C J Allen of Cambridge: Builder, Carpenter, Craftsman.
Excellence in craftsmanship
We understand that the space where you live and work is very important to you. That’s why we aim to bring you craftsmanship of the highest quality. We use the finest materials to create an environment that delights our clients; and we apply the same exacting standards whether we are working on an interior space or an external environment like a garden or surrounding grounds.
Understanding your vision
Every project we undertake is unique, and so we take the time to understand what you want to achieve, as well as any restrictions that might be imposed by planning regulation or listed status.
At C J Allen we take seriously the distinction between a building job and a project that requires imagination and vision; for us it’s the difference between simply making something for you, and crafting a space that matches all of your aspirations.
At C J Allen we are aware that some people have not undertaken a building project before so thought we would outline our process.
1) Idea -In order to make your idea a reality, you may need to employ an architect or other consultant - we are happy to advise on this process and recommend people we have worked with before.
2)Design/drawings. Client's approval of design.
3) Quotation - for larger jobs we always use an independent estimator. We do this as not only does it save us time but it ensures that the quotation is within current market pricing - there is nothing more irritating than a shock expenditure from a bad quotation. We try our hardest to avoid any additional costs by suggesting that clients have a contingency sum in their pricing incase of unforeseen circumstances.
4) Deposit - All projects require a deposit of around 15% to get work underway - this is discussed with the client once the quotation has been accepted. We then put in a phasing payment plan throughout the project.
5) Project gets underway - we understand that we are often working around families living in their home and ensure that we keep the site as clean and tidy as possible to cause minimum disruption.
5) Alterations to the Project - we want you to have exactly what you want. If you want to make any changes we have a clear and transparent process for this.
6) Snagging - 4 weeks after the completion of the project to make sure that you are completely satisfied with our work. This is followed by the final payment.
All work is carried out in co-ordination with local building control officers and built to current building regulation standards.
Our Services
General Building Projects: a better environment for you
The objective of any general building project is to make your environment a better place to live and work in. We bring this principle to everything we do, whether it's the construction of a conservatory, designing and building a new kitchen or garage, or converting loft space to better suit your requirements.
General Building Projects
You imagine it; we will build it for you
We understand why you care about your space. Whether it's a place of work or your home, you want it to be the best that it can be.
Whatever you have in mind, we can turn it into reality. We will make sure we understand what you want to achieve, and then bring to bare all of the experience and craftsmanship needed to transform your environment. We can do this because we make time to understand not just what you want built, but also what kind of space you want to create.
Different Projects, same principles
We apply these same principles whether we are building you a conservatory, or a kitchen; a garage or a loft conversion. Our aim is to apply the same standards of excellence to every project, and give you an environment to be delighted with.
Bespoke Joinery: creating, and re-creating furnishings for your environment
Flat pack furniture isn't always the answer. We understand that sometimes the furnishings need to fit space, not the other way round.
Tell us what you need and we will design and build individual, tailored furnishings for you - whether it's bookshelves or sash windows, we can compliment your space with tailored joinery.
We are happy to work with any inspirational ideas you have.
Tell us what you want and we will create the piece for you or enhance an existing piece.
Bespoke Joinery
"If you enjoy something you will do it well"
We all tend to be better at the things we enjoy; and at CJ Allen, we really enjoy making beautiful things out of wood. Whether it's fitted cabinets or bookcases, or something more unusual; the enjoyment for us is the same. With that enjoyment comes the craftsmanship and precision that we bring to all our work.
Recreating Excellence
Sometimes the furnishing must fit the space
Some environments have a character of their own: sloping walls, uneven surfaces, curves that should be straight lines.
A tailored piece of fitted furniture is made for the space it sits in. We can get to know the space that you have, and so understand what needs to go into it.
To see examples of our approach, please take a look at our portfolio of completed projects.
If you would like to talk to us about transforming your space, please get in touch with us today.
Our clients are important to us and we have a good relationship with previous clients, who are happy to provide references on request.
Happy People
" Please thank Chris for the work it was just what we wanted and replicated our pictures and ideas perfectly. The work was carried out with the minimum of fuss and no dust we couldn’t have been more pleased with the work."
Julie - Cambridge
"Chris
Thank you so much for the lovely job you made of our garage doors. I really
wanted wooden doors and I am so glad I went for these rather than steel.
They look lovely and the colour matches the rest of my fencing! Wonderful!"
Sue - Histon
"We have been delighted with the work carried out by Chris and Martin, attention to detail and care taken has made it a pleasant experience. I have particularly enjoyed coming home and finding they have tidied up after themselves. We are very thankful for the way they have worked in our home." Karen, Cherry Hinton
Listed property?
We understand that you may not be able to do exactly what you want because your property is listed. We have extensive experience of working with listed buildings; and we can meeting your requirements within the guidelines of listed status. We will work with the various regulatory bodies, including the local council and English Heritage, to achieve this.
Listed properties
We understand…
We understand that adapting a listed building is a difficult task. You may have a vision of what you want for your property, but you have to work within the bounds of listed status.
We understand the issues; and we can help you do everything you want to do with your space, and stay within the guidelines.
Working with your property
Experience has taught us that with a bit of imagination and craftsmanship, we can create the space you imagined. Whether it's an internal or external project, we can transform your environment whilst remaining sympathetic to the character of the building.
We are currently carrying out renovation work to a property in Westwick. In the Spring we will have an opening for a new project so please get in touch if you need an early start date for your build.
Recently we completed some bespoke office and bedroom furniture for a house in Newmarket, renovation and remedial work to a bathroom in Bateman Street, installation of a new kitchen in Dry Drayton, and a new bathroom in Royston.
Are your quotations free of charge?
Ans: To date - yes for small projects that we can price ourselves.
It can cost us up to £1,000 to price a large project (we use a professional estimator) and we now charge clients a small percentage of this cost, which is redeemed if our tender is successful.
Will my project be the only one you are undertaking at the time or will you have other projects working alongside?
Ans: It is unusual for a builder to commit to a lone project as there are always periods of time where tradesmen cannot be on-site (plaster drying, freezing temperatures, electrics, plumbing etc) and so it makes sense to have more than one project underway at a time.
This should not impact on your project build time, although unfortunately we are not in charge of the weather!
Send us a message or call us to discuss your project. All enquiries will be responded to within 24 hours.
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