“We first worked with Jim Chandler on our own house (which was filmed for Grand Designs). He undertook all of the carpentry and joinery on the project, of which there was a great deal, including some very challenging odd-shaped shelves, which involved much careful mitering. He approached each task with great care and thought, and impeccable attention to detail. We were really thrilled with all the work he produced for us there.

“As architects, we have since used his skills on other projects, including a passivhaus in Cheltenham.

“He is trustworthy, diligent and really cares about producing good work. He is a pleasure to work with, and we couldn't recommend him more highly.”

Helen Seymour-Smith, Seymour-Smith Architects, Barton-on-the-Heath

“He is polite, turns up to work on time, ready to work. He is pedantic in assuring the work is done to perfection. He communicated well with me and sought my opinion without being intrusive. He gets on well with other trades. He is a very pleasant young man who I would have no hesitation in employing in my business of over 300 people.”

Mark Williams, local businessman Cliffe Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon

“I first met Jim in 2009 when he worked with us on a project to construct in reclaimed Cotswold stone, a luxury 5-bedroom 3-storey detached family home with 3 bathrooms, a cinema room/basement and landscaped garden, where Jim constructed the roof structure, oak A-frames and bespoke ward brides and cupboards to a very high standard.

“Since 2009 Jim has worked on various projects where he's happy to turn his hand to any aspect that requires his carpentry skills. More recently Jim has fitted hardwood timber windows, bespoke uPVC sash windows and uPVC patio doors to a period property, all to an excellent standard.

“Over the years we have worked with many carpenters and we can say that Jim stands out to be one of the very best. At all times, we have found him to be reliable, hardworking, honest and trustworthy. Jim takes ownership for what he does and works with pride. He’s professional, adaptable, flexible, punctual and great with customers. In addition he reads the road ahead and comes up with solutions rather than problems, which is key in today's competitive world of construction. Jim has a great eye for detail and is a pleasure to work with. We would certainly recommend him for future work of this kind”

Kevin Bath, local property developer, Goldicote, Stratford-upon-Avon

“Jim Chandler came recommended to me by my son who had worked with him on a project. He told me that Jim was, in his view (and he's fussy), an ‘ace’ carpenter so I took his word for it. I have now employed Jim four times and each time he has done a great job for us. On one occasion I brought him onto our team to work on an interior design job (a pub) that I was running. He was fantastic!

“His work is well though through — no rushing in. He likes to discuss the project with you and makes sure you are absolutely happy and that you fully understand how the finished bookshelf, panelling, shutters or whatever it is, will look. His attention to detail is excellent. He is near and tidy, polite, and his estimates are pretty spot on. And he’s just a nice guy to have around!

“Employ him! You won’t be disappointed!”

Sal Godman, interior designer, Badsey

“I have not known Jim Chandler that long (about 3 months) but in that time he has carried out some work at my house. This involved supplying and fitting replacement windows and doors, fitting sink cabinets and general kitchen units for waste / water pipes etc. I have found him to be reliable, trustworthy and conscientious. His work is of a very high standard and I would have no hesitation at all in recommending him.”

Paul Cooke, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon

“I'm the owner/landlord of a bar–cum–pub here in Stratford–upon–Avon and I can't praise Jim highly enough. My project started in early December last year (2013) when I finally got hold of the keys to a lock–up unit after protracted legal negotiations. The property was pretty featureless, having an “office” look to it. Jim was recommended by a friend whom he’d done loads of work for. What a find he was! Even though he was pretty well booked up for months in advance he helped me out.

I was really desperate to get open before Christmas but the scale of the works that needed doing was really daunting. The suspended ceiling needed to go, so we decided to vault it instead. This was a real feat of engineering that Jim took completely in his stride, even though the building was curved. He worked many, many long hours for me with a cheerful disposition throughout. He also found time to create a new toilet, lobbies, hang fire doors, make stillages, a counter and even wood-panelled a whole wall. All this was achieved in less than two weeks. Looking back, I still don't know how he managed it. What a craftsman…”

Bill O’Brien