I’ve been taking a brief moment to reflect on my current projects, my lovely clients and totally awesome builders. It feels like the right time to share some insights on my recent and current projects; where they are, what they are, the scope and duration, to give you a flavour of what life as a renovation project manager in West Dorset looks like.

It’s not just a quick dash in, slap on a coat of paint and dash out again as many of my renovation projects last for a year or more, so I’m deeply invested in the details and live, sleep and breathe the progress of the improvements to these lovely properties.

Lyme Regis – a Grade II listed house in the historic heart of Lyme Regis, coincidentally just a few doors down from Armada House which was completed early last year. The project planning on this started in December and work started in May. The client and I have been working with a heritage architect and structural engineer to bring this one to life with input from the conservation officer and building control on a regular basis. It’s a top-to-toe update – at the moment there are four stone walls and an old roof; no floors! The logistics of rebuilding a house in a tiny street in the centre of a busy town with limited access are challenging to say the least. More on this one later as it’s a fascinating project, probably taking a year or more to complete but incorporating a air source heat pump and underfloor heating.

East Devon – an unlisted mid-twentieth century house, badly extended in the 90s and in need of a substantial update. Initially the first floor refurbishment was the order of the day but the owners decided that, as this was their forever home, a bigger budget was more appropriate. The first floor has been completely reconfigured to include a large master suite of bedroom, gym and luxury bathroom. A complete re-wire, re-plumb, new windows and external decoration have also been part of the upgrade. Structural issues have been addressed and a gorgeous kitchen and bathroom are being installed.

Beaminster – A Grade II listed townhouse in the centre of Beaminster. Listed Buildings Consent has been granted to carry out renovation and repair work on this lovely house dating back to the 1780s. It hasn’t been touched in years and also has severe damp issues as a result of unsuitable materials being used. So sympathetic materials; lime plaster, insulation, reclaimed clay tiles, breathable paint and additional ventilation are all being brought into play. Work started earlier this year and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A second LBC application has been sought so that the outside of the building can be repointed in lime (rather than the existing cement) to further improve breathability.

Uplyme – a relatively modern house in need of a comprehensive update to include new windows and doors, re-wiring and re-plumbing plus a new air source heating system, bathrooms, kitchen, decorating and flooring throughout. Outside there’s a fair amount of landscaping, a new drainage system and some (unexpected) flat roof repairs. We were asked to tender on this one by Knight Frank and work started in the summer.

West Bay – a gorgeous Grade II listed cottage in need of some TLC. Although habitable a complete overhaul is in order including a new bathroom and kitchen, updated electrics and plumbing, some bespoke carpentry and redecoration inside and out. The new owner has some lovely ideas and work has just started.