About us
Insurance Building Repair Contractors in Essex
Established in 1909, Pickford Builders Ltd is a well-respected traditional building and insurance building repair company working throughout Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridge and Suffolk.
With over a century of building experience, we are committed to delivering high-quality projects for both our local client base and for our insurance repair network partners. We take great pride in offering a friendly and professional service, placing the needs of our clients at the centre of our planning and delivery of work.
Our strength lies in our project management team combined with our core team of skilled tradesmen and trusted specialist contractors all who share our values in delivering a quality and considerate service to our clients.
Our history
Where it began
Founded in 1909 by Fred Pickford, Pickford Builders has been a central part of the Essex building industry for generations. Fred began his training with Stock Brothers and, while working on the rebuild of Wolsey’s Farm, decided to establish his own business. Securing early projects with two local Essex families, he quickly built a solid reputation.
Growth and a family legacy as building contractors in Essex
Fred Pickford’s first workshop was in Duton Hill at the Old Forge, now a Grade II listed building. He later took over the tenancy of The Bell Public House in Great Easton, running the building company alongside the public house. The Pickford Builders business later relocated to Little Brocks, Great Easton where subsequent generations expanded the business, employing and training local tradesmen and working on many notable homes and projects in the Essex area.
Expansion into building insurance repairs
In 2007, Pickford Builders diversified into the insurance repair sector, establishing a dedicated department to handle these specialised projects. This move strengthened the company’s position in the industry and expanded its service offerings.
In 2012, Pickford Builders moved to new offices in Great Dunmow, with a growing team to support its continued growth and strengthened partnerships within the insurance repair industry, as well as continuing its work as general building contractors.