We met up with Kasia at their project in June 2025 and talked through the journey of finding Elivate and choosing them as the builder to carry out their renovation.

They originally moved into the house in November 2023, having previously lived in Odiham, Hampshire; they both had a strong connection with Reading, especially as it was where they first met.

new kitchen The property required an enormous amount of work, having been lived in by the previous owner since it was built in 1971. Everything needed upgrading, removing or redecorating. Some of the work they carried out themselves as they went through the process of getting planning in for an initial rear extension. This eventually proved to be out of their budget, so they went back to the drawing board and re-examined the ground floor footprint and after discussing removing walls and remodelling the rear part of their home, they came to the conclusion they would rather spend on the fixtures and fittings and the extension would go on the back burner.

New kitchen with eating area They had seen Elivate on a job in Caversham and after talking about the project at work, Kasia realised she worked with one of the wives of a member of the Elivate team. (Elivate, along with a couple of other builders, quoted for the original extension and were asked to requote for the internal remodelling)

The project began in mid-March, and Ben and Kasia remained at home, creating a temporary kitchen in the utility area.

Kasia shared about how they both got to know the team really well and Arron, their site manager, quickly developed a good rapport with them both. Kasia mentioned how he helped spot things which might otherwise have been missed and how he was a straight talker which they both appreciated, with his honesty and can-do attitude.

The project took just over a month, and the end results are wonderful, with an open plan living, dining and kitchen area, with two large bifold doors looking out onto the garden and a stunning floor-to-ceiling window, the light spills into the space.

We asked Kasia if her and Ben would recommend Elivate to others looking for a local Reading Builder and she said they would 100%.

Call today and book in for an initial consultation.