Twenty years in the trade. Still the one doing the work.
I'm Bertie James — a multi-trade renovation contractor based in East London. I've spent over two decades working on homes and commercial properties across the capital. When you hire me, you get me: one experienced pair of hands, from the first visit to the finished job.
How I got here
I started out as a labourer in Plaistow back in the late nineties — mixing mortar, prepping surfaces, learning the basics from experienced tradesmen who didn't cut corners. That kind of start teaches you to care about doing things properly. You see the consequences when someone doesn't.
Over the years I trained formally across multiple trades — plumbing, carpentry, painting and decorating — and picked up contracts with Ealing Council and Axis for London, working on everything from void property refurbishments to large-scale residential projects across the city.
Along the way, I discovered that plastering was where I was genuinely good. Not just competent — good. It's a finishing trade, and the finish is what a homeowner lives with every day. I take that seriously.
I've worked in Neasden, Bow, Elephant & Castle, Stratford and right across London. Every job is different. Every client has different needs. But the approach stays the same: turn up when I say I will, do the job right, leave it clean.
Renov8 London has never advertised. Every job I've ever won has come through someone recommending me to a friend or neighbour. When you think about it, that's the only review that actually matters.
One person. One standard. No excuses.
Most homeowners who've had building work done will tell you the same things. The trader who quoted didn't show up. Someone different turned up on day two. Nobody told them the job was running late. The plumber wasn't sure what the tiler had done. The finish wasn't quite right and nobody took responsibility.
I've spent twenty years making sure none of that happens on my jobs.
Because I handle plastering, plumbing, painting, tiling, carpentry, flooring, roofing and kitchen and bathroom fitting myself, there's no handoff between trades. No communication gaps. No sub-contractor arriving who doesn't know the history of the job. You deal with one person throughout — someone who's staked their reputation on every square metre.
I keep clients updated. I measure before I cut. I don't rush a finish to get to the next job. And I don't disappear once I've been paid.
That approach sounds basic. But if you've had renovation work done before, you'll know it isn't.
The experience behind the work
I hold NVQ Level 1 and 2 qualifications in Plumbing, Carpentry, and Painting & Decorating, alongside CIS Construction Level 1–3. These aren't just certificates — they're the foundation of how I work on every job.
My career includes formal contracts with Ealing Council carrying out void property maintenance and refurbishments, and with Axis for London delivering multi-trade renovation work across the capital. Both required consistent quality, site safety, and the ability to manage complex jobs independently.
The projects I've worked on cover the full range: single-room renovations, full-property refurbishments, kitchen and bathroom strip-outs and rebuilds, commercial office fit-outs, and exterior works from roofing to rendering. If it involves improving a property — and doesn't involve electrical work — I've almost certainly done it.
Outside of the trade, I give my time to the AIR Sports Network — the Alliance of Sports in Criminal Justice — working with young people through football and boxing mentorship. It's not something I mention to impress anyone. It's just part of who I am.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 1 & 2 — Plumbing
- NVQ Level 1 & 2 — Carpentry
- NVQ Level 1 & 2 — Painting & Decorating
- CIS Construction Level 1–3
- 20+ years across residential and commercial projects
- Former contractor: Ealing Council, Axis for London
Ask me for references
I've never advertised. Every job I've had has come from someone recommending me, so the best reference is a past customer. If you'd like to speak to someone I've worked for before you decide, just ask when I come round to quote and I'll put you in touch.
Let's talk about your project
Every job starts with a conversation. No forms to fill in, no waiting for a quote in the post. Just give me a call and tell me what you need.
I cover all of London — and I'll come to you.
Call Bertie: 075 3404 0355Prefer to message? WhatsApp me directly or Send a message via the contact form
No obligation. No hard sell. Just an honest conversation about what you want done and what it'll take to do it properly.
Bertie's Personal Guarantee
Every renovation I complete comes with my personal guarantee. If you're not satisfied with any aspect of the work, I'll put it right — no arguments, no extra charge. After 20 years in the trade, my reputation is everything.