PC Channel Islands

Wheeler Developments: In focus

Wheeler Developments
Written by Roma Publications

Wheeler Developments

Wheeler Developments is a Guernsey based, family run construction company offering a one stop service for clients.

The company has been established for 34 years providing an array of services including a full project management service for large and small projects, property development, property conversions, new build schemes, renovation and refurbishments, remodeling and a bespoke design service.

We caught up with James Ridout, the companies Construction Manager, to find out more. James commented:

“Wheeler Developments was started 34 years ago by my father and mother. They have undertaken various residential projects over the years ranging from single house construction projects to the larger sites comprising of up to 70 properties. It was in the 1970s and 1980s the company undertook these larger developments whereas now we tend focus on the more bespoke developments of smaller sites, often with single property occupancy.

“As a company we prefer to act as the main contractor, designer and developer ourselves on every project. We employ circa 20 people directly so we are able to undertake every aspect of the building project ourselves, although we do often subcontract all electrical works. However if we undertake any very large projects we are able to utilise subcontractors within our team, we do usually like to have control of the whole site as it makes it easier for our clients as they only have one person to deal with.”

Wheeler Developments

One of the projects Wheeler Developments has recently completed is Meadow View Farm. The company worked alongside the client throughout the project acting as the developer, main contractor and designer. The team was able to create a bespoke property, designed specifically with the client’s needs and demands in mind, with all of the finishes and details they wished.

The 4,500 square feet farmhouse has been renovated and extended transforming it from a derelict two bed farmhouse to a four bed, luxury home. It took Wheeler, who owned the site, a year to get planning permission on the project and 14 months to complete the scheme.

The property now comprises of four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a separate gym and swimming pool, as well as a four car garage. The team did encounter some challenges during the 14 month project at Meadow View, James commented:

“Integrating the old house and its features with the new house was difficult; we tried to keep as many of these old features as we could including the 18th century fireplace and old granite walls.”

The main features at Meadow View include the 18th century fireplace, large and well-proportioned rooms, as well as the impressive views visible from the open plan kitchen and day room at the back of the property. This space boasts large glazed doors leading out onto the patio and garden which rolls down to the properties swimming pool. The layout of the property is impressive as is the vast master bedroom, en-suite bathroom and dressing room.

Wheeler Developments

James said the Meadow View Farm project was great to be a part of, especially because Wheeler was able to work with the client and bespokely craft the property to their requirements. Once the team had erected the buildings super structure works with the buyer commenced and they were offered the choice of all of the finishes, including the electrical layout, the kitchen, floor finishes, sanitary ware, and much more.

One of the sites that Wheeler Developments is soon to start working on is The Cariboos. James purchased the site in July and gained planning permission in October with the aim of starting works on site in the new year.

The property is currently a two bed, single skin blockwork, 1500 square foot bungalow. The project will see the property completely demolished and replaced with a 4000 square foot four bed, four bathroom chalet bungalow. Construction Manager James Ridout, son of Wheeler Developments owner and Director Richard Ridout, currently lives at The Cariboos but will be vacating the site upon commencement of the project.

All of the plans have been drawn up for the site and works have begun on the modification of the site’s boundaries, as well as undertaking external landscaping works. Upon completion the property will comprise a large open plan kitchen and living area at the back of the property, which will boast impressive views of the sea, large grass lawn and the nearby Perelle bay.

Wheeler Developments

James feels Wheeler offer something different from other firms on the island, he commented:

“We offer a one stop shop service to our clients as we can just advise clients as well as take on whole projects for them so that the client only has one person to go to. Our staff has been working here for the past 30 years and so we do not have to wait for subcontractors or architects on a project as everything is in house.

“We pride ourselves on our punctuality; the old man won’t let a project run behind at all and he is pretty strict on that. We would never move a completion date backwards – we pride ourselves on that.”

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Roma Publications