About Hartwell & Stone
Building Excellence Since 1987
Founded by James Hartwell in Chelmsford, Hartwell & Stone began as a two-person operation with a simple philosophy: build every project as if it were our own home.
Nearly four decades later, that principle still guides everything we do. We've grown into one of Essex's most respected residential construction companies, but we've never lost the personal touch that built our reputation.
Every project is led by a dedicated project manager. Every client has direct access to our team. Every build is backed by our 10-year structural guarantee. That's the Hartwell & Stone difference.
Our Values
- 01 Quality Without Compromise — We use premium materials and employ skilled tradespeople.
- 02 Transparent Communication — Clear pricing, regular updates and honest timelines.
- 03 Respect for Your Home — We keep sites clean, minimise disruption and protect your property.
- 04 Long-Term Relationships — Over 60% of our work comes from referrals and repeat clients.
Meet the Team
James Hartwell
Managing DirectorFounded Hartwell & Stone in 1987 with a vision to bring premium construction to residential Essex. Over 38 years of hands-on experience in project delivery and client relations.
Rachel Stone
Design DirectorA qualified architect with 20 years of experience, Rachel oversees all design work and ensures each project delivers both aesthetic excellence and practical functionality.
Tom Aldridge
Construction ManagerWith 15 years in the construction industry, Tom manages our on-site teams and ensures every build meets our exacting quality standards. SMSTS and CSCS qualified.
Sophie Chen
Project CoordinatorSophie is the primary point of contact for our clients throughout their project. She manages timelines, budgets and communication to ensure a seamless experience.
Accreditations & Memberships
Federation of Master Builders
FMB Member No. 48291. Independently vetted and bound by a strict code of practice.
TrustMark
TrustMark Reg. TM39841. Government-endorsed quality scheme with financial protection.
Checkatrade
Verified member with 120+ verified reviews and a 9.8/10 average rating.
LABC
Local Authority Building Control partner. All builds inspected and certified.