Case Studies

Project: Comprehensive Upgrade of a Long-Term Rental Character Property

Overview

WMS was recently commissioned to refurbish a charming long-term rental property in Bossington, Somerset. The goal was to modernize the home while preserving its unique character and traditional features.

Scope of Works

• Full electrical rewire
• Complete plumbing overhaul and new boiler installation
• External lime render and lime pointing
• Traditional lime wash external decoration
• Replacement of cast iron downpipes
• New cobbled frontage and patio installation
• Wood burner and flue fitted
• Cork insulation to eaves with internal lime plaster finish
• New lime plaster throughout
• Full internal decoration
• Brand-new kitchen installation
• New floor coverings throughout
• Soakaway and drainage improvements

Challenges

The project required balancing modern functionality with heritage preservation. Specialist skills in lime plastering and traditional finishes were essential to maintain authenticity while meeting current standards.

Delivery

The refurbishment was managed by Richard Cole, WMS Contracts Manager, with works delivered by our multi-skilled operatives from the WMS Yeovil office.

WMS Key Team Contributions:

• Simon Thomas (Site Supervisor): Delivered site works with professionalism and efficiency.
• Vincent Wilson: Initially joined as a temporary team member and is now a valued WMS employee, contributing significantly to internal cork insulation and painting.
• Jack Smith: Demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship in lime plastering, particularly on kitchen walls.

WMS Specialist Subcontractors:

WMS called on the services of our local long term sub-contractor partners for:

• Groundworks
• Mechanical & Electrical
• Plumbing & Heating
• Wood burner installation
• Flooring and carpet fitting

Outcome

The result is a beautifully restored property that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern comfort. This project showcases our ability to deliver complex refurbishments with attention to detail and heritage integrity.

Project: Major External and Internal Upgrades to Listed Residential Blocks

Overview

WMS successfully delivered a significant refurbishment project at Queen Anne Court, Barnstaple, earning high praise from the client for quality and professionalism. The works were managed by Senior Contracts Manager Matt Kempster and executed by our skilled in-house team alongside trusted subcontractor partners.
This £800k project focused on two multi-occupancy residential blocks, ensuring structural integrity, aesthetic improvements, and compliance with heritage requirements.

Scope of Works

• Complete Roof Replacement: Installation of natural slate tiles for durability and heritage compliance.
• Window Upgrades: Fitting of 120 new timber sliding sash windows, semi-factory finished and completed on-site with Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior Gloss for enhanced longevity.
• Render & Structural Repairs: Including Helifix stitching for structural reinforcement.
• Steel Lintel & Header Replacement: Ensuring long-term stability and safety.
• Guttering Refurbishment: Original guttering relined and restored.
• Full External Decoration: Preserving the building’s historic character.
• Internal Decoration: Communal areas refreshed for improved resident experience.

Heritage Compliance

As a listed building, all works were carried out in close consultation with the local conservation officer to maintain architectural integrity while delivering modern performance standards.

Leadership & Collaboration

The project was expertly coordinated by Matt Kempster, ensuring seamless delivery with minimal disruption to residents. Collaboration between WMS teams and specialist subcontractors was key to achieving outstanding results.

Outcome

The refurbishment has revitalized Queen Anne Court, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern durability. This project reinforces WMS’s reputation for delivering complex heritage works to the highest standards of quality and compliance.

We’re proud to share the successful completion of refurbishment works at 1–11 & 12–23 Forches Avenue, North Devon. The project focused on enhancing aesthetics, improving energy efficiency, and addressing long-standing weather-related issues.

What We Delivered:

• Cavity Wall Insulation – Removed outdated materials and installed energy-efficient insulation.
• Render Repairs – Restored damaged areas for durability and visual appeal.
• Roofline Adjustments & Repairs – Extended verges, refurbished soffits, fascias, and rainwater goods.
• Modern Cladding – Installed Marley Cedral Click cladding for a sleek, low-maintenance finish.
• Porch Roof Upgrades – Applied GRP coverings and constructed pitched roofs for better drainage and aesthetics.

Led by:
WMS Senior Contracts Manager Matt Kempster and our Planned Maintenance Team from Bideford, whose professionalism ensured outstanding results and positive client feedback.

The Outcome:
A revitalised look, improved energy performance, and a durable finish that enhances both functionality and kerb appeal.

Project: Major Internal Refurbishment and Fire Safety Enhancements

Overview

WMS have successfully delivered a comprehensive fire safety upgrade and internal refurbishment at Chichester House, an iconic 19-storey residential block in Plymouth. Commissioned by Hastoe Housing Association, this project significantly improved the building’s safety, resilience, and compliance with modern fire regulations.

Scope of Works

• Replacement of 69 apartment doors with fire-rated composite door sets
• Installation of FD60S-compliant fire-rated inner lobby doors - all other doors replaced to FD30S.
• Replacement of 18 bin chute door sets
• Upgrade of 18 electrical cupboard door sets, including compliant closers and ironmongery
• Replacement of all ground floor communal doors, including pump room entrance
• Full electrical upgrade of the mains room, plus associated remedial works throughout the building

Finishing Touches

To strengthen fire safety in communal areas, Crown Paints carried out flake tests and specified Crown Trade Timinox Flame Retardant Acrylic Eggshell for all 18 lift lobbies. As part of a joint social value initiative with WMS Crown Paints donated the product and our WMS Devon Painting Team delivered the project to the highest standards. The Team meticulously prepared all surfaces, applied multiple coats of flame retardant finish and ensured every lobby met both aesthetic and fire protection specifications. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality helped deliver a safer more durable environment for residents!

Scope of Works:
Removal of existing chimney render and application of new render.
Safe removal of asbestos roof tiles by a licensed subcontractor.
Installation of a brand-new roof structure, complete with insulation.
Replacement of all rainwater goods with modern UPVC components.

Materials Used:
Sand, cement, lime for rendering.
Timber battens and roofing membrane.
Roof insulation.
Man made slate tiles.
UPVC rainwater goods.

Workforce:
Chimney rendering completed by our skilled in-house plastering operative.
Asbestos removal, roofing, and scaffolding handled by trusted specialist subcontractor partners.

Duration:
4 weeks - All delivered with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency. Great work once again by Peter and the Minor Works Team!

We're pleased to let you know that our latest works to develop a new admin facility at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) are making excellent progress.

The new development - known as Yeo View - will provide new, modern, compliant workspaces and facilities for groups of staff currently based in Chichester and Munro Houses, which are soon to be demolished to make way for new staff residential accommodation.

The development is a major first step in the Our Future Hospital (OFH) programme, which promises to build a better hospital in North Devon by rebuilding the staff and patient facilities in most urgent need of upgrade.

The new workspaces at Yeo View, and later development of modern residential accommodation for staff, will ensure NDDH create a great place to work, boosting recruitment and retention. Yeo View and the new residences are the first of a series of phases to create the space needed for the new clinical buildings we plan to build later in the programme, which will transform patient care for local people.

Yeo View will provide 64 workstations, 3 meeting rooms, and comply with all modern building standards. The Yeo View building is due for completion in October 2024, and work continues at pace.

We're pleased to share just how much progress has been made over recent months in the below timelapse video, which captures the daily activity onsite. Please click on the link below to watch.

https://vimeo.com/967040776/1fd14394f4?share=copy