A Hands-On Approach to Building

Firtree Build is deliberately run as a closely managed family business rather than a high-volume building company. Matt works directly with homeowners, architects, structural engineers and a consistent team of trusted trades. This allows him to remain familiar with each project and gives clients one accountable point of contact throughout the build. He would rather decline a project than take on more work than the company can manage properly.

Matt’s Building Experience

Matt’s experience includes residential projects involving:

• Rear and side-return extensions
• Kitchen and open-plan living extensions
• Double-storey extensions
• Dormer, mansard and hip-to-gable loft conversions
• Complete and partial property refurbishments
• Structural alterations and steel installation
• Residential new-build projects
• Coordination with architects and structural engineers

His practical knowledge includes planning construction around restricted access, occupied homes, neighbouring properties, existing structures and the complications commonly found in older North London properties.

Involved From the First Conversation

Matt stays involved from the earliest project discussions through to completion. Before work begins, he reviews the proposed plans, considers practical construction requirements and identifies issues that could affect access, structure, drainage, scheduling or cost. During the build, Matt helps coordinate the different trades, communicates with the homeowner and checks that the project continues to reflect the agreed plans and standard of finish.

Care Beyond the Visible Finish

A completed room may be judged by the kitchen, flooring, plastering and decoration, but much of the most important work is hidden behind the finished surfaces. Matt places equal importance on foundations, structural steel, insulation, drainage, weatherproofing and the connections between the existing property and the new construction.

This attention to the work that cannot easily be seen helps protect the long-term performance of the completed project.

Working With Homeowners Across North London

Based in Enfield, Matt manages projects across North London, including Winchmore Hill, Southgate, Palmers Green, Barnet, Finchley, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Highgate and surrounding areas. The types of properties vary considerably across these locations. Matt’s approach is therefore based on understanding the individual building, the homeowner’s priorities and the practical constraints of the site rather than applying the same solution to every project.

Matt’s Approach

Matt believes that a successful residential building project requires:

• Honest discussions before work begins
• Clear and realistic quotations
• Proper preparation
• Consistent communication
• Careful coordination of trades
• Respect for the homeowner and neighbouring properties
• Attention to both structural and finishing details
• Accountability after the project is complete