FAQs

  • We provide independent, concierge-style project management for home improvement projects — including extensions, conversions and refurbishments — across Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow. From planning and design to contractor selection, budgeting, and on-site management, we handle every step.

  • Just book your free project planning visit through our website. We’ll discuss your ideas, assess your needs, and show you how we can help — no commitment, no pressure.

  • We currently serve homeowners in Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow, and the surrounding Hertfordshire and Essex areas including High Wych, Allen’s Green, Much Hadham, Gilston, Eastwick, Thorley, Spellbrook, Little Hallingbury, Great Hallingbury, Green Tye, Sheering, Lower Sheering, Hatfield Heath, Hatfield Broad Oak, Matching Tye, Matching Green, White Roding, Abbess Roding, Aythorpe Roding, The Rodings, Takeley, Little Canfield, Great Canfield and Barnston.

  • Unlike architects or builders, we manage the entire project independently on your behalf. We coordinate all parties, ensure your budget is protected, and make sure quality, timelines and communication stay on track — giving you one point of contact and complete peace of mind.

  • Not exclusively, but it is designed for projects where professional project management adds real value. Typically, this includes extensions including loft conversions, large internal reconfigurations and refurbishments and conversions —projects where the complexity, cost, or coordination needs justify the investment in oversight.

    For smaller works, such as redecoration, and new kitchens and bathrooms, the benefit of project management may be outweighed by the cost, particularly when compared to the general contractor market. That said, we’re always happy to support smaller projects for existing homeowner clients where there's an established relationship and understanding of needs.

  • Initial planning visits are free. Our pricing is flexible depending on project scope, and we aim to save you more than we cost — by reducing mistakes, improving contractor pricing, and protecting your budget. We offer clear, fixed-price packages depending on how much support you need. There are no hidden costs. 

  • Yes — if things are going off track or becoming stressful, we can step in mid-project to help regain control, manage the contractors, and bring clarity to the process.

  • We hand-pick designers, contractors, engineers, and other specialists for each project. Every partner is thoroughly vetted and matched to your specific needs.

  • Yes, we handle all aspects of building control, ensuring your project complies with regulations. We’ll manage the process from start to finish, making sure everything is up to standard.

  • Yes, we have experience working with listed buildings, navigating planning, and ensuring compliance with planning regulations. We can guide you through the process for your project, ensuring everything is handled professionally.

  • Absolutely! We specialise in home improvements within conservation areas, ensuring your project meets all the legal requirements while maintaining the area’s historical charm.

  • Yes! We provide innovative design ideas for barn conversions, helping you transform a rustic space into a modern, functional home while retaining its unique charm.

  • No—we’re not a building firm. We manage the entire process for you, working with trusted, vetted professionals. 

  • Absolutely. We’re flexible. We can manage your existing team or introduce professionals we trust. 

  • Yes! We can give advice for planning and executing home extensions, from budgeting to project timelines, ensuring you’re informed every step of the way.

  • Absolutely. We share design ideas and practical advice tailored to loft conversions, helping you transform your space with confidence.

  • Yes, we cover full refurbishments, including planning, design trends, and practical tips to help make your home improvement journey frustration-free.

  • Just book your free project planning visit through our website. We’ll discuss your ideas, assess your needs, and show you how we can help — no commitment, no pressure.

Our Simple Price Guarantee

We’re so confident in the value we bring to your project that we offer this no-quibble guarantee:

If you don’t believe we’ve added value to your home improvement project or saved you money, you don’t pay us. It’s as simple as that.

Ready to love your home?

Say goodbye to renovation frustration - and enjoy the home you’ve always wanted.

We were unsure how to start the project. The Improved Home provided a full project management service, very professional throughout.
— Steve K.

Let us plan it properly, manage it professionally, and protect it fully. 

Expert guidance. No commitment. Total peace of mind.

Serving Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow, The Improved Home provides independent project management and planning support for home extensions, refurbishments and conversions — the smart alternative to hiring an architect or builder alone.

Contact Us  

Have questions before you book? We’re here to help.   

Or read our FAQs here

One Contact. Everything Managed.

Our Services

You dream. We manage.

At The Improved Home, we offer a fully managed home improvement service – removing frustration, confusion and hassle from your home improvement journey. From concrete to cushions, we take care of every detail with concierge-style professionalism, giving you a single point of contact from start to finish.

Whether you're planning an extension, refurbishment or conversion in Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford or Harlow, homeowners often come to us overwhelmed by the complexity of works, unsure how to proceed, or anxious about unreliable contractors. We simplify everything.

    • Concierge-style project management with one dedicated expert

    • End-to-end project delivery from concept to completion

    • Tailored team selection – no one-size-fits-all solutions

    • Independent and impartial advice – we don’t push in-house builders

    • In-person service – not just online or app-based

    • Flexible levels of involvement – full control or support where needed

    • Clear visibility on budget, programme and quality

    • Build trust through a straightforward, no-nonsense approach

    • Assemble the right team at the right time

    • Plan, organise and manage every stage using proven project management principles

    • Safeguard your budget and track progress

    • Supervise works on-site, ensuring contractors deliver on quality and timelines

    • Provide ongoing support even after the project is completed

    • Leave you to manage a ‘vetted contractor’ alone

    • Tie you to an in-house team of builders

    • Replace real-world project management with a tech-only solution

    • Promise unrealistic timelines or budgets to win your business

  • We handle everything – so you don’t have to. Our fully managed service includes:

    • Independent Project Management 

    • Architectural Design + Space Planning

    • Planning Applications 

    • Building Control Support + Quality Checks

    • Listed Buildings + Conservation Areas 

    • Home Extensions

    • Loft Conversions 

    • Full Refurbishments

    • Structural + Civil Engineering

    • Contractor Procurement + Oversight

    • Project Budget Management

    • Health & Safety + Insurance

    • Party Wall Agreements + Neighbour Liaison

    • Home Finding + Buying Support

    • Interior Design + Furniture Supply

    • Planned + Reactive Maintenance

  • We design with the end in mind, balancing beauty with function. Every project starts by understanding how you live, what’s missing, and what will make the biggest difference.

    We prioritise:

    • Practicality over passing trends

    • Solutions tailored to your lifestyle

    • Genuine engagement to shape a design that works for you

  • We believe in realistic budgeting – ensuring every pound works hard. We:

    • Provide transparent, accurate costings

    • Challenge poor value and identify money-saving opportunities

    • Avoid underestimating to win your work – we’re honest from the start

  • We don’t employ our own builders – which means:

    • We find the best team for your specific project

    • We conduct background checks, references and suitability vetting

    • We remove the guesswork and protect you from poor decisions

  • We:

    • Interrogate schedules to prevent time slippage

    • Set out realistic timelines

    • Advise on sensible contingencies

    • Are upfront about any delays – no false promises

  • We go further than statutory checks:

    • Independent inspections throughout construction

    • Review against design intent, specification and workmanship

    • Partner only with trades who pass our 21-point verification process (incl. DBS checks*)

    • Work in partnership with Trading Standards via the Primary Authority Scheme*
      *Subject to additional fees

  • Our service doesn’t stop at handover. We provide:

    • Post-project follow-up and maintenance support

    • Advice and action if issues arise

    • A long-term partnership based on trust and care

  • From design to decoration, we manage every aspect of your home improvement:

    • Design + Planning

    • Building

    • Interior Design

We handle everything, so you don’t have to