At 360 Home the focus is on quality builds and happy clients

Full circle

360 Home have only been in business for a few years but have already made a name for themselves as a building company of high quality and reliability. Specialising in extensions, loft conversions, refurbishments, kitchens and bathrooms, they have amassed a list of extremely satisfied customers.

So what is it that sets them apart from other companies who undertake similar work? We met with them to find out. Husband and wife team Karl and Sian Williams divide the business between them; Karl is chiefly responsible for the building side of things whilst Sian looks after marketing and customer service back at the office. It’s a balance of labour that clearly works well.



“Now is a very busy time as there is still a trend for expanding and refurbishing rather than moving. People are happy to stay where they are if they can maximise the potential of their property, and that is where we come in,” says Karl.

Karl has been in the building trade for the last 18 years, and has a wealth of experience working in a variety of Brighton houses – particularly in Hanover. The small properties in this area have always been popular as first-time buys, but they’re often outgrown when families come along.

“We were very conscious that there were lots of new building companies starting up, and we knew that it was time to expand our horizons and grow,” says Sian. “Our work in Hanover was a little like learning the hard way; working on smaller family homes helped us understand how to make the most of very small spaces, and because of that Karl has become expert at recognising the issues and developing great ways of solving them. We carry all that experience forward and apply it to every project we undertake.

“Above all though, it is about talking to clients and finding out not only what they want, but what they dream of. Taking the brief is perhaps the most vital part of any job that we undertake, and in turn, opening up that line of frank communication means that as the project progresses we have a clear understanding of where we are and what we are doing at any given point. That open attitude sets us apart. So much so that our previous clients are very happy for us to show prospective clients the work we have done and to talk to them about the way we work.

“Currently, there is a massive huge trend towards home working. Many people are taking advantage of modern communication technology and require versatile living options that will allow them to do that – spaces that are not necessarily ‘offices’, but are multi-purpose work/live spaces. This is an area in which we have lots of experience,” says Karl.

“We also see that people still like that clean-lined minimal look,” adds Sian. “It’s a look that we believe we can get absolutely right, even in period buildings. And to do this we will often work with great interior designers like Niche Interiors.”

360 Home now have six full time staff and they employ specialists as and when they are required. “We have worked with our team of craftspeople for years now, and they are trusted building professionals, hand-picked to work to 360 Home’s ethos.”

There’s no better way to find out exactly what 360 Home can achieve than visit a completed project and meet the client.

Tom and Fiona Mercer had lived in their Vernon Terrace flat for 15 years before they decided that it was time to make some major improvements. Six years ago, the opportunity came along to buy the next door flat and they seized it, expanding their one bedroom garden flat, and after gaining planning permission, converting the space into a much larger two bedroom, two bathroom apartment. Although delighted with end result, they still felt that there was something they weren’t making the most of. This turned out to be an under-used patio to the rear, leading on to their much-loved garden.

Fiona tells the story: “We decided that we would like to lose the patio and build a completely new extension that would overlook our west facing garden, which has lots of light all day and lovely light in the evenings. We found 360 Home through the person who did our planning and permissions. She had seen an ad for them and we contacted them to find out exactly the kind of service they offered. We then met and chatted through our plans, as well as looking at their previous jobs. We were immediately pleased and keen to proceed. We also walked past a few of the company’s projects to get a first-hand look.

“Karl was really impressive from the moment that we met him, and continued to be so through the whole process. He was helpful in interpreting the plans and understanding our space. His approach was very open and flexible too.

“As builders, they were incredibly clean given the nature of the work and given the fact that all of the building materials had to be brought right through our home. They always turned up on time or let us know, even if they were going to be only five minutes late. We were impressed by how very considerate they were, and this is something that Karl has instilled in his staff; a respect for people’s homes. They cleared up every night and always removed their shoes – small things, but very important when you have to live with the work as it is done. We even felt happy leaving them in the flat with their own key.

“This applied to the entire team and the company have clearly taken a lot of care in choosing people who reflect their brand image. There was no time-wasting either, just getting on with the job in a professional manner.

“Karl always kept us informed of any alterations to plans and we never had to worry – so much so that our friends were sick of us going on about how good he was!

“When it came to a schedule of works, Karl quoted three to five weeks. The job went over a little, but not because of Karl. We lost a little time for the polished concrete flooring that we had specified. And when the job was complete, he dealt with the few hiccups without question; nothing was a problem. The finish was excellent and the tiny amount of snagging was dealt with instantly – at one time within an hour.

“As for budget, he quoted a price and stuck to it and this was exactly what was charged. We asked for one extra plug socket, and that was the only extra that was added to our final bill.

“We would love him and the 360 Home team to come and do everything we want in the future, and we would not hesitate to use them again and recommend them to others.

“Our plan has been executed well beyond our hopes. The patio was never used and because our garden is so quiet, the new room with the wide-opening bifold doors brings the garden into our living space and unites them. The view and the feel of the new space is great and Tom can work easily from home in our new ‘work and study’ area.”

Tom and Fiona are clearly very satisfied customers, and as we look at the new space it is easy to see why. The finish is excellent, the look is clean-lined and uncompromised and blends seamlessly into the rest of their stylish, period home with ease.

To contact 360 Home, call 01273 358901 or email
info@360-home.co.uk
Photography: Josh Packham XA Digital,
07595 780428; Niche Interiors, 01273 601904
www.360-home.co.uk