Categories
Roofing

Gable end and dwarf wall repointing

Gable End and Dwarf Wall Repointing

We were recently called out by a customer whose existing gable end pointing had begun to weather and drop out over time. While we frequently recommend and install modern dry verge systems these days for a maintenance-free finish, this customer preferred to maintain the traditional mortar look for their roofline.

The stick isn’t permanent, just to supper whilst it’s drying out.

To ensure a high-quality, long-lasting repair, we carefully raked out all the old, loose mortar to create a solid base before expertly repointing the entire gable end. (Note: If you spot a stick in the photos, don’t worry—it’s definitely not a permanent fixture! It’s simply there to provide temporary support while the fresh mortar dries and sets into place).

While we were on site, we also tackled some essential maintenance on the customer’s dwarf wall. The coping stones had become loose, so we lifted them up, cleared away the old debris, and securely relaid them. The wall is now structurally sound and looking smart once again!

Categories
Painting Renovation

Mapperley Flat redecoration

Case Study: Rapid 72-Hour Flat Refresh for a Repeat Client

Kitchen

When managing rental properties, timing is everything. A repeat client recently reached out to us with a tight four-day window before their new tenant moved in. With brand-new carpets booked to be laid on day three, the property needed a complete paint refresh on a strict deadline—and at a sensible, affordable price point.

Here is how we made it happen without a single hitch.

The Challenge: A 4-Day Window

Between outgoing and incoming tenants, schedule overlaps can easily derail a handover. Our client’s regular decorator hadn’t replied to them and with only 4 days to go they needed all walls and ceilings painted throughout the flat, but the space had to be completely clear, clean, and dry within 72 hours so the carpet fitters could work uninterrupted on day four.

The Solution: Fast Execution & Total Peace of Mind

  • Complete Trust: Because the landlord had worked with Swallow Hill Homes before, there was no need to arrange a time-consuming on-site meeting. They simply handed over the keys, confident that the property was in safe hands.

  • 48-Hour Turnaround: Our team got straight to work, applying a fresh coat of paint to every wall and ceiling, transforming the space in just two days.

  • Zero Disruption: We knew our client was busy at work, so we kept them updated with brief text messages and emails at key progress points. They were able to focus on their day job knowing the project was moving forward smoothly.

  • On-Time Handover: We wrapped up on schedule, leaving the property clean, dry, and ready for the carpet fitters to arrive on day three. Dropping the keys off with the customer for their convenience.

The Result

The new tenant moved into a bright, fresh, and modern home right on schedule on day four. The landlord achieved a high-standard finish between tenancies without losing rental income, overspending, or taking time off work to manage contractors.

Planning a property refresh between tenancies? Whether you need a quick turnaround or a complete renovation, working with a team you trust makes all the difference. Contact Swallow Hill Homes today on 07737 988 243 to discuss your next project.

Categories
Uncategorised

Bunny kitchen replacement.

Project Showcase: Stunning Symphony Avebury Kitchen Installation in Bunny, Nottinghamshire

Repeat clients are the ultimate testament to our work, and we were thrilled when a previous customer invited us back to handle their latest project: a brand-new kitchen installation in the quiet village of Bunny, South Nottinghamshire.

For this build, we sourced the contemporary-yet-timeless Avebury kitchen range from the Symphony Group through our trusted local merchant, Huws Grey.

The Design: Symphony Avebury Range

The Avebury is a smooth, five-piece shaker design that bridges the gap between classic craftsmanship and clean, modern styling. Classified under Price Band 2, it offers fantastic quality and aesthetic appeal without breaking the budget.

  • Door Style: Timeless five-piece smooth shaker with a refined matt finish.

  • Colour Palette: Available in versatile, neutral tones including Cobble Grey, Platinum, Sage, and Stone.

  • Smart Storage & Accents: Paired with custom handles, premium work surfaces, and functional storage solutions like pull-out larders and space-saving corner carousels to maximize every inch of the room.

Craftsmanship & Installation

Installing a kitchen requires precision, from leveling base units to plumbing and getting the worktop joins seamlessly flush. Because we already knew the property and the client’s standards, the installation ran smoothly from start to finish, minimizing disruption to their home.

The finished space combines practical, hard-wearing storage with a sleek, elegant aesthetic that completely transforms the heart of the home.

The floor was came from Brooks Bros in Nottingham –  Rustic Oak brushed (M4005)

The splash back wall tiles came from Topps tiles and were Hartley Sand Tiles

Planning a kitchen renovation in Nottinghamshire? Whether you are looking for layout inspiration, trade supply channels, or expert installation, Swallow Hill Homes is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your project.

Categories
Brickwork Renovation

Bay window construction, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire

The customer wanted the bay window expanding as the current window limited the amount of light coming into the room.

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At Swallow Hill Homes, we believe in transforming houses into dream homes, often by maximizing the use of existing space and bringing more natural light inside. Our recent project at Penhale Drive, Hucknall, Nottingham, is a perfect example of this dedication, converting a simple bay window canopy into a spacious, full walk-in bay.

The client’s vision was to dramatically change their living room by extending the opening and creating a fully integrated bay space they could walk into. However, a seemingly straightforward extension presented a complex structural challenge: the foundations.

The property had a large, 1.7-meter-high Leylandi hedge situated close to where the new footing needed to be laid. When dealing with clay soil—the ground condition we expected on site—the removal of mature vegetation like this can cause significant issues due to potential soil heave as the ground rehydrates. Building Control (Turton) rightly required a detailed structural engineer’s design for the footing.

To ensure the structural integrity of the new addition and to avoid any long-term issues, such as undermining the existing house foundations, we brought in the expertise of Wayne Cheung, a Chartered Engineer from DFG Consulting. Our plan was to dig a new footing down to the level of the existing building’s foundation, which we estimated to be around 90-100cm below ground level.

Wayne’s team provided a comprehensive structural report and calculations, which allowed us to proceed with confidence. The design specifically incorporated 100mm of heave protection along the edge of the new footing to mitigate the risks associated with the removal of the dense Leylandi roots. This proactive approach ensures the new structure remains stable for decades to come, even with the presence of expansive clay soils.

We prioritise getting the groundwork right, as a solid foundation is essential for any renovation. After securing the necessary structural design, and with the hedge and roots quickly removed, we were able to press ahead with pouring the concrete footing in a timely manner. The structural package was delivered swiftly on March 17, 2026, allowing us to maintain our momentum on site.

The transformation from a modest canopy to a full bay window creates a stunning new focal point in the living room, adding valuable, usable space and flooding the room with light. The entire refurbishment of the living room at Penhale Drive was scheduled for completion over a five-week duration, starting in March 2026.

This project demonstrates Swallow Hill Homes’ commitment to delivering clients’ visions while expertly navigating technical and structural complexities. Whether it is a kitchen extension, a full renovation, or simply expanding a window space, we rely on precise planning and expert structural guidance to deliver uncompromising quality. If you are looking to enhance your home with high-end craftsmanship, from concept to compliant completion, contact us today.

 

Categories
Uncategorised

Brick Pillar repair

The wall was hit by a car, whose insurance covered the cost of the repairs.

To get a top quality finish we had to source matching in bricks from a reclamation yard in Derby at £2 per brick.

The final job looks like it has stood for 100 years.