Sawmill Contracts: Pioneers in astonishing property transformations

The Herald Scotland

22-04-2025

During the process, the building was stripped back to the brick, original features were restored and underfloor heating was installed, as work got underway in creating a property that combines period details with contemporary comfort and design.
Michael Daniel, director, Sawmill Contracts, says: 'It was a hugely rewarding project to work on. Architect Kyle Cowper of K-ARC and the clients had a clear vision of what they wanted to create and together we were able to achieve an exceptional result.'
Part of the project involved creating a huge living, dining and kitchen space, along with two sumptuous bedrooms and bathrooms, while on the lower floor another bedroom and bathroom, a welcoming 'snug' and a laundry room now occupy what was once a dingy bedsit.
Along the way, intricate plasterwork was restored and the original sash and case windows upgraded, while one of the latter was removed entirely in order to allow direct access out to the garden.
Creating the garden was all part of the brief and it involved taking a mini digger in through the front door and out of the back in order to remove 20 tonnes of rubble, which was then taken away by skip, something that had to be carefully coordinated so as not to cause hold-ups in what is one of Fountainbridge's narrowest and most congested streets.
Sawmill Contract's ability to carry out such complex development projects to the highest possible standard comes from having all the necessary skills, along with the experience of working on challenging builds.
The company is a member of the Edinburgh Trusted Trader scheme and also of The Association of Master Tradesmen and together its 16-strong team has been responsible for some of the finest extensions and restoration projects in the Edinburgh area.
'Part of the reason why we can work at such a high level is that we invest time in communication with our clients,' says Michael.
'During the Grove Street restoration, our project manager was in constant contact with the owners and the architect at every step along the way.'
There the job of transforming the property involved resolving dampness and structural issues, installing steel beams to provide additional support, and sorting out problems that had built up over many decades.
Now that the work has been completed and finished to the highest standards, it is possible to see the beauty of the original Georgian design, as well as appreciate the work of both the period and contemporary craftsmen who have contributed to the overall effect.
'It really has been transformed,' says Michael. 'It went from being a dark and damp flat and bedsit into a stunning home.'
The clients are delighted with the results and other clients have praised Sawmill Contract's communication processes, along with the workmanship and professionalism not just of the company's own team, but also of their subcontractors. They have also welcomed the company's experience at resolving planning issues, something that is of particular relevance on projects involving listed buildings.
One recent example of this was where Sawmill Contracts successfully completed a single-storey extension to a Grade A-listed period cottage near Linlithgow, in the process providing accessible accommodation for the owners' elderly relatives.
In the course of a decade the company has also completed many loft and garage conversions and upgraded numerous homes with new kitchens and bathrooms, undertaking building work, joinery, plumbing, roofing, plastering, decoration and project management on behalf of clients.
'Converting a loft or garage can be cheaper than moving and at the same time it provides extra space for working from home or entertaining, while also increasing the value of the property,' says Michael.
Whatever the size of the project, Sawmill Contracts can handle all the details, from design, through build, to decorating and snagging, providing a single point of contact for clients and dealing with all the paperwork, ordering and delivery of materials.
This proved to be the ideal solution for one client in Morningside, a family with two children, whose two-bedroom home was turned into a spacious three-bedroom property, large enough to accommodate growing teenagers.
The client's principal concern had been to find a contractor that she could trust and, afterwards, she said: 'The house now feels as if it is brand new. The space is so much more open and functional, and the whole process was smooth. We really appreciated the trust and transparency throughout, it made all the difference.'
As well as completing builds for clients, Sawmill Contracts are about to complete one of their own, with the opening in early summer of new office space Bonnyrigg, along with a showroom for their sister company, which supplies luxury, hi-spec kitchens.
For potential customers, this new facility will provide inspiration and ideas and provide them with a glimpse of the effects that could be created by opting for Sawmill Contracts to update, enlarge and improve their own homes.
www.sawmill-contracts.co.uk