All queries:

Paxton Restoration
171 Anerley Road
London SE20 8EF

Tel: 0208 7781100

News

Record Referrals

Our annual advertising review revealed that more Paxton customers have referred us to friends and neighbours in 2011/12 than ever before. We've also noticed the power of the local Blog, whether is from a local area like the Brockley Forum or an interest group such as Nappy Valley! Thanks to all.

Help cut the VAT on Home Improvements

Paxton Guys are Tough Guys

A few weeks ago, two of our team, Cj and Carl, took part in the "Tough Guys" challenge.

After two and a half hours of voluntarily jumping into hyperthermia inducing icy waters and leaping over flaming pits, a few rotten window cills are a mere crumb - not even a piece of cake.

See our news tab for photos.

The Federation of Master Builders asks - Sign our Petition to Cut VAT on Home Improvements and says;

In March, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will have another opportunity to make a real difference to homeowners and small builders by reducing VAT from 20% to 5% for all home repair, maintenance and improvement work in the 2012 Budget. Other European countries have already taken this step to help improve the quality of their existing housing, protect consumers from VAT evading rogue traders, and increase employment. A cut in VAT would significantly reduce the competitive advantage of rogue traders who offer a cheap deal but are unable to provide a proper written contract or any kind of paperwork. Please sign our Cut the VAT petition now and ask the Chancellor to make important home repairs more affordable.

Paxton now takes Credit and Debit Cards

Paxton now takes all Major Credit and Debit cards, including American Express. We're obliged to pass on the 2% service charge for all Credit cards, but we're waiving the Debit card charge which is free to all Paxton customers. (corporate Credit cards and JCB 2.6%).

Find out more about all of the latest news.

We welcome all major Credit and Debit Cards

Refurbishing your home

For many of our customers, refurbishing their windows is just one element of their restoration plans and for those having no experience of major works, it can feel daunting.

Where to find trusted trades people to carry out the work? What to prioritise? and What order to do the work in? are all questions that you may be asking yourself.

This page aims to answer some of these questions.

What do I do first?

Undertaking work in the right order can save you time and money. Doing major structural work and alterations first and then following up with painting and decorating is the most sensible option. Where every trade should be expected to leave their respective work area clean, safe and tidy at the end of the project (and where practical between days) and cause minumum disruption throughout, it can be unrealistic to expect no dust or minor damage at all.

Whether tackling a refurbishment of one room or a complete property, it is best to get the messier and most distruptive jobs out of the way first, for example;

Your roof should be sound and leak free to prevent any new work being damaged.
For safety reasons, re-wiring and replacement of any old and unsafe electric sockets and circuits should always be a priority. (also, as many trades will be using tools, having the electricity available is vital - unless they are able to provide a generator)
Extensions and knocking through walls and other alterations
Central heating and plumbing next.
Fitting kitchen and bathrooms.
Windows and doors - new or refurbishments.
Plastering and making good.
Painting and decoration.

Discuss with each of the companies you have chosen how long the work will take. Don't commit yourself to a date at the risk of losing a deposit, without ensuring that their work is not affected by the other aspects of your restoration, for example, because of dust generated, painting nearby is not a good idea.

Think about the amount of room available to work in and whether the trades will be getting in each other’s way.

Other things to think about

Other things that you need to plan ahead for are;

parking permits
waste removal and skips - contact your local borough for information about these.
delivery of bathrooms, kitchens etc. - don't leave this to the last minute - you may not be able get the one you want.
choosing paint, paper and other furnishing.

All the best

We have built up and maintained a number of contacts from a variety of trades over the years, from stained glass experts, to plasterers, brick experts and scaffolders. We would be happy to pass on these details to you if you contact the office.

We hope that all goes well with your project, whether you choose to use Paxton Restoration for your window refurbishment or decorating projects or not.