Built from the Ground Up
About Us
Over the years, we have been steadily building our reputation by simply doing a great job - and doing it with pleasure.
It helps that we are passionate about architecture, respectful of heritage and relentlessly proactive in our approach to project management.
So, from concept through to the construction phase and beyond, we take care to look after every detail, enabling both a smooth project experience and a build that exceeds our customers’ expectations.
Along the way, we have built a reputation as a builder that can be relied upon: we do what we say we will and more.
We are surrounded by an incredible team that are passionate about applying their skills and strengths to transforming houses into incredible homes.
As a company, we have built a network that means we can engage with professionals at every stage of the build – from the architects who repeatedly recommend us, to the professionals and planners making important decisions about what is possible.
“We never forget that our customers are putting their most valuable asset, both financially and in terms of their family, in our hands. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously. Our team is skilled at minimising the disruption a project can incur and maximising the potential of a build in terms of both practical living and the WOW factor.”
Billy Thompson
Director, Contracts Manager
The Excitement Is Building
However ambitious, we know that a building project can fill homeowners with a fear of the unknown.
That’s why we do everything we can to take you from anxious to excited, giving you confidence in our processes and project management from the outset.
That takes more than being master builders.
What really underpins our success is our ability to formulate and execute functional project plans and we elevate every aspect to creatively exceed expectations.
Our work most often begins with the heavy lifting of demolition, continues with creative construction, and finishes with taking delight in the details of décor. Our wealth of experience spans everything from contemporary design and build to the sympathetic restoration or enhancement of heritage property.
“We know how people can perceive builders in a negative way. That’s why we go out of our way to build trust as early as possible and to be the best that we can be. Efficient, effective project management isn’t just about ticking boxes – for us the real success is a happy customer before, during and after the build.”
Jennie Symes
Director, Project Manager
In Good Hands
Based at our Kent HQ and often hands-on, on site, our management team consists of professional project managers, quantity surveyors, site managers and skilled trades.
Most importantly, we work as one team, valuing good communications and regular reporting and supporting each other in every way we can to do the best job possible.
All our work is overseen by industry standard processes that encompass everything from planning to building control. So, we also help with ensuring the project adheres to permissions, conditions and regulations.
How We bring Every Project Home
How do we instil complete confidence in every project? Through a detailed, project-driven approach that is developed bespoke for every project but also leverages our expertise and experience to smooth the way for a brilliant build.
These three commitments underpin every project we undertake:
01
Financial
Assurance
We are so confident in the quality of our work that we won’t ask for a deposit and operate on an arrear’s basis. We invoice monthly and you the client, retain 5% of each invoice. On practical completion, you are invoiced for half the retention amount held by you, with the final payment due 6 months later.
This allows for any snags to be rectified and for you to have the confidence the passage of time gives post work.
02
Contractual
Assurance
Every project we undertake is governed by the RIBA domestic building contract, endorsed by the Homeowners’ Alliance. The contract specifies a cost plan, a programme of works, clear references to all important and relevant documents such as plans, structural calculations, etc., so that everyone has a clear understanding of the scope and financial implications of the works.
03
Health, Safety,
Training & Management
Our management structure means that all our team benefit from ongoing training programmes and our site supervisors undergo management and health and safety training with the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board).
It’s all part of our commitment to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and we ensure our specialist subcontractors also adhere to the same rules. All relevant projects are reported to the Health and Safety Executive.
Our Blueprint
Each of the fundamental elements below are the bedrock of our approach to each and every project, ensuring consistency throughout.
Dedicated Project Managers & Quantity Surveyor
Your Project Manager and CITB qualified Site Supervisor will be with you every step of the way, supported by the W. A Thompson team, from first contact to completion and post-project care.
Rather than using Estimators who are removed from the project, our Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers work together at quote stage, ensuring our on-site assessments clearly identify potential hold-ups and minimise unforeseen costs.
Powered by Good
Project Management
As your single point of contact, we liaise with and co-ordinate architects, planning departments, building control officers, structural engineers and specialist contractors. Meaning you can focus on the more interesting and enjoyable parts of your project, such as finishes and furnishings.
A Professional
Approach
All our projects are overseen by CITB qualified Site Supervisors and Managers who wear smart, HSE compliant, professional uniform. All are fully trained in every aspect of their role and all take a safety-first approach to working with customers and families and keeping everyone safe on site.
Managing Budgets & Timescales
The care we take in the early planning stages of every project means we can assess costs and timescales in the most accurate way, foresee and minimise issues, and complete your project on time and on budget.
Constant
Communication
We know from experience that good communication is key to our successful working relationship and so we set out to keep you completely informed – giving you clarity and confidence throughout. So our structured project approach utilises a range of technology to provide ongoing updates.
We do everything we can to ensure our customers enjoy an exceptional building experience that creates an exceptional space that complements and enhances their home for life.
Jennie Symes
Director, Project Manager