Dan Cook Carpentry and Building Limited

Client stories - building excellence

Cottage restoration and conversion

Project: Conversion
Date: August 2023
Client: Bovey Tracey Client

Our clients wanted us to create a forever home in a beautiful moorland town in South Devon, this is what they said about the finished article.

“When we started to think about modernising our recently purchased cottage first built in the late 1800s it was clear we would need a little help from a building expert.

Having asked around locally, we were told to contact Dan Cook as he came highly recommended.

From the first time we met Dan and his colleague George, it was reassuring how professional and knowledgeable they were. This put us instantly at ease and although we met other builders and had other quotes we knew that Dan and his team were the construction firm for us.

As the project started it was clear that Dan was able to work closely with our budget and make excellent suggestions for how we could evolve the project, to make the most of the investment in our new home.

The workmanship has exceeded our expectations and the quality of what has been delivered really has created our forever home and more than met our original vision and restored a beautiful property.

Our family are so pleased with the output, we would not hesitate in recommending Dan and his team. His genuine and caring approach to our project is rare these days.”

Cedar Gables

Project: New build
Date: July 2023
Client: Peter Whalley

“After taking on my father’s home on the outskirts of Chudleigh and moving our life from the New Forest to Devon, we realised that the existing 1960’s chalet bungalow needed to be bought in to the 21st century.”

We knew we would need to modernise the property and this gave us the chance to give our new home a contemporary makeover (for the 21st century). Our 1st   (The original)   option was to use the existing house and renovate the whole building.   (as that is what our budget allowed, or so we thought.)

To deliver what we really wanted was unrealistic with the budget we had. Having shortlisted four builders to do the work all the quotes were way above our available financial resources.  In a further conversation with Dan Cook who we had been recommended as one of those four builders, (he) Dan suggested we knock the house down and rebuild it to the architect’s design using the Nudura building method. This vastly reduced the cost of the project and enabled our dream house to be built. Not only that, the construction method adds huge benefits to the cost of running the property, as it is so well insulated. 

Following this recommendation from Dan, we knew that Dan Cook Carpentry and Building Ltd was the construction business we needed to work with.

From start to finish the build was expertly project managed by Dan and his team was incredibly courteous and helpful when we had questions about certain stages of the build cycle. Dan was focused on delivering a quality project and this was helped by the expert craftsmanship of Dan and his team and the house was delivered within the agreed time frame and within the agreed budget.

Dan was always on hand to give a view on changes and opportunities within the build and kept so calm when inevitably things did not go to plan, he just found a way to address the issues whilst keeping us regularly updated on the progress of our dream home.

 I would not hesitate to recommend Dan and his team.”

Treen - Rebuilding our dream home

Project: Renovation
Date: March 2023
Client: Peter Mason

“We bought Treen in 1978 as a tired timber bungalow but the situation was the selling point. Location, location, location as they say. Over the coming years we added to it and improved the existing structure. It had reached a point where something more substantial needed to be done as the 1930s parts had reached the end of its life.

Our architect Darrell Willcocks came up with the incredible plans and drawings to bring Treen into the 21st century and Dan Cook the building expertise to carry out the plan. The newer additions were left standing and upgraded to current standards and the 1930s parts taken down.

We received an impressive, detailed costing and work started in August. Access to the site was difficult due to the narrow lane, this presented Dan, George our amazing site-manager and the team with several difficulties and with all issues they found a solution. The site was always tidy and we were advised and consulted when an issue arose. Dan and his team had many clever solutions and ideas both structurally and finish.

We were very impressed with their resourcefulness and the quality of their work. We are so thrilled with the finished result, our home has been totally transformed and we would recommend without hesitation Dan Cook and his team for any project.”

South View - Building our bespoke holiday lodge

Project: New build
Date: April 2022
Client: Jill and Andrew Taylor

“We first knew of Dan’s work through his local reputation and following his previous projects on Facebook. We started a conversation with Dan about his company building a holiday lodge for us at Southview Lodges.

As soon as we met Dan he instantly put us at ease with his calming attitude and it was clear he would work in partnership with us his clients, building on our ideas and helping us deliver our vision for the project. 

Dan’s team were extremely polite and courteous and worked very tidily and diligently whilst our business was still open. The workmanship was of an extremely high standard and Dan’s attention to detail was one of his most impressive attributes, spotting things on the snagging list that even we had not seen. The project was delivered within the agreed budget and bang on time and we are delighted with the finished project.

We would not hesitate to recommend Dan Cook Carpentry and building Ltd and we have instructed them already on another project.”

Five-bedroom home of the highest quality

Project: New build
Date: January 2022
Client: Dartmoor client

A valued client living in the heart of Dartmoor instructed us to transform their living accommodation by completing the construction of their beautiful new home on the south side of the national park.

This 18-month long project has delivered a five-bedroom home of the highest quality and conversion of an existing building to provide additional office space and accommodation. With further upgrades to the external landscaping and gardens, this project was a joy to complete.

Our client said of the project “We have been delighted by the work Dan and his team have done, building our dream home to such a high standard.”

This has been one of our biggest projects to date and we are delighted our clients are so happy with the results.

Let our clients tell you first-hand what working with us has meant to them.

Project: New build
Date: June 2020
Client: Terry Headford

Building my new home

“I embarked on our new project to build our dream home near Staverton, South Devon. I set about finding a builder to help me complete this large project and I was recommended to speak to Dan Cook, through a contact at my local golf club. When I spoke to Dan, I understood why he had been recommended so highly, as I instantly observed a builder who understood his potential client’s needs. He has built brilliantly on our plans with some innovative ideas. I have relied on, and trusted, in Dan’s advice as the project has proceeded.

“From the moment Dan and his team arrived on site they have been extremely professional and attentive to our needs. Tom and George deserve particular praise for their continued focus to deliver the project to Dan’s high standards. Dan’s ongoing communication of the progress he was making was second to none and particularly when on site I valued our catch-ups. Indeed, I have forged a friendship with Dan which I fully value.

“The workmanship and, in particular carpentry skills, have been particularly impressive. I would not hesitate to recommend Dan and his team – he is now working on our second project by building our garage and gym.”

Creating our dream holiday business

Project: Renovation
Date: December 2019
Client: Marcus Bailey and Ryan Lynch

“After a number of years of us both working in the corporate world, the time had come for us to settle back in Devon to create our dream holiday business, The Cottages at Blackadon Farm.

“We needed a construction partner to help us create much more than just a place to stay, we wanted to create a special environment in the cottages that complimented this beautiful part of the world.

“Our search started in 2019 and we originally came across Dan through word of mouth and had seen his great work from another job he had done.

“Dan was really engaged when we first enquired with him and was prompt in responding to our questions and met us a few times before we started the work. Dan’s team clearly love what they do because they did their absolute best and were keen to improve anything they did not think is quite up to their high standard.

“Dan Cook Carpentry and building LTD have exceeded our expectations on so many fronts, you can be confident that Dan and his team are honest and want to do the right thing for the client.

“We would recommend Dan Cook Carpentry and Building, mainly because Dan does not just do what you ask. Dan comes up with new ideas to ensure you get the best possible results.”

“We now have our cottages up and running and with Dan’s help has created our dream holiday business.”

Attention to detail throughout project

Project: New build
Date: October 2019
Client: Darren Manley

“I was looking for a great builder to help complete my ICF (insulted concrete framework) property and Dan had been recommended to me due to his high standard of workmanship. What was clear from the outset from engaging Dan was his attention to detail and the very high standard of expectation he put on himself and his team to deliver the project brief.

The communication I received from Dan and the team was excellent and Dan gave me new ideas to improve the project further. I was delighted with the finished property, thanks to Dan and his team. I would highly recommend Dan Cook Carpentry and Building Ltd.

Having travelled the world, we now have our perfect house back at home

Project: Renovation and extension
Date: April 2019
Client: Christine Gerrys

“After a lifetime of travelling the world and living in Australia, France and across the UK my husband Roger and I have settled back in Devon in our wonderful 1930’s bungalow, that has been totally transformed after we were recommended a brilliant builder – Dan Cook.

“When we found our property, it was clear we had to modernise it and make it bigger for our needs. A friend recommended Dan Cook. I was also told I should get more than one quote, but after meeting Dan, the confidence he gave Roger and I through his understanding of our needs including timescales and budget, we commissioned Dan and his expert team to do the work. It was the best decision we made, Dan’s expert eye and the suggestions he made to our build was well received and the craftsmanship of Dan and his team was truly world class. Dan also gave us great advice about where to purchase our beautiful kitchen.

“Dan completed our precious house transformation on time and on budget. We asked Dan to do a few extra jobs on top of the build such as our wonderful terrace at the back of the house, this was added to the work schedule with no fuss and delivered on time.

“I have no hesitation in recommending Dan Cook Carpentry and Building Ltd and in fact, I have already recommended him to my daughter!”

Cottage restoration and conversion
Bovey Tracey Client
Read More
Our clients wanted us to create a forever home in a beautiful moorland town in South Devon, this is what they said about the finished article.

Click here to view full story
Peter Whalley
New build client
Read More
After taking on my father’s home on the outskirts of Chudleigh and moving our life from the New Forest to Devon, we realised that the existing 1960’s chalet bungalow needed to be bought in to the 21st century.

Click here to view full story
Peter Mason
Renovation
Read More
We received an impressive, detailed costing and work started in August. Access to the site was difficult due to the narrow lane, this presented Dan, George our amazing site-manager and the team with several difficulties and with all issues they found a solution.

Click here to view full story
Jill and Andrew Taylor
New build clients
Read More
We first knew of Dan’s work through his local reputation and following his previous projects on Facebook. We started a conversation with Dan about his company building a holiday lodge for us at Southview Lodges.

Click here to view full story
Dartmoor Client
New build client
Read More
We have been delighted by the work Dan and his team have done, building our dream home to such a high standard.

Click here to view full story
Terry Headford
New build client
Read More
Dan's ongoing communication of the progress he was making was second to none and particularly when on site I valued our catch-ups. Indeed, I have forged a friendship with Dan which I fully value.

Click here to view full story
Marcus Bailey & Ryan Lynch
Renovation clients
Read More
We needed a construction partner to help us create much more than just a place to stay. We wanted to create a special environment in the cottages that complimented this beautiful part of the world.

Click here to view full story
Darren Manley
New build client
Read More
I was looking for a great builder to help complete my ICF (insulted concrete framework) property and Dan had been recommended to me due to his high standard of workmanship.

Click here to view full story
Christine Gerrys
Renovation client
Read More
Dan's expert eye and the suggestions he made to our build was well received and the craftsmanship of Dan and his team was truly world class.

Click here to view full story