look just how you envisaged it. In order to assist our clients with choosing their selected colour, we are able to carry out samples to refine choices before proceeding with your final selection.

Floor Fitting

We fit a comprehensive range of flooring options to suit your choice as part of your project. This includes tiles, laminate, LVT, engineered wood, solid wood. With all floor laying we understand the importance of correct surface preparation for your new floor to be fitted. We also supply a variety of flooring options and specialise in the expert fitting of wooden flooring both, new and reclaimed. Gray & Amor Ltd. are also experienced in the laying of exquisite parquet floors.

Yes, at Gray & Amor Ltd. we are expertly placed to both install new flooring and refurbish existing wooden floors. After assessing your floor, we discuss the refurbishment options available and desired outcome for your floor. We carry out a range of repairs from timber splices through to the application of high quality finishing products such as, dyes, oils and waxes to leave your floor looking restored.

Yes, as part of our fitting service we can remove your old floor covering and dispose of this correctly and safely. We are registered waste carriers, offering our clients peace of mind. In addition, a high proportion of the construction materials we remove are recycled, wherever possible, via our trusted waste contractor.

As part of every floor fitting job we offer a complete package of services so that your project is expertly carried out from start to finish. Often with floor fitting there will be items such as new skirting boards required, or doors to be trimmed for the different height levels. We are able to carry out all of these services and more, in order to deliver your chosen new floor.

Integrated storage & bespoke projects

Every space and every project is unique. We discuss your specific requirements as to how you want the space to look and function creating bespoke items of integrated storage from wardrobes to book cases and anything you require an individual and elegant storage solution for your every need.

Our highly skilled team routinely undertake bespoke and one off projects. We understand the importance of careful planning and quality craftsman skillset required to successfully deliver bespoke projects. At Gray & Amor Ltd. we have years of experience working with a range of different materials and one off custom items such as shepherds huts to staircases and much more, making us an ideal choice to appoint, discuss and create your bespoke project.

Yes we can provide your integrated storage in a range of excellent finishes. Depending on preference for the desired finished look we can provide these in a full range of high quality paint finishes. In addition to painted finish, depending on the material choice, there are also a variety of options available such as the application of quality dyes, waxes and oils to successfully deliver the exact look you desire.

As well as using a variety of new materials, we also regularly use a range of reclaimed materials in order to create bespoke projects and storage solutions. The use of these reclaimed materials, combined with skilled craftsmanship, means that items can be repaired or created that sympathetically blend into the historic fabric of the property to compliment and enhance your use of the space.

Doors & windows

We fit a wide range of doors and windows including timber, aluminium, uPVC and composite. We also specialise in the manufacturing of bespoke joinery. Whether you have a door or window that you require making to match the style of an existing piece or you are looking for a one off item to sit within a non-standard opening, our team will expertly create and fit this for you.

We understand the importance of delivering a complete service for our clients. We are able to provide the services needed specifically for your project in order to make good internally and externally following the installation of your new doors and windows. The works required vary between installations and whether it be plastering new window reveals through to the application of lime pointing around newly installed windows, we can provide this for you.

As well as providing a range of services for the fitting of new doors and windows, we are also expertly placed to repair and ease existing doors and windows, specialising in those of timber construction. Often an existing door or window just requires routine maintenance and application of suitable protective coating to promote its longevity and continued use.

Yes, we provide a range of decorating services using high quality paint systems to ensure longevity to the works carried out. Why not take a look at our decorating services page or contact us to find out more information on how we can assist you with your project.

We regularly carry out a variety or reglazing applications to glazed doors and windows. We measure your replacement units and supply and fit the required new units. In addition, we also provide a specialist service of adjustments and reglazing to existing glazed doors / windows. With our in-house joinery team it is often possible to increase the rebate depth of your existing timber doors and windows to accommodate a thicker or double glazed unit. This can increase the efficiency of your glazed doors and windows and help to reduce heat loss in your home.

General Building & Repairs

As well as refurbishing existing structures, we also build new structures including extensions. Extensions can be an excellent way to enhance your home and we have strong working relationships with a range of design professionals, structural engineers and Build Control, which are all vital elements in the successful delivery of your new extension. Clients come to us both in the concept stage of their project, or once they have plans and drawings in place, we are then best placed to discuss options and costs for their project.

We have an expert team of tradespeople who are able to carry out a broad range of building repairs in order to keep your property in good order. Typical general repairs can vary and include many different projects from fixing squeaky floor boards, repairing a garden wall, installing drainage, re-pointing masonary, hanging new doors, laying patios, fencing, fitting skirting, easing / adjusting front doors and much more.

Yes, we have a range of clients that have holiday homes or large period properties, often with a number of complex elements and outbuildings that require regular and reliable maintenance. We are able to offer a regular maintenance plan to care for the property and carry out phased refurbishment of given areas. We understand that sometimes you are not able to be at the property during the works due to other commitments and we provide excellent communication throughout so you are always updated with progression and answers to any queries you may have.

There are a variety of ways to improve the thermal efficiency of your home, one of which is to improve the levels of insulation. As part of our general building and renovation works we will often carry out works to improve the existing insulation specification of a property. For example, when we lay a new floor, we can provide costings to insulate the cavity below (e.g. on suspended timber floors) or for example when carrying out internal alterations, insulate stud walls and ceilings with a variety of specifications of materials to improve the thermal envelope and efficiency of a building.

Kitchens & Bathrooms

In order to deliver the best customer experience, we have a range of trusted suppliers that we work closely with in order to provide high quality products and design services for our clients. By carrying out both the supply and fit of a project removes the hassle of you the much valued client having to spend your precious time ensuring deliveries are in order and all items are present. We are also able to offer a fitting only service for kitchens and bathrooms with the client providing all of the fixtures and fittings if there is a specific supplier or item that is selected and requires installing.

Yes, in all projects we act as principal contractor, carrying out the fitting of the kitchen and / or bathroom also with all of the associated plumbing, electrical and building works. This can also include tiling, plastering, decorating and any other associated works required. By offering this complete service our clients are well supported with a single point of contact for their project, removing the stress of relying on various contractors.

Sometimes a complete refurbishment of a kitchen or bathroom is not necessarily required and there are various works that can take place to revamp a space. We regularly replace kitchen worktops and can supply a variety of options. We are also well placed carry out the associated tiling and making good works sometimes required as part of these works. Furthermore, we offer a range of services to adjust existing kitchens and bathrooms, such as altering existing configurations or individual cabinets in order to best suit the required use.

Yes, we offer a range of bespoke handmade kitchen and bathroom cabinets as an alternative to off the shelf options. If you are looking for a specific look or function to your kitchen or bathroom, we are able to expertly craft joinery to elegantly compliment the space. These can be constructed in a variety of materials and finished in a range of high quality coatings to suit your specific requirements.

Room Conversions

At Gray & Amor ltd. we specialise in a vast range of room conversions with examples including garages into home gyms, writing studios and craft rooms through to outbuildings into art studios, home offices and yoga studios, spare rooms into elegant walk in wardrobes, ensuites and so much more. If you have a space that you would like reimagining from an understairs cupboard converted to a WC or to a suite of outbuildings requiring complete renovation. From concept to completion, we will assist you to achieve your envisaged project outcome and successfully deliver the refined and quality finish to your new space.

Yes. Loft conversions can be a creative way to add space and value to your home. At Gray & Amor Ltd. we provide all the building services to skilfully carry out your chosen design professionals plans to deliver your new space in your home.

Yes. The way in which we work is ever changing and the interest and necessity for home offices has increased considerably. We have extensive experience in creating home offices and spaces that are functional, elegant and tranquil to work in. We use a range of different materials and skills to deliver these tailored to each individual client’s needs. Furthermore, with an in-house joinery shop Gray & Amor Ltd. are ideally placed to make bespoke items for your new work space or to unwind at the end of a long day such as bespoke desk through to concealed TV / home audio cabinet.

Yes. We increasingly see home owners deciding to have their garage converted to gain a valuable additional indoor space to suit a variety of uses. Gray & Amor Ltd. carry out a broad range of garage conversions to suit the individual requirements of our clients. Through our years of experience of completing these, we are able to suggest a variety of ideas, depending on individual requirements, in order to deliver a functional and elegant new space exactly how you want it to be.

Roofs

Yes, we carry out both minor repairs and full re-roofs. We understand the importance of keeping your home in good order and what this means for the longevity of your property. We take great pride in the service delivered in all works and never overlook how important routine maintenance for items such as tile replacements are to your home.

Yes, we are expertly placed to organise and deliver your re-roofing project with access to an excellent range of suppliers and specialist sub-contractors where required. As well as services to re- felt, batten and tile, where required, we also carry out a range of roof timber replacements and timber treatment applications.

Yes, we fit a variety of new roof structures. With years of carpentry experience and in house joinery workshop we are able to create beautiful traditional oak trussed roofs. We also cut and fit roofs using contemporary methods and materials giving a breadth of options to suit a broad range of project applications.

We carry out a range of flat roof repairs and replacements using a variety of high quality products to suit the required application. This includes products such as Danosa and Resitrix EPDM for durable, lasting re-roofs.

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