Project Overview

The transformation of 22 Vicarage Road showcases North Oxford Developments’ ability to adapt, scale, and deliver high-quality residential projects beyond the original brief. What began as a modest renovation evolved into a full-scale refurbishment, extension, and loft conversion, resulting in a completely modernised family home finished to a high specification throughout.

This project highlights our proactive approach on site, identifying underlying issues early and working collaboratively with the client to unlock the property’s full potential.

Objectives and Goals

Initially, the client’s objective was to carry out a bathroom refurbishment alongside minor internal alterations. However, during early site investigations, it became clear that the property had not been updated for many years and concealed more significant issues, including deteriorated floor structures.

Working closely with the client, the brief evolved into a comprehensive redevelopment focused on creating a modern, open-plan living environment, increasing usable space, and delivering a high-quality, future-proofed home.

Before the Project

The property was dated throughout, with ageing finishes, inefficient layouts, and underlying structural concerns such as rotten floorboards. The existing configuration did not maximise the available space, and key areas of the home lacked natural light and flow.

Recognising the opportunity to significantly enhance both the layout and performance of the property, a full redesign and redevelopment approach was agreed.

Scope of Work

The works expanded to include a complete top-to-bottom refurbishment, extension, and loft conversion, transforming the property into a contemporary, high-specification home.

Key elements of the project included:

  • Loft conversion to create an additional bedroom, including installation of a new staircase
  • Single-storey rear extension to form a large open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space
  • Installation of new bifold doors with feature glazing above to maximise natural light and connection to the garden
  • New decking area to enhance outdoor living space
  • Full internal refurbishment of the property, including all finishes
  • Installation of crittall-style black windows throughout for a modern architectural aesthetic
  • Complete central heating upgrade, including a new boiler and system
  • Full electrical rewire, including new lighting design and fittings throughout
  • Renovation of the main bathroom
  • Construction of a new ensuite bathroom to one of the bedrooms
  • Creation of a new ground floor shower room
  • Installation of high-end wet room systems throughout all bathrooms for a seamless, contemporary finish

Challenges and Solutions

As with many refurbishment projects, uncovering the true condition of the property presented early challenges. The discovery of rotten floorboards and general structural deterioration required immediate reassessment of the scope.

Rather than applying short-term fixes, we worked with the client to take a long-term view, incorporating full structural upgrades and a complete reconfiguration of the property. This ensured the final result not only met aesthetic expectations but also delivered durability and performance.

Expanding the project while maintaining programme control required careful coordination across trades and clear communication with the client. Our structured approach ensured that, despite the increased scope, the build remained efficient and well-managed throughout.

Results and Outcomes

The completed project represents a complete transformation of the original property, both in terms of layout and quality. The new open-plan rear extension creates a bright, spacious heart of the home, while the loft conversion adds valuable additional accommodation.

High-spec finishes, modern glazing, and carefully considered detailing throughout have elevated the property to a contemporary standard, combining style with functionality.

The integration of wet room bathrooms, upgraded services, and improved layout has resulted in a home that is both practical and visually striking.

Client Feedback

The project was delivered in line with the agreed programme, despite the increased scope of works identified during the early stages.

The client was highly satisfied with both the process and the final result, particularly the level of communication, quality of workmanship, and ability to adapt to evolving requirements without compromising on timelines.