SturdyBuild

About us: 

SturdyBuild is a Cambridge-based building contractor and architectural design service, established in 2011. We deliver extensions, loft conversions, refurbishments, and small building works across Cambridge and the surrounding villages.

The company is run by Edmund Sturdy, owner-director, who personally oversees every project. SturdyBuild was set up to be a straightforward, transparent building company where the people doing the work care about the outcome, not just the volume of jobs. We focus on practical solutions, clear communication, and long-term client relationships.

Availability 

Current availability: We are scheduling large projects from May / June 2026. 

Smaller projects and handyman work may be available sooner, subject to scope and diary availability. 

How to Work With Us

All project enquiries are handled via our booking system. This helps us understand your project properly and make best use of everyone’s time.

Book via: https://calendly.com/sturdybuild/

Please choose the most relevant option below. 

Handyman & Small Jobs (1 day or less)

Handyman – 3 Hour Visit: £225 inc VAT
Handyman – 6 Hour Visit: £420 inc VAT

• Suitable for small repairs, adjustments, and snagging

• Best suited to a list of small tasks rather than a single large job

Prices include labour and standard fixings and consumables carried on the van. Materials are charged separately if required.

Book a Handyman visit:

• 3 Hour Visit – https://calendly.com/sturdybuild/handyman-3-hour-visit

• 6 Hour Visit – https://calendly.com/sturdybuild/handyman-6-hour-visit
  
  

Small Projects (typically 1–3 weeks)

For small projects, the first step is a Small Project Site Visit, booked via our scheduling system.

Small Project Site Visit: £95 inc VAT

• We review the work and discuss scope and approach

• You receive a fixed-price quotation

• The site visit fee is credited back if you proceed with us

Book a Small Project Site Visit:

https://calendly.com/sturdybuild/small-project-site-visit

Large Projects & Property Advice (typically 3+ weeks)

For extensions, loft conversions, major refurbishments, or advice related to purchasing a property, the first step is a Large Project & Property Consultation, booked via our scheduling system.

Large Project & Property Consultation: £195 inc VAT

This is suitable if you:

• already have plans

• are considering a major building project

• are buying a property and want professional input before committing
  
  

If plans are available, we will review them. If not, we’ll advise on feasibility, likely costs, risks, and next steps.

The consultation fee is credited back if you proceed with us on a build project.

Book a Large Project & Property Consultation:

https://calendly.com/sturdybuild/large-project-property-consultation

What We Don’t Do

To avoid wasted time on both sides, please note that we do not:

• Provide quotes without a site visit or drawings

• Compete in multi-builder tender lists

• Carry out insurance or warranty repair work

• Take on emergency or same-day call-outs

If you’re unsure which option applies, book the most relevant appointment and we’ll guide you from there.

Architectural Design (In-House)

You don’t need a separate architect. We provide a full architectural design service, led by a builder, with construction in mind from day one.

Why clients choose us for design

• Designs that are practical and buildable

• Better cost control from the outset

• Faster progression from design to build

• Strong local planning knowledge

• One point of contact throughout
  
  

How It Works

1. Initial consultation
   Your first step is a meeting with Ed to discuss your ideas, check feasibility, and talk through scope, constraints, likely budgets, and timescales. 

2. Measured survey and design brief
   If the project is a good fit, our in-house designer carries out a measured survey and develops a clear design brief based on your requirements and the planning context.

3. Concept design and revisions
   We prepare concept plans and elevations and refine them with you until the layout, scale, and approach are agreed.

4. Planning and approvals
   We manage the planning process on your behalf, including submission, liaison with the local authority, and responding to any planning queries. This may involve Planning Permission, a Certificate of Lawful Development, or Prior Approval, depending on the project.

There is no obligation to proceed beyond planning approval. You are free to stop at this stage or take the approved plans forward in another way if you wish.

5. Detailed design and formal quotation
   Once planning is approved, we provide a fixed-price quotation for the construction works, including any required structural calculations and Building Regulations drawings.

6. Proceeding to construction
   If you choose to move ahead with the quotation, we agree the programme, enter into contract, and schedule the works ready to start on site.

Starting a Design Project

Architectural design projects begin with an initial consultation to confirm feasibility, planning route, and likely costs before any detailed work is commissioned.

As a guide, design fees for typical domestic projects are usually in the low thousands, depending on scope, complexity, and planning requirements. All costs are confirmed clearly before any work proceeds.

Book a Design Consultation:

https://calendly.com/sturdybuild/large-project-property-consultation

Contracts, Payments & Insurance

• Fixed-price quotations

• JCT Minor Works contracts (for all building work except handyman jobs)

• Typical payments:

  • 5% deposit

  • Agreed stage payments

  • 5% retention held until completion and snagging

• Fully insured

• Qualified and insured subcontractors used where required (electrical, plumbing, etc.)

FAQs (Short Version)

Do you provide quotes?
Yes. Quotes follow a site visit. The call-out fee is credited back if you proceed.

Do you handle planning?
Yes. We manage planning applications and related approvals as part of our design service.

Can I use your design service without using you to build?
Yes. There is no obligation to proceed to construction with us.

What areas do you cover?
Cambridge and surrounding villages within roughly 15 miles.

Contact

Sturdy Services Ltd t/a SturdyBuild
34 Thornton Close, Cambridge, CB3 0NG

Company No: 03748585
VAT No: GB0718089318

📞 07903 880105
✉️ ed@sturdybuild.co.uk