BUILDWELLS BRICKLAYING AND CONSTRUCTION
beam already in place that we could prop off. That saved us a lot of time and hassle.” It wasn’t all problem- solving, though. There were highlights too – and not just seeing their work on screen. “Installing that massive steel beam was a real moment,” Buswell says. “You don’t get many domestic builds with engineering like that.” Ivey points to the finish as a standout. “The rendering transformed the whole house. The original brickwork wasn’t great, so we went for a clean, modern monochrome render. Alongside the apex glazing and bi-fold doors, it just lifted everything.” For the clients, their home was a return – an emotional one at that – to their origins. “They’d spent 17 years living in Dubai,” Buswell shares. “This was about coming back to Solihull to be near their family. That personal story was what the TV show, ‘Building Home’, really focused on.” The exposure has already boosted Buswell’s business. “We’ve had two or three new jobs come in because of it,” he says. “More enquiries are coming in all the time. It’s definitely made a difference.” Lessons in success The experience has also solidified what both men believe are the cornerstones of a successful build, lessons they hope resonate with fellow FMB members. Preparation is at the top of Buswell’s list. “You’ve got to plan. You can’t wing it on a project of this size. Materials, trades, scheduling – it’s all got to be nailed down early.”
Teamwork is another of Buswell’s fundamentals of success. “We’ve spent years building this team, and it shows. Trustworthy people who know what they’re doing, who show up and get on with it – that’s gold.” Finally, Ivey adds, is courage. “A lot of small firms might have walked away from a job like this. But we went for it. You’ve got to challenge yourself. That’s how you grow.” Asked whether they’d do it again – take on a project of this scale, with cameras watching – both men smile. “Absolutely,” Buswell says. “It’s been hard work, but it’s put us on the map. And more importantly, it showed us what we’re capable of.” Just over 12 months on, they have installed an even bigger domestic beam. For a company like Buildwells, which is built on pride, problem-solving, and now, a little prime-time publicity, it’s not just about the houses they build. It’s about backing themselves to take on more. And delivering, every time.
the pad,” Buswell says. “It changed the internal layout, which was tough for the client because they really wanted a completely open-plan look.” It required creative thinking. “We ended up disguising the structural nib with two dummy kitchen cupboards,” Ivey says. “Once it was done, the client was thrilled with it. You wouldn’t know it’s there.” Another challenge came from the existing dormers. “The rafters were slightly bowing,” Buswell says. “We had to investigate and, thankfully, we found a steel
Client Kazal Ahmed with Billy Buswell
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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