Refurbishment
What We Do
Refurbishment projects come with a complexity that new build doesn't. Existing buildings carry unknowns, occupied properties require careful management, and the standard of finish has to exceed what was there before.
We work with homeowners, landlords, and housing associations across the North West on residential and commercial refurbishment schemes of all sizes, from single property extensions and renovations through to large scale programmes of work.
✓ Managing Risk
Existing buildings carry inherent risk due to the potential unforeseen issues hiding behind the current building. Using our extensive experience, we identify & address issues early to ensure they don’t spiral out of control.
✓ Programme Certainty
We plan thoroughly before we start on site, and we deliver against that programme with clear communication throughout.
✓ Quality Finish
We hold ourselves and everyone we work with to an uncompromising standard, with structured snagging procedures to ensure you receive new build quality in your refurb project.
✓ Disruption Management
Whether a property is occupied or vacant, we manage our operations to minimise impact on residents, tenants, or the day-to-day running of your asset or home.
Case Study - Seabank Road, Wallasey
Introduction
Seabank Road is the full refurbishment of a Victorian building in Wallasey, formerly operating as a care home, into five self-contained residential flats.
Appointed by a private property investor as main contractor, Clear Developments took on a scheme that presented significant challenges from the outset, with complex structural remedial works required due to the condition of the building. We are delivering a complete transformation of a derelict building in poor condition into high quality residential accommodation.
Delivery
Seabank Road presented the kind of challenges that are common in Victorian buildings of this age and history, but that doesn't make them straightforward to manage.
During our pre-construction survey we identified early signs of dry rot within the building fabric and concerning signs of structural issues. We were transparent with the client from the outset, and while the full extent couldn't be confirmed until strip out was complete, we ensured it was understood as a risk before works commenced. When the rip out revealed the true scale of the problem, including extensive timber floor and lintel replacements and significant brickwork repairs required throughout, the client had already had the time to plan accordingly for the additional costs.
Alongside the dry rot remediation, the project required complex structural works to facilitate the new flat layouts, including knock throughs, new steel installations, and extensive acoustic and thermal upgrades to meet current building regulations. Each element was carefully sequenced to maintain programme and protect the budget. You can see before and after renders of how the finished project will look in the photos to the left.
For the client, a project that could have been derailed by unforeseen structural issues has been managed and communicated transparently throughout, keeping programme and budget on track as we move towards the completion of five high quality residential units.
Client Testimonial
“I’m currently halfway through a renovation project converting a former care home into 5 new flats, and I couldn’t be happier with the work Alex, Adrice and their team have done so far. They are both incredibly professional, organised and clearly take great pride in what they do.
From the start, they have invited me to visit the site and do regular walk-throughs, which has given me a lot of confidence in the project. Every time I’ve been on site, I’ve been particularly impressed by the impeccable health and safety standards. Everything is kept tidy, secure, and extremely well managed.
Even down to little things like re-assessing where windows may need to go due to structural changes, both have really helped me with offering alternative solutions and ideas that will benefit the project rather than simply saying it won’t work, which would probably be easier for them!
Alex and Adrice are always available to answer any questions, often 24/7, and are fantastic at communicating when I have a query. At the same time, they’ve respected the fact that I didn’t want to be too hands-on with this renovation and wanted to leave it in capable hands. They keep me regularly updated when needed without overwhelming me, which has made the whole process far less stressful.
I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, reliable building company.”
- Cesca Le Gros, Director at Cameron Grace Properties Ltd
“Working with Clear Developments on the Seabank project in Wallasey was a genuinely enjoyable experience from start to finish. From the early design conversations through to delivery, the team were collaborative, straightforward to work with, and clearly cared about getting the details right. As architects, we place a lot of value on working with developers who share that same attention to quality and Clear Developments absolutely do.
We'd have no hesitation recommending them and look forward to working together again on future projects.”
- George Barr, Director at Baltik Archictecture
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