BISCHELL - London

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After relocating to Richmond to be closer to my son’s school, St Paul’s, we acquired a property with planning approval already in place. Initially, we thought this would give us a head start, but as we delved into the details, we quickly realised something was missing. A friend who’d previously worked with Bischell suggested we contact them to carry out RIBA stages 4 and 5. We needed a solid technical foundation to move forward with the build, and I’m glad we made that choice.

What truly impressed me was that halfway through the technical development, Felipe identified that the original design wasn’t quite right for the scale of the house or my personal requirements. He took the initiative to go back to RIBA stage 3, reworking the concept entirely without even being asked, and included it within the original price. This level of commitment showed not only expertise but also a genuine passion for delivering the best result. At every stage, I felt Felipe’s dedication to creating something unique to my home, a vision that went beyond mere functionality.

One phrase he said has stuck with me: ‘You should have one design feature that no one else has on their property.’ In the end, I feel I ended up with three such features, each a perfect expression of his flair and creativity. These bespoke touches, solutions crafted specifically for my home, showcase Bischell’s approach to high-quality, innovative design. For anyone who values true design genius and a personal touch, you are in safe hands.

Vasile P.

Previously came across when my Client [ a developer ] needed to get drawings done for a split of property into 2 flats. The previous plans where not great and they caused us may issues onsite. As a builder I can adapt but it help when plans are good.

My client set me with the task of finding a new design team that also carried out engineering services. I found Bischell.

The project went well and they were used again in the next development. I worked well with the team to get the drawings I needed, the engineer was a little slow but the details where really good.

The reason I am posting this is that I recently managed to exchange in a property in Dartford and I only had Bischell in mind for my project due to the drawings I had previously received and used for the builds.

Now I was the main client, lol. It was great working with the team and getting all my plans very quickly as I was nervous about wasting time now I had the keys. They sent Annie [ Architect ] to me within the next day and all the set was done by the end of the week.

During the process I found there was a potential to avoid one beam so they modified the drawings to suit this site condition.

Very happy.

Will send photos when its done!

Hayat Y.

My parents had their extension done with this company and we cannot recommend them enough. Was a much easier process than expected thank you!

Sujan P.

During the unforeseen death of my father, I was inherited his estate. Which Bischell had previously done conceptual drawings for the build.
Upon trying to retain ownership I found myself in the unfortunate situation that my father had carried out works by splitting into flats and creating a habitable space in the garden. The main house was 2 years ago and the outbuilding was 10+ years ago.

I was worried and did not know how to turn to, so I contacted Bischell and came to know that the build was carried out ahead of the correct consents and against the architects advise. As it was done on a building notice the works were checked as they went along independent of the planning situation.

I tried to contact the builder that carried out the works but they where no longer in business, so my only thread of contact was Bischell, and they were almost as much in the dark as I was. Luckily Felipe sensed my worry offered to help. I sent him the enforcement letter and he carried out site visit to inspect which saved me the 400-mile round trip from Bradford, but more importantly I was able to feel some comfort. After the inspection he advised on the best course of action, and I followed it.

Just when we thought we are ok reinstating the house the email now stated any other buildings, which meant I had to leave it as technically its been over 10+ years it’s no longer enforceable or take it down. I discussed it with Bischell and proceed accordingly on this also.

It was good to have a local team to guide me through this as I live so far away.

Hybin L.

Had a great experience with these guys, felipe went above and beyond for us! Definitely recommend.

Angus F.

Made the mistake of doing a loft conversion and general renovation of our 1930s terrace in Ealing in 2017 with BISCHELL, who subcontracted the building work to Dominik Glowski, who I also do not recommend.

Most of the positive reviews are fake!

Don't be fooled by sales spiel from Felipe Prado about value engineering or quality finishes. The more they talk, the less they mean it. They are incompetent and irresponsible.

We still have problems a years later. Most recently replacing a bathroom floor will cost > £5k.

We should have pulled out when their initial drawings measured wrong, missed an entire chimney stack, incorrect loft subfloor structure and moved the bathroom because they wrongly claimed there was no room for stairs.

After they replaced the 1st architect, Jesus Iglesias, with Umesh Mudda, things improved, so we signed, but post contract things degenerated fast. After paying the 10% deposit, they asked for another 10%, which we had to pay or work would stop.

They always invoiced for work before finishing it. I had to double check everything myself to counter being overcharged for line items measured by sqm etc.

Incorrect measurements meant they built without properly drawings. For example, in the loft ensuite we had to double a side wall so the window would be center. I used a laser measure and redrew everything to try to avoid further mistakes, which was very time consuming but very necessary.

They built the loft party wall diagonally rather than stepped, so building control made them redo it. Several months delay getting final building control approval because Bischell failed to pay the £900 fee we had paid Bischell upfront. Turned out they owed BCO for multiple projects and we could not get our approval until they paid the lot. Lesson learned is to pay 3rd parties directly yourself, not thorough a DODGY architect.

Getting a plan or dates from Bischell was impossible, but the initial roof work went fast thanks to good weather so they proposed to finish in 5 months instead of 6. Turned out that after charging me to replace the entire roof structure, they did not replace the rafters so of course it was faster. One of the loft windows is not level as a result, so they eventually had to admit their short cut.

Failed to be ready for the double glazing installation despite several weeks’ notice and discussion. So the 2G firm turned up to install, but had to resechedule.

1 month head start turned into a 1 month delay despite continued good weather, because often no one was onsite. I was able to extend the lease on our rental or we would have been homeless.

Told us to get all the fixtures and fittings onsite in advance so they could build to fit, which they did not. Fitting problems included toilets, taps, bath overflows, shower panels and radiators.

So far 4 different ceilings have been damaged by water leaks. Loft shower leaks through ceiling below.

In both bathrooms grout and tiles are cracking because subfloors were not done properly. We found out 2 years later they cut through the structural floor joists by mistake and rather than fix them they just put up a false ceiling so we could not see what they had done. This has cost us thousands to correct.

Installed a lock on the wrong door. Lost several original parts of new door handles. Lost the original house keys so we had to change the locks. Misplaced large boxes of tiles which then had to be reordered with urgent delivery costs.

The paint job looked OK, until they did not bother finishing it. Most of the woodwork and walls obviously needed at least another coat.

Site was a mess and disorganized. When Bischell finally finished they left so much mess, I had to pay someone else to remove it.

Other tradesmen told me their wooden scaffolding was amateur and dangerous.
They left scaffolding piled in our front yard for over a month after we moved in and only removed it when I threatened to give it away.

All in all a nightmare, and would have been financially and otherwise ruinious if I had not had the time and energy to micro-manage these fools.

Noor A.

Fantastic service, they delivered in a timely manner and done an amazing job! I would highly recommend!

Nuria M. (. M.

I was recommended Bischell through a colleague of mine who had their kitchen beautifully extended so we decided to contact them about a possible loft conversion and we could not be happier. The plans were produced quickly, accurately and I really felt they took on board our concerns and ideas, parts that were not feasible were given other alternatives and they really put us at ease during this process. We are delighted with the results from beginning to the end finish. Highly recommended and would definitely use again, many thanks guys