This is how home improvement gets done.

One Contact. Everything Managed. And Relax.

Extensions | Refurbishments | Conversions | Improvements

in Sawbridgeworth | Bishop’s Stortford | Harlow

Don’t hope your project will go well.

Know your project will go well.

Improve your home - without the frustrations.  

Home improvement shouldn’t be stressful, confusing, or costly. 

We independently plan and manage every step — making the journey simple, secure, and successful - so you can enjoy the home you love sooner, with complete peace of mind.

Not a builder

Not an architect 

The missing piece that gets home improvement done.

We do what no one else does, because we can do what no one else can.  

With a rare blend of experience across development, planning, design and construction, we bring the professionalism of property investment and the care of a family-run service to every home we improve.

A one-of-a-kind concierge style project management service - planning, organising and managing your home improvement project from start to finish.

Independently, on your side, and with no hidden agendas - so you don’t have to chase trades, guess budgets, or risk your savings on the wrong builder.  

The Improved Home – the homeowners’ alternative to architects and builders, offering independent project management, planning and building control support across Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow. Specialists in home extensions, refurbishments and conversions.

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.

Every home is different. Every project is unique. That’s why we don’t believe in cookie-cutter approaches.  

Whether it’s an extension, renovation or conversion, we deliver spaces as individual as you are.   

We deliver better — from the very first conversation to the final handover.

What Homeowners Say About Us

  • The task at times seemed daunting and overwhelming, but the gentle manner and direct, timely responses cut through the complexities and made it manageable and a lot less stressful. I have no doubt we saved time and money from the guidance and extensive knowledge. We shall definitely be using The Improved Home again.

    Lara H.

    refurbishment_sawbridgeworth

  • We were unsure how to start the project. The Improved Home provided a full project management service, very professional throughout. We were advised on the best approach, kept informed of progress and they were always available to explain any aspect of the project we were not clear about. We are very happy. I would not hesitate to recommend The Improved Home.

    Steve K.

    extension_builder_harlow

  • Having never done a home improvement project before, we were worried about being ripped off by a cowboy builder, so finding a reliable team was vital. The project was managed professionally, without any hassle. The Improved Home were polite, patient, prompt and hard working. They went above and beyond to ensure a successful project. We are delighted with our new extension and would recommend.

    Rachel K.

    refurbishment_architect_bishops_stortford

100% of homeowners would use us again

Why Homeowners Trust Us

We care, like nobody else.

  • One Point of Contact: A dedicated expert to guide you from start to finish.

  • Available at any time and visiting your home 

  • We do not have our own team of builders we are trying to keep busy 

  • Hassle-Free Process: We handle all the moving parts, saving you time and stress.

  • Transparent Costs & Timelines: No surprises—just exceptional results.

  • 25+ years of experience  

  • £100m+ in projects managed  

  • Local expertise, national standards  

  • Peace of Mind Guarantee: if we don’t add value or save you money, you don’t pay.

We say what we’ll do.

Then we do it.

What Makes Us Different

The Improved Home vs. The Usual Way

Multiple Contacts

Guesswork on Costs 

Unvetted Contractors

Project Oversight    

Frustrations & Miscommunication

Typical Project 

Yes

Yes

Often  

Minimal 

High 

The Improved Home

No

No

Never 

Full 

Low 

“The average UK homeowner spends over £25k on home improvement projects — yet more than 40% face major issues with delays, overspending, or disputes.”

We handle everything, so you don’t have to

Ready to love your home?

Say goodbye to renovation frustration.

Get expert guidance on your home improvement plans, budgeting, and next steps—before you commit to anything. 

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.

Why Home Improvement Feels So Hard

You want to improve your home — but the thought of it fills you with stress.  

Where do you start?

Who can you trust?

How do you know you’re doing the right thing?

Most homeowners feel overwhelmed, underinformed, and unsure.  

They’re afraid of making costly mistakes. Afraid of being taken for a ride.  

Afraid they’ll lose control of their budget — or their sanity.

Cowboy builders. Missed deadlines. Broken promises.  

No one takes ownership. Everyone passes the buck.  

You're left managing it all — chasing people, second-guessing decisions, and hoping it turns out okay.

No wonder over 40% of UK home improvement projects run into serious issues with delays, overspending or disputes*.

*According to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), poor planning and coordination are the leading causes of project delays, budget overruns, and disputes in UK home renovations.

It doesn’t have to be this way. There is a better way to improve your home — and it starts here.

Our Solution

Home Improvement As Easy As You Want It To Be

Home improvement should feel exciting — not exhausting.

That’s why we created The Improved Home.

Taking the frustrations out of home improvements

We’re your reliable one point of contact, managing every detail of your project. 

With us, you’ll avoid the biggest frustrations homeowners face:  

Juggling multiple trades and consultants

Guesswork in budgets and programmes 

Ending up doing everything yourself 

Hoping for the best when hiring builders 

No more chasing quotes, trades and timelines 

No confusion around costs  

No second-guessing your decisions  

Which? research shows that over 50% of homeowners report significant stress during renovations, citing unclear responsibilities and poor project oversight as top causes.

One Contact

From Concrete to Cushions

- A dedicated expert overseeing your entire project  - managing every step of your project from concept to completion.  

From concrete to cushions — we manage it all, so you don’t have to.

No need to deal with a myriad of consultants, contractors and authorities .

- Clear communication, honest timelines, and regular updates  

- Trusted trades, vetted with our 21-step process  

- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs  

RICS guidance highlights that the absence of an independent, client-side coordinator often leads to miscommunication between design and construction teams, resulting in rework and increased costs.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Every home is different, so we work with you to create something personal — a space that reflects your style, meets your needs, and stays on budget.

You stay in control. We take responsibility.  

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

One Contact. Everything Managed.

Why Homeowners Choose The Improved Home

At The Improved Home, we’re not happy until you are. We believe home improvement should be empowering, not exhausting—and our commitment to client satisfaction is what sets us apart.

From dream to delivery, we focus on what really matters: protecting your investment, improving your quality of life, and ensuring every step is frustration-free.

Key Benefits

One trusted partner – A dedicated Concierge Project Manager, from day one to handover

  • Clarity and control – Defined timelines, realistic budgets, and complete transparency

  • Expert coordination – We manage everyone and everything, from concrete to cushions

  • Peace of mind – All trades fully vetted through a rigorous 21-step process

  • Minimised risk – Professional oversight reduces errors, disputes, and delays

  • Time savings – No chasing quotes or managing schedules – we handle it all

  • Better use of budget – We actively identify value-engineering opportunities

  • High-quality outcomes – Independent inspections, continuous quality assurance

  • Tailored service – Choose your level of involvement – from hands-on to hands-off

  • Ongoing support – We’re with you beyond completion, with maintenance and future planning

“We’ve designed our service to be as smooth and straightforward as possible”

Emotional and Practical Value

Protecting your Wealth. Many homeowners invest in improvement to increase property value, not just aesthetics:

  • Loft conversions to add resale-worthy bedrooms

  • Extensions for liveability and market appeal

  • Energy upgrades for long-term cost efficiency

“We help you avoid costly mistakes, get more from your budget, and safeguard your most valuable asset—your home.”

Enhancing Your Home Life

Your home is where life happens. Home improvements support the changing needs of your family:

  • More space for a growing family

  • Adapting for multigenerational living

  • Creating a ‘forever home’ without moving


“We make your home more liveable, lovable, and functional for the way you really live.”

Features + Benefits

  • One Point Of Contact

    Everything managed by an expert. No chasing around. Saves you time, avoids confusion, reduces stress

  • Professional Project Management

    Reduced risk, better quality, and no time wasted fixing mistakes

  • Tailored Plan Within 48 Hours

    You know exactly what to expect, fast.

  • Fully Managed Design-to-Delivery

    No juggling multiple parties – enjoy a seamless experience

  • Vetted Contractors + Trades

    No cowboys, no corner-cutting – just dependable delivery

  • Transparent Budget + Programme Control

    No nasty surprises, no hidden extras,  just smart and effective budget use

  • Independent Quality Checks

    Assures workmanship, protects investment, avoids rework

  • Concierge-Style Service

    Personalised, responsive, and accountable support

  • Flexibility In Scope

    You stay as involved (or hands-off) as you like

  • Sustainability Built In

    Greener projects, less waste, and smarter material use

  • Follow-Up After Handover

    Long-term support and relationship, not a one-off transaction

  • Support Beyond The Build

    We’re here before, during and after the project - a trusted partner

Professionalism You Can Trust

Straightforward advice – We’re independent and always work in your best interest

  • Budget-savvy delivery – Our development background helps you get the most for your money

  • Respect for your home – We treat your space as carefully as our own

  • Responsibility-first mindset – We take full ownership of the process and outcome

  • Dispute-free service – We manage conflict risks before they arise

"Whether you want to improve, expand, or simply enjoy your home more—we help you do it without the frustrations."

Beware of the Alternatives

Comparison sites and recommendation platforms can seem helpful, but often:

  • Promote paid listings, not verified quality

  • Offer no project management, warranties or guarantees

  • Leave you exposed to risk and poor results

  • We offer a professionally accountable alternative—one partner, one responsibility, one successful project.

How The Improved Home Compares With Other Options

  • Project Management

    The Improved Home - Fully managed end-to-end

    Self-Managed - You manage every aspect yourself

    Comparison Site Contractors - No management – you coordinate all parties

  • Single Point of Contact

    The Improved Home - Yes – your dedicated project concierge

    Self-Managed - No – multiple contacts across trades and suppliers

    Comparison Site Contractors - No – you deal with each trade individually

  • Budget Control

    The Improved Home - Transparent, proactive, value-engineered

    Self-Managed - Prone to overruns, missed scope, poor visibility

    Comparison Site Contractors - No budget accountability or oversight

  • Quality Assurance

    The Improved Home - Independent checks at each stage

    Self-Managed - You’re responsible for spotting and resolving issues

    Comparison Site Contractors - No independent checks – quality varies

  • Time Commitment

    The Improved Home - Minimal – we handle everything

    Self-Managed - High – managing quotes, trades, timelines

    Comparison Site Contractors - High – still requires daily involvement

  • Trades Vetting

    The Improved Home - Rigorously screened through a 21-step process

    Self-Managed - DIY vetting (risk of cowboys)

    Comparison Site Contractors - No real vetting – anyone can register

  • Design Integration

    The Improved Home - We align design with budget and buildability early

    Self-Managed - Often disconnected – leads to changes and delays

    Comparison Site Contractors - Rarely integrated – design left to the client

  • Contractor Loyalty

    The Improved Home - Independent – we work for you, not the contractor

    Self-Managed - Contractors may prioritise other jobs

    Comparison Site Contractors - Platform loyalty – not aligned with your goals goes here

  • Stress Levels

    The Improved Home - Low – you’re supported throughout

    Self-Managed - High – unpredictable and fragmented

    Comparison Site Contractors - High – no support when problems arise

  • Post-Completion Support

    The Improved Home - Yes – maintenance, future planning, resale advice

    Self-Managed - No – once done, you’re on your own

    Comparison Site Contractors - No – usually a one-off transaction

  • Guarantees / Warranties

    The Improved Home - Professional guarantee* offered

    Self-Managed - None unless you negotiate them

    Comparison Site Contractors - Platform assumes no liability or guarantees

  • Client Advocacy

    The Improved Home - We’re on your side in every decision

    Self-Managed - You mediate between all parties

    Comparison Site Contractors - No advocacy – you're just a transaction

Choose the path of least stress and greatest value.

Let The Improved Home manage your home improvement,  so you can focus on enjoying the result, not surviving the process.

Expertise 

Convenience 

Quality

Here’s How It Works

One Contact. Everything Managed.

Plan | Organise | Manage 

We make home improvement easy, frustration-free, and professionally delivered—from first idea to final finish

  • “Nothing happens without a plan.” 

    We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your home, your needs, and your goals.  

    We don’t jump to solutions—we first ensure we’re solving the right problems.

    - In-home visit to assess scope, use of space, and budget  

    - Practical, functional design-first approach  

    - Tailored roadmap delivered within 48 hours  

    - Transparent costs, clear timelines, no guesswork  

    Every home is unique. That’s why we never use one-size-fits-all packages.

  • “The right people, in the right place, at the right time.”

    You won't need to coordinate designers, contractors, or approvals—we take care of it all.

    - We source and schedule vetted professionals  

    - We handle permissions, insurance, and risk planning  

    - We act solely in your best interest—no ties to suppliers or trades  

    - No more multiple calls or chasing updates  

    Our alliance is with you, the homeowner—always.

  • “Every team needs a manager”

    This is where we deliver. Every detail, every deadline, every quality check—we manage it all.

    - One single point of contact  

    - Weekly updates in your preferred format  

    - On-site checks to ensure work is done right  

    - Budget control and proactive problem-solving  

    - Final results protected and presented to the highest standard  

    Whether you want to be fully involved or completely hands-off, our process gives you control without the frustration.

Why It Works

  • Budget Control

    Transparent scheduling + cost tracking

  • Quality Assurance

    Trusted professionals + ongoing inspections

  • Peace of Mind

    No surprises, no stress, just a beautiful home

We plan it.

We manage it.

You enjoy it.

Ready To Start?

  • One Contact.

    Book your free project planning visit

  • Everything Managed.

    Get your personalised plan in 48 hours

  • And Relax.

    Let us handle the rest

How home improvement gets done.

 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.

Questions?  

We’re here to help.