A Family-Run
Essex Builder.
Billy & Tommy Chaplin.

We're a family-run construction company led by father and son, Billy and Tommy Chaplin. With 35 years of combined hands-on experience, we pride ourselves on making projects in people's homes successful and stress-free — built on trust, clear communication, and an easy-going process from first quote to final sign-off.

1st Class is a one-stop construction group. Architectural and structural drawings (in partnership with NSP Architecture), planning applications and approvals, building control, pricing, the full build and final sign-off — all handled under one roof. You speak to one team from the first phone call through to the day the inspector signs the job off.

We treat every home like it's our own. That means a tidy site, a clear programme, and a single point of contact who knows your build inside out. No job is too small — and we're increasingly taking on larger-scale projects across the region.

We help homeowners across Grays, Thurrock, Basildon, Billericay, Rochford, Romford, Upminster, Hornchurch and the wider Essex region with extensions, cladding, full refurbishments, luxury garden rooms, loft conversions, landscaping and new builds.

• NVQ Level 2 qualified in Carpentry and Bricklaying (held by Tommy)
• Fully insured — £5 million public liability cover
• Architectural & structural drawings via NSP Architecture
• Planning applications & building control sign-off managed
• Checkatrade verified member
• Family-run, owner-led — direct line to Billy and Tommy