The Build Up Podcast #Retrofit
A Builder’s Story
I recently had the fortunate opportunity to record a podcast for the FMB Build Up podcast series where I spoke about our journey into Retrofit and why.
Retrofit is really at the heart of our business and the driving force behind it is not just how it can benefit our business but how it can benefit our clients.
Spreading the word is critical as there are simply not enough contractors to Retrofit the millions of existing homes that are performing poorly, but we all know about the pitfalls of doing #Retrofit badly as seen in the recent reports on botched External Wall Insulation installations under funded schemes
What do we do different?
Retrofit can be daunting from a homeowner’s perspective but no surprise that TRUST is so vital in the relationship but how do you gain this trust? By working collaboratively, focussing on outcomes and not inputs, upskilling and ensure you aim to do it once and do it right.
Watch the podcast here and I hope you enjoy it
A Look Back: The OxPod
For several years, alongside our building and retrofit work, Lambert Home Builds designed and built the OxPod — our own range of bespoke garden pods and outdoor furniture, handcrafted right here in Oxfordshire.
The OxPod became more than just a product — it was a way of bringing people together. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when social distancing rules meant people were more isolated than ever, our pods gave families and friends a safe, sheltered space to reconnect outdoors. Several local pubs also used OxPods to reopen and welcome customers back during a time when indoor space was so limited, helping keep community life going through a genuinely difficult period.
While we’ve since retired this product line to focus fully on retrofit and home improvement work, the OxPod remains something we’re proud of — a reflection of the same craftsmanship, care, and community spirit we bring to every home we work on today.
If you’re curious about our roots or previous projects, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to chat about where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
Homeowner tips:How to find a builder?
This is a very common question and one that we often get asked.
Here is a link to an article I wrote recently https://homenergymk.org/how-to-find-a-builder-you-can-trust/
What I would say is be inquisitive, do some digging and find out as much about the company as you can!
Check companies house at the very least and make sure you can speak to previous customers and ask to see the work. The key questions are : did they finish the job? To the standard you wanted? and would you have them back for further works?
Navigating the landscape of rogue traders can be tricky but trust your instincts, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is!
One more word of advice; always have a contract before any works commence and there is no excuse to not offer one
Spotlight: About Us
Spotlight: About Us
Hello!
This is my first foray into writing a blog, so I thought I would just introduce ourselves.
I’m Nikki and with my husband Ross we run our building company, Lambert Home Builds based in the countryside outside Oxford.
We are committed to sustainable construction, love nothing better than getting stuck in with woodfibre and have focused our business towards Retrofit- which is improving and upgrading the performance of existing homes with a fabric first and Whole house Holistic approach.
You can often find both of us on site, Ross is a master carpenter using his skills to rejuvenate heritage properties and Nikki often dealing with the clients, organising materials and anything in between to ensure the project runs smoothly.
We are proud and committed members of the Federation of Master Builders, Nikki sits on the Southern Counties board of the FMB and you may also find her at various home Renovation shows representing the FMB and speaking with homeowners.
Nikki is also passionate about education and quality standards in the Industry and upskilling to encourage to next generation into the Industry.
And when we are not working we are busy with our 4 children and collection of vintage tractors!
A bit about us
Hello!
This is my first foray into writing a blog, so I thought I would just introduce ourselves.
I’m Nikki and with my husband Ross we run our building company, Lambert Home Builds based in the countryside outside Oxford.
We are committed to sustainable construction, love nothing better than getting stuck in with woodfibre insulation and have focused our business towards Retrofit- which is improving and upgrading the performance of existing homes with a fabric first and Whole house Holistic approach.
You can often find both of us on site, Ross is a master carpenter using his skills to rejuvenate heritage properties and Nikki often dealing with the clients, organising materials and anything in between to ensure the project runs smoothly.
We are proud and committed members of the Federation of Master Builders, Nikki sits on the Southern Counties board of the FMB and you may also find her at various home Renovation shows representing the FMB and speaking with homeowners.
Nikki is also passionate about education and quality standards in the Industry and upskilling to encourage to next generation into the Industry.
And when we are not working we are busy with our 4 children and collection of vintage tractors!
A simple idea for a Brise soleil
Often the best solutions just come from a simple idea. With the lovely sunny weather we are experiencing I wanted to find a simple but beautiful way of creating some solar shade for our front room. This was a job tasked to my husband Ross when I said to him " can you make me a timber arbour?". I admit he looked a bit quizzically at me but then I explained where I wanted it and why. And so he created this beautiful structure one sunday afternoon, placed in front of the living room window and we have planted fragrant climbers either side. As they proliferate in the summer hopefully that will provide more shade to the window and stop the room from overheating. A simple yet thoughtful Biophilic design.