Grays · Thurrock · Essex-wide · 35 Years Combined Experience
Builders in Grays & across Essex
Premium Home Builds.
Honest Family Service.
Stress-Free Builds Across Essex.
One trusted Essex team handling extensions, full refurbishments, loft conversions and luxury garden rooms. We aim to respond within 24 hours. Fixed written quotes.
- We aim to respond within 24 hours
- Free written quote
- Family-run · Listed on Checkatrade
Free Quote · 24-Hour Response
Our Work — Projects
A look at recent projects
Extensions, garden rooms, kitchens and new builds delivered across Essex by Billy, Tommy and the team.
Our Work — Before & After
Drag to see before & after
Real Essex projects, start to finish. Slide the handle on each image to reveal how the property looked before we got hands-on.
BeforeAfterTwo-storey rear extension with dormer & bifolds — Essex
BeforeAfterLuxury garden room build — Essex
BeforeAfterRear extension replacing old conservatory — Essex
BeforeAfterGarden landscaping, patio & fencing — Essex
Our Work — On Site
See Our Work
In Action.
A look at some of our recent projects across Essex.
Why 1st Class
A Builder You Can
Actually Get Hold Of.
One team handles everything under one roof — from the first design and planning application to the full build and final building control sign-off. Everything in writing, with a clear signed contract before any deposit is taken.
Family-Run, Owner-Led
You speak to the family direct: calls go straight to Billy, Tommy or a family member. No call centres, no being passed down a chain.
One-Stop, Under One Roof
Architectural & structural drawings (via our partners at NSP Architecture), planning applications, building control, pricing, the full build and final sign-off — all handled by one team.
24-Hour Response
We aim to respond within 24 hours. Site survey booked inside the week, written quote in your inbox within 48 hours of the visit.
Built To Last
35 years of combined hands-on Essex experience. Proper foundations, breathable build-ups and tanked wet rooms — the details that decide whether a job lasts five years or fifty.
How It Works
Five Steps, One Team.
Plans, planning, pricing, build, sign-off — all handled in-house.
-
01
Plans & Design
Architectural and structural drawings via our NSP Architecture partnership — or we work to plans you already have.
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02
Planning & Approvals
We prepare and submit the planning application, deal with the council and chase the approval through.
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03
Pricing & Contract
Fixed written quote, usually within 48 hours of survey. A clear, signed contract before any deposit is taken.
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04
Build
One accountable team on site — foundations through to second fix and decoration, on a dated programme.
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05
Building Control Sign-Off
We host inspections at every stage and hand you the completion certificate and full handover pack.
What We Build
Ten Trades.
One Phone Number.
Extensions
Single, two-storey & wrap-around extensions across Essex.
Learn MoreCladding
Composite, timber and render cladding by our specialist in-house team.
Learn MoreLuxury Garden Rooms
Bespoke garden rooms, studios and outdoor offices.
Learn MoreRefurbishments
Whole-house refurbishments — strip back, rebuild, sign-off.
Learn MoreLoft Conversions
Dormers, hip-to-gable and full L-shape loft conversions.
Learn MoreLandscaping
Front and rear garden builds, walls, levels and planting.
Learn MoreNew Build Homes
Ground-up new build homes — foundations to handover.
Learn MoreDriveways & Patios
Block paving, porcelain patios and resin-bound driveways.
Learn MoreBathroom & Kitchen
Full bathroom and kitchen renovations, plumbed and signed off.
Learn MoreStructural Alterations & Repairs
Structural alterations, steels, lintels and subsidence work.
Learn MoreService Areas
Grays-Based.
Essex Covered.
Based on Malvern Road, Grays — working across Thurrock, the A127 corridor and into Romford, Hornchurch and the wider Essex region.
What Clients Say
Reputation Built
The Hard Way.
Real words from real customers on Google. For independently verified ratings and recent photos, see our Checkatrade profile.
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Questions
Straight
Answers.
Got something specific? Call 01375 802765 — You speak to the family direct.
Which areas of Essex do you cover?+
We're based in Grays and cover Essex and the surrounding areas. For larger projects, we're happy to travel further afield — just get in touch to check.
How quickly can you respond to an enquiry?+
We aim to respond within 24 hours. Call during working hours Monday to Friday and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Site surveys are typically booked inside the same week.
Do you provide fixed written quotes?+
Yes — every job goes out as a fully itemised written quote following a site visit. No vague day rates, no surprise extras.
Are you a Checkatrade member?+
Yes — 1st Class Cladding & Building Ltd is a verified Checkatrade member. You can view our profile and verified customer reviews on Checkatrade.
Do you handle building control and planning?+
Yes — as part of the service we manage planning applications and approvals, then host building control inspections through to final sign-off. Architectural and structural drawings are done in partnership with NSP Architecture.
What's your typical lead time for an extension?+
Typically a minimum of around 2 months from signed contract to on-site start. Site surveys can usually be arranged within the same week, with a fixed written quote usually following within 48 hours of the visit. Larger jobs may need a little longer.
Ready When You Are
Tell Us About
Your Project.
Free site survey from your local Essex builders. We aim to respond within 24 hours. Fixed written quote — no hard sell.