STIRLING-based Kevin Wilson Master Builders is celebrating after winning a top industry award for its work to transform a run-down property into a warm and secure home.
The business picked up the Heavenly Builder of the Year accolade, awarded by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Scotland.
The award followed the ‘urgent’ restoration and renovation of a Victorian property in Stirlingshire which needed to be brought up to modern standards while retaining its character.
The team, led by the co-founders Pam and Kevin Wilson, completed the work in just eight weeks and earned high praised from the clients. The couple now go forward to the national final of the FMB Awards, which take place in London in September.
Pam Wilson said, “We’re delighted to have won the award for this project – it was a really poignant job and meant a lot to us to see the property transformed. Due to the sensitive nature of the job, we can’t go into too much detail but the works included the refurbishment of the whole house carried out to a tight schedule. It was an extremely rewarding project and made a real difference to the life of the home-owner.
“It’s wonderful to see our hard work recognised and validated by our industry body through the Heavenly Builder of the Year Award.”
The project included the refurbishment and double glazing of 48 panes of original sash windows throughout the property and a new kitchen and bathroom.
The job also prompted Mrs Wilson to begin volunteering with Stirling Food Train – a charity which provides a grocery delivery service for elderly people with the aim of supporting them to live independently at home. She also organised a Ukraine donations drop off point at the firm’s workshop and collected two van loads of clothing, toiletries and other items which were delivered direct to Ukraine.
Pam added, “I wanted to do more to help vulnerable people in our community, especially following the lockdowns, and it’s been so rewarding volunteering at Stirling Food Train and also organising the donations from local people who wanted to help Ukrainians.”
The clients were delighted with the work conducted by Kevin Wilson Master Builders and provided a testimonial for the FMB judges. It noted: “Our project was urgent – requiring great compassion as well as requisite building expertise and project management capability. KWB went over and above customer service expectations. They constructed an affordable project scope for early review and negotiation against a constrained budget requirement.
“They supported us to contact the right local businesses to select requirements such as kitchen, bathroom and flooring and managed the project faultlessly maintaining an outstanding dialogue throughout around progress and issues.
“The level of service was excellent and all responses to requests timely and full and delivered in a friendly manner. As a result the owner returned to a warm home at the earliest opportunity.
“The human dimension of this project was always firmly in the mind of the project team. KWB were highly empathetic and understanding of the need to improve the property whilst not altering it too much to change its character.
“In summary, the project was delivered with excellence to high technical quality and to budget and the owner is thrilled with the transformation to the property.”
The biennial FMB Awards celebrate the achievements of firms across the UK showcasing examples of high-quality craftsmanship, top customer service and building excellence.
Gordon Nelson, director of FMB Scotland, commented, “Taking on the renovation and restoration of an aged property, Kevin Wilson Master Builders showed great compassion and professionalism throughout a project that ultimately saw them win this coveted Master Builder Award. The independent judges hailed Pam and Kevin’s focus on ensuring the safety, security, warmth and wellbeing of their client.
“They also loved the commitment shown by them in supporting the surrounding elderly community by doing their weekly shop. For me, the project demonstrated the builders’ skills, experience and professionalism to deliver exactly what was needed, when it was needed and in the manner of an empathetic and socially responsible company.
“My congratulations to Pam and Kevin who are worthy winners of the Heavenly Builder of the Year Award for Scotland.”
