How long will my refurbishment take?

As per the duration of a project, it cannot be estimated without the full details. If you want to plan ahead, for alternative accommodation for example, we recommend at least: For smaller flat refurbishment, approximately 4 to 6 months. For house refurbishment, approximately 6 – 8 months These estimations relate to straightforward refurbishments like loft conversions or rear and side extensions. More complex work like basement excavations can only be estimated with more details, especially if access to the property is a consideration. Composition of the soil etc are also important factors.

Can I live at the property during the refurbishment?

We always recommend that you arrange for alternative accommodation during the project. Some of our clients choose to live at the property during the work, and, of course, we make that possible. However, please be advised that this arrangement comes with a significant increases in stress, cost and duration of the project.

I want to do everything with one company, can you do design and refurbishment for me?

Yes we can. We collaborate with top architects specialising in London house refurbishment and renovation planning which allows us to create designs that suit you and your needs. We will match you with architects who have specific experience in your area, share your vision and style for your refurbishment project. Doing the design and build with us gives you a view and control of the projected costs of your refurbishment from the very first day. You will be able to make well-informed choices for your design while understanding the cost implications and opting for the best solution for your investment. Check out our Design & Build page for more information.

I have all the drawings ready with my architect, can you do the building works for me?

We certainly can! We work with the best architects in London through a tender process, for clients that choose to have the designs for their refurbishment made by an independent architect. We can provide quotes in our own very detailed format or in your architect’s preferred format.

Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment?

You won’t need planning permission for most refurbishment projects. If you are not changing the external appearance of your flat or your house, you won’t need planning permission. In many cases, you can make a loft conversion or a rear/side extension within permitted development rights. You can find all the details on which type of extensions are allowed under permitted development here. However, if you are planning to refurbish a listed building, you may need permission.

What works make the biggest difference in the final cost of my refurbishment project?

Typically excavation to extend or create a basement under an existing property is one of the most expensive types of work in construction. The cost of finishes is another big factor in the final cost of a flat or house refurbishment.

I am buying a property, can you help me estimate how much the refurbishment would cost?

When you buy a new property, it is very likely that you’ll plan for a refurbishment. You can find some very good deals on the market, where you can buy a property for a good price when it needs some work done. By offering an estimation on work to be done, we can help you make the right decision and offer the right price for the potential property.

HomeServicesBespoke Furniture Maker London

Bespoke Furniture Maker London

Bespoke and handmade furniture are truly expressions of the character of a home and its owners.Our made-to-measure furniture is both functional and beautiful and can usefully maximise every corner.

At houseUP we make London homes unique with our bespoke joinery crafted; with the perfect combination of style, materials and designs.

Bespoke Furniture Maker London — houseUP London

What is bespoke furniture?

Bespoke furniture is any piece of made-to-measure cabinetry, for example; wardrobes, shelves and cupboards.

Handmade furniture is often the best option for optimising storage space. In our workshop we create bespoke wardrobes, cupboards and cabinets, shelves, media walls and other more individual items of furniture that adapt to the existing space.

Odd corners are a typical example of under-utilised space, also where ceiling height varies. These are common challenges that we enjoy tackling.

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What is bespoke furniture?

For people who want to make their home a truly unique living space, a bespoke kitchen can be a stunning feature. With an endless choice of special materials, shapes, finishes and; colours, our designers will help you navigate all the options.

From hinges to handles, from the shape of the sink to the position of the breakfast space, a custom made kitchen is the most flexible option for results that perfectly fit your living requirements.

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What is our process for building your bespoke furniture?

01CONSULTATION
At houseUP we work with our clients starting from any stage.

You can consult with us when you are exploring ideas and considering all the options.

We can also refer clients to our trusted partners if required.
02DESIGN
If you don’t have a bespoke furniture design already, allow us to inspire you by referring you to the best designers in our network. According to budget and schedule, we will introduce you to your perfect fit.

We work with specialists, like kitchen or period property designers, and also designers who, can complete designs for a whole house. We always include at least two design revisions in our standard process.
03MATERIALS
We will give you all the options for materials and the finishes, so that you might choose the right weight, texture and durability of every piece.
04PRODUCTION
Our workshop in North London is constantly in motion, creating all the minute details that make your furniture unique. We regularly upgrade and expand our machinery, with joiner teams that include three generations of bespoke furniture makers.

All the furniture that comes out of our workshop is handmade, and every set we build is unique.
05PRICING
We usually quote against final drawings, especially if done by external designers. If you choose to design with us, the design cost will be included in our pricing. We will take a deposit when you place your final production order.
06INSTALLATION
Our team will make a site visit prior to the start of installation. This is a final opportunity to ask any last minute questions and to ensure a smooth installation. Although a little disruption can be expected, especially on larger projects, we endeavour to do all we can to work around you and your family’s needs.

Finally, our very own expert installers will carry out the installation of the furniture. As well as cabinetry, we will install full kitchens, windows and shutters.
07OTHER SERVICES
If you are planning an overall renovation of your property, we would love to be your contractor. We specialise in high end residential refurbishments in London and we can help you transform your home into the beautiful and unique living space you desire.

Ready to start?

Get a free site visit and quote for your bespoke furniture maker london.

THE CRITTALL WALL IN THE BASEMENT, WITH THE BESPOKE UNDER STAIR CABINETS

BESPOKE STAIRCASE IN SOFTWOOD RETAINING THE ORIGINAL HANDRAIL, FULLY RESTORED AND TREATED WITH DANISH OIL

BESPOKE FITTED FURNITURE

Bespoke fitted furniture is the ideal approach to making the best use of every corner of your home. New pieces that are functional can also contribute to creating, or maintaining, your interior design aesthetic.

For example, with handmade and made-to-measure furniture, you could even replicate a staircase in a period building if the original cannot be restored to satisfaction. This way you have a brand new, durable staircase while honouring the character of the house.

For odd corners and spaces that are difficult to keep organised, you could install made-to-measure cabinets that fit perfectly in the recess. Internally they can be fitted with shelves, drawers, hanging rails, while the external panel can be designed and fitted to any style.

BESPOKE BEDROOM FURNITURE

Bespoke joinery solutions allow you to use all the space in a bedroom, while adding the preferred look to the room.

Everything is made to measure, and the internal fittings are designed to your specifications. You can have wardrobes using the full height of the room, and create storage solutions inside so that even the tallest slot is easy to reach.

With the choice of finishing, you can personalise each bedroom. The doors can be classic and symmetrical in light colours, or you can choose doors and mechanisms to create a more abstract style.

BESPOKE WARDROBES

houseUP wardrobe makers use different materials and can bring any furniture design to life. Wardrobes can take all shapes and forms, and can express a wide range of textures, materials and, colours. A wardrobe design that is open and without doors, is even more eye-catching and brings beauty and functionality together.

Mixing different metals and wood grains, gives shape to contemporary wardrobes, and an industrial look. However, simple smooth sections and a white finish can be perfect for big spaces in period buildings.

For a bespoke joinery project in Knightsbridge, our client chose a classic wood finish, made contemporary with the pairing of modern LED lighting and metal details.

BESPOKE FITTED KITCHEN

In London open plan kitchens are often the layout of choice, and a bespoke handmade kitchen is a common request for kitchen renovations. An open plan kitchen is a welcoming space to spend your day. A lot of time is spent in the kitchen, especially now more of us are working from home during the day.

With no limit to what skilled furniture makers can create, you have the choice of a contemporary or classic style kitchen, innovative materials or traditional wood finishes, and a wide choice of colours and textures that will make your bespoke kitchen a reflection of your style, taste and personality.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN OPEN SHELVING IN LUXURY CONTEMPORARY PENTHOUSE

SOLID WOOD AND TUBULAR METAL DETAILS FOR THE SHELVING AND THE DRAWER HANDLES GIVE A VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL FEEL TO THIS CONTEMPORARY BESPOKE WALK-IN WARDROBE

Environmental challenges

At houseUP we care greatly about the environmental challenges of our work, especially our bigger renovation and refurbishment projects.

Whenever possible, we will give new life to reclaimed and up-cycled objects and materials. When working with new timber, we select the most reliable sources.

Most of all, we believe in sustainability and fair trade. It is important to us that all local people involved in the production process can support themselves and their families for a fair profit. That is why we choose local producers when possible and select small businesses that are environmentally conscious.

With our digital vocation, we believe in using AI, Automation and APIs to support our sustainability journey. houseUP has been carbon neutral since October 2020, in partnership with Equilibrium.

Bespoke Furniture Maker London — FAQs

Questions and answers

Common questions about our bespoke furniture maker london service

How long will my refurbishment take?
As per the duration of a project, it cannot be estimated without the full details. If you want to plan ahead, for alternative accommodation for example, we recommend at least:

For smaller flat refurbishment, approximately 4 to 6 months. For house refurbishment, approximately 6 – 8 months These estimations relate to straightforward refurbishments like loft conversions or rear and side extensions. More complex work like basement excavations can only be estimated with more details, especially if access to the property is a consideration. Composition of the soil etc are also important factors.
Can I live at the property during the refurbishment?
We always recommend that you arrange for alternative accommodation during the project.

Some of our clients choose to live at the property during the work, and, of course, we make that possible. However, please be advised that this arrangement comes with a significant increases in stress, cost and duration of the project.
I want to do everything with one company, can you do design and refurbishment for me?
Yes we can. We collaborate with top architects specialising in London house refurbishment and renovation planning which allows us to create designs that suit you and your needs. We will match you with architects who have specific experience in your area, share your vision and style for your refurbishment project.

Doing the design and build with us gives you a view and control of the projected costs of your refurbishment from the very first day. You will be able to make well-informed choices for your design while understanding the cost implications and opting for the best solution for your investment.

Check out our Design & Build page for more information.
I have all the drawings ready with my architect, can you do the building works for me?
We certainly can! We work with the best architects in London through a tender process, for clients that choose to have the designs for their refurbishment made by an independent architect.

We can provide quotes in our own very detailed format or in your architect’s preferred format.
Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment?
You won’t need planning permission for most refurbishment projects. If you are not changing the external appearance of your flat or your house, you won’t need planning permission. In many cases, you can make a loft conversion or a rear/side extension within permitted development rights. You can find all the details on which type of extensions are allowed under permitted development here.

However, if you are planning to refurbish a listed building, you may need permission.
What works make the biggest difference in the final cost of my refurbishment project?
Typically excavation to extend or create a basement under an existing property is one of the most expensive types of work in construction. The cost of finishes is another big factor in the final cost of a flat or house refurbishment.
I am buying a property, can you help me estimate how much the refurbishment would cost?
When you buy a new property, it is very likely that you’ll plan for a refurbishment. You can find some very good deals on the market, where you can buy a property for a good price when it needs some work done.

By offering an estimation on work to be done, we can help you make the right decision and offer the right price for the potential property.

150+Projects completed across London

10+Years delivering premium construction

2London offices Covent Garden & Hackney

A–ZFull service Design to completion

Why choose houseUP

Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas

We specialise in Grade I and Grade II listed buildings and conservation area projects across London — from Highgate to Chelsea. Our conservation architects understand the constraints and navigate them for you.

Transparent, Detailed Pricing

Every quote is itemised with material costs, labour, and timelines clearly set out. We list prices on our service pages because we believe you deserve to know what you're paying for.

One Team, Full Accountability

From first survey to final snagging, the same project manager oversees your build. No handoffs between contractors, no gaps in responsibility — just one point of contact throughout.

PROJECTS FEATURED IN:

Reviews

It was a pleasure working with Vincenzo, Gen and their team. They have such an eye for detail and we worked well as a team to produce a project the client was very happy with. They are professional. We would highly recommend.

Juliette ByrneArchitectural & Interior design

Working with HouseUP on two challenging Conservation Area / Grade I listed apartment renovations in London recently has been a true pleasure. Their availability, enthusiasm, very collaborative approach, skilled staff, and dedicated and diligent site management made a huge difference to bring these projects to successful completion. Addressing issues as they arise on historic apartment buildings, and calmly making sure they are successfully resolved, made a huge difference. We have no hesitation recommending HouseUP, warmly and highly.

LISA M.HIGHPOINT I

houseUP did a 4 month complete renovation of our flat in South Kensington. We were very pleased with their work. Vincenzo put together a great team led by a very capable site manager. They used high quality subcontractors for plumbing and electricity. They communicated well and in a timely manner with our project manager regarding issues and problems. They also worked well with the 3rd party MEP engineer and they handled minor issues with neighbours professionally. Works were completed on time (critical due to Covid restrictions) and on budget. All three tenders were similar in price, but houseUP’s was the most comprehensive/detailed which made it easy to evaluate.

HARALD E.SOUTH KENSINGTON

I used houseUP to renovate a flat in Shoreditch whilst I was overseas. I would certainly recommend them as, whilst expensive, they provide an excellent service and undertook to make the process as pain free as possible for me. They also worked well with my designer.

KATE V.SHOREDITCH

I would absolutely recommend Vincenzo and the houseUP team. They completed an 8 month full refurbishment/extension of our house at the end of 2019. They managed every detail of the project and did so with such a high level of care - often it felt like they were carrying out works to their own house! They were always available to discuss when needed and kept us in the loop as required (but didn't over burden us with issues they could easily resolve themselves). We are delighted with our new family home and I feel like the process was made so much less stressful by using houseUP.

SARAH GWILLESDEN

Vincenzo and the team were enthusiastic, creative and engaged. They brought the project in on budget and I'm happy to recommend them. Their approach of having in-house structural engineering really helped make savings by integrating the disciplines involved with design and construction.

ANDREW W.CHISWICK

A team, that is an absolute pleasure to deal with. Professional, helpful and responsive, with a direct approach to projects. Look forward to continue working together in the future.

VITA ARCHITECTUREChelsea

We highly recommend houseUP. As architects, it is always difficult to find good contractors and houseUP and the team are very professional and have great communication skills. Looking forward to working with them in the future.

WHITE RED ARCHITECTSChelsea

I hired houseUP after meeting with Vinz and the team - I found them down to earth, easy to deal with and very flexible and fair with me, unlike many other companies we asked to quote our project. They completed a double storey side extension and rear extension for me, plus complete renovation of my house. We have recently moved back into our house after completion of the project, and could not be more happy. Even if there are any issues at this stage, they are always on hand to help and put things right. It was daunting having to think about a company to do such major works for us, however Vinz was great all throughout the project and helped us achieve what we wanted. He was always available to speak to, and is knowledgeable and friendly. The transparency is something I do not think we could have got with most other companies, and for this I am grateful. Thank you guys!

JUNAID C.GANTS HILL

The houseUP team came to the rescue to renovate our penthouse in Shoreditch, London, after our first builders did a runner. They are great guys and trustworthy, they're real construction professionals and manage their subcontractors well to ensure a good quality of finish.

JAMIE AND LULUSHOREDITCH

Vincenzo, Mike and their teams of subcontractors are a breath of fresh air to the construction market. They are extremely well organised and professional, providing a high end service, with clear and constant communication to clients throughout their projects, no matter how big or small. Alison's rear extension was the first thing we completed with the houseUP team and we never stopped working together since our first construction project. We enjoy working with houseUP as the projects are realised with ease, on time and on budget. We highly recommend these guys to all of our clients for construction projects of all sizes in London and beyond!

MODEL PROJECTS (DESIGNERS)Chelsea

Get in touch

If custom made furniture is part of your property renovation project, if you are looking for some bespoke furniture, or if you are just exploring how made-to-measure furniture could enhance your home, we would love to be part of your journey. For inspiration or and advice at any stage, we’d love to hear from you.