Changing the layout of your home can make everyday life more practical, improve how rooms connect and help you make better use of the space you already have. Whether you want to open up a kitchen and dining room, connect an extension to your existing home or create a new doorway, AR Building & Groundworks can help you understand the building work involved.

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Based in Durham, we carry out knock-throughs and structural alterations across the North East. Our work includes internal wall openings, new and enlarged door and window openings, and the installation of structural supports where specified. We undertake standalone alterations and structural work forming part of wider extensions, conversions and renovations.

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Before preparing a quotation, we review your proposed changes, photographs, drawings and available structural information. We arrange a site visit where required to discuss the property, access and surrounding rooms. Where further design or engineering information is needed, we explain what remains outstanding and clarify who is responsible for arranging it.

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Our detailed project proposals explain the structural work and associated building work included in the price. Depending on the agreed scope, this may include structural supports, brickwork and blockwork, alterations to services, plastering, joinery and repairs to surrounding finishes.

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Exclusions, assumptions and allowances are identified so you understand how far the work extends and what may need separate arrangements.

The company is led by Andrew Burns, an NVQ Level 3 qualified bricklayer with over 12 years of construction experience. Our practical background in masonry, structural alterations and general building helps us plan the agreed work and coordinate the trades involved.

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We understand that alterations inside an existing home can be disruptive. Before starting, we discuss working areas, access, protection of surrounding surfaces and arrangements for working around your household. Throughout the work, we focus on organised working, clear communication and respect for your property.

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We work with no deposit and an agreed weekly staged payment schedule, with payments made as work progresses. Any requested changes or unforeseen issues affecting the agreed work are discussed, including their implications for the scope, cost and timing.

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Tell us which rooms or openings you would like to alter, what you want to achieve and your preferred timing. Upload photographs, approximate dimensions and any drawings or structural calculations through our enquiry form so we can review your starting point.