A family construction firm has won a top industry award after transforming a run-down property into a warm and secure home.
Stirling-based Kevin Wilson Master Builders were named Heavenly Builder of the Year 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 firm’s co-founders Pam and Kevin Wilson, completed the work in just eight weeks and were praised by the satisfied clients for their excellent workmanship and compassionate approach to the project.
The proud couple now go forward to the national final of the FMB Awards which take place in September.
Mrs 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.
She says: “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 testimonial concluded: “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.
The prestigious honours aim to recognise the contribution small and medium-sized companies make to the UK construction industry.
Any project entered by a builder is required to be backed up by the client involved, who must testify they delivered exceptional results, and is assessed by a team of judges.
Gordon Nelson, Director of FMB Scotland, said: “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.”
The Wilsons now face competition from regional and devolved nation winners across the UK as they compete to be named the overall winner of the Heavenly Builder Award at the FMB’s national final in London on Friday September 22.
Kevin Wilson Master Builders, based at Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling, was established in September 2007 and covers all types of building work from residential renovations and extensions to commercial projects.