HASTINGS · EAST SUSSEX
Carpentry & construction in Hastings.
Local, considered construction
Made for the way you live & work.
Hastings and St Leonards combine character properties, coastal homes and more contemporary spaces. Our joined-up design and construction process helps resolve awkward layouts, ageing details and underused rooms while respecting what already makes the property special.
We also undertake selected commercial fit-outs, refurbishments and bespoke joinery for offices, shops, studios, hospitality spaces and other premises. James Skinner is a fully qualified carpenter with more than 20 years’ industry experience, giving you one accountable team from the first conversation through to the final details.
100%
Honest communication
25+
Years contractor network
One
Point of contact
Free
Initial consultation
OUR WORK
Craftsmanship You Can Trust.
Explore the details behind our work.
Every image reflects the care, skill and professionalism we bring to each build.
Residential & commercial services
Built around your plans.
Recidential
We build strong timber frames for walls, roofs and floors, giving every project a solid foundation.
The details that bring a space together, including doors, skirting, mouldings, panelling, flooring and staircases.
Bespoke kitchens, cabinets, wardrobes and fitted storage, designed and made to suit your home.
Beautifully built decks, fences, pergolas and garden structures that extend your living space outdoors.
Create more room in your home with a thoughtfully built extension, loft conversion or garage conversion.
From individual rooms to full-property refurbishments, we transform existing spaces into homes that work better for you.
Foundations, structural walls and major alterations, carefully coordinated and executed by an experienced team.
Clear planning, scheduling and supervision across every phase, with one accountable point of contact throughout.
Test layouts, proportions, materials and key details before work begins, making decisions clearer and costly changes less likely.
Commercial
Practical, well-finished interiors for offices, shops, studios, hospitality spaces and other commercial premises.
Upgrade occupied or vacant premises with new layouts, partitions, ceilings, flooring, fitted elements and coordinated finishing work.
Reception desks, counters, display units, shelving, storage, seating and other made-to-measure joinery designed for daily business use.
Planned improvements, carpentry repairs and practical remedial work to help keep commercial properties safe, presentable and working well.
Installation and improvement of fire doors and associated joinery, with specialist inspection or certification coordinated when the project requires it.
Clear scopes, supplier coordination, scheduling and supervision, giving clients one accountable point of contact throughout the project.
Foundations, structural walls and major alterations, carefully coordinated and executed by an experienced team.
Clear planning, scheduling and supervision across every phase, with one accountable point of contact throughout.
Tailor-made CAD design for cabinetry, furniture and complete interior layouts—optimising form, function and spatial flow while resolving every detail, from materials and paint colours to the final fit.
A straightforward process
Clear from the very beginning.
We keep the process simple and transparent: a clear quote, honest updates and no disappearing acts. You’ll always know what’s happening, what comes next and who to speak to. Our local reputation matters—and so does leaving you with a project we’re both proud of.
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Clear quotes with no vague allowances
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One point of contact throughout
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Regular, honest project updates
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Careful work and a tidy site
AROUND HASTINGS
Working locally,
and nearby.
James Skinner founded Skinners in Eastbourne in 2022, building on a family history rooted in the trades. Across generations, relatives working in different roles shared their skills and experience—shaping the joined-up, practical way Skinners approaches projects today.
James is a fully qualified carpenter with more than 20 years of industry experience. Alongside a trusted network of contractors and specialist trades, that experience feeds into the planning, problem-solving and small details of every project.
James Skinner is the founder and main carpenter, supported by a strong local network of trusted contractors and specialist trades. You’ll have a clear point of contact throughout, so you’re never left wondering who is responsible or who to call.
Anything from custom cabinetry and fitted furniture to renovations, structural alterations, extensions and conversions. We’re at our best on projects where thoughtful design and a really good finish matter.
Yes. Alongside residential work, Skinners undertakes selected commercial fit-outs, refurbishments and bespoke joinery for offices, shops, studios, hospitality spaces and other premises. Tell us what the space needs to do and we’ll be clear about whether we’re the right fit.
Yes. We can look after the journey from CAD design and structural work through to bespoke carpentry, decorating and the final snagging, giving you one point of contact throughout.
Not at all. A rough idea, a few reference images or simply knowing what isn’t working is enough to start. Our CAD and design service can help turn that into a practical, properly resolved plan.
Yes. CAD drawings help you understand the layout, proportions and key details before materials are ordered or work begins. It’s a useful way to make confident decisions early and avoid expensive changes later.
It depends on the size, specification and complexity of the work. Once we understand the project, we’ll provide a clear, detailed quotation that explains what is included. We’d rather be useful and realistic than tempt you with a vague headline figure.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all minimum. The best thing is to tell us what you have in mind—from fitted furniture to a complete renovation—and we’ll be honest about whether we’re the right team for it.
Some internal work and smaller extensions may fall under permitted development, while larger extensions, conversions and structural changes may need consent or Building Regulations approval. We can flag what is likely to be required and coordinate with the relevant professionals.
Payments are normally staged around agreed milestones rather than one large payment upfront. The exact schedule depends on the project and will be set out clearly in your quotation before work begins.
PLANNING WORK IN HASTINGS? Start here.
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