ABOUT ARTIFEX HOMES


We’re known for our high standards

Tom Shipperlee in a hard hat on a Artifex build site reviewing project, surrounded by scaffold

Artifex has a strong reputation for exquisitely finished high-end residential building work across Hertfordshire and North London.

From new builds and extensions to renovations including loft and garage conversions, our wealth of experience and attention to detail set us apart.

Over more than a decade, we’ve worked with hundreds of happy customers.

Cosy lounge area in a high-end residential renovation

Meet the team

Headshot of Tom Shipperlee, Artifex Homes owner
  • Tom has been in the construction industry since 2004, originally training as a carpenter. He founded Artifex Homes in 2013 and now has a team of highly skilled tradesmen including bricklayers, plumbers, tilers, carpenters, painters and decorators.

Headshot of Dan Woolveridge, foreman of Artifex Homes
  • Dan has been with us for more than seven years, initially as a carpenter and now as our site foreman. He’s in regular communication with the team, clients and trades to make sure everything runs to plan and on time. You’ll see him around site during your build.

  • Artifex is a family-run business, and Tom’s wife Jo is key to keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Jo deals with many of our emails and enquiries, as well as making site visits as and when needed. She’s always happy to say hello!

The Artifex promise


Excellent service

We know having trades in your home is disruptive, so we minimise the impact where we can.

We turn up when we say we will, tidy up at the end of each day, and keep the noise to a minimum. We’ll keep you updated throughout and we’re always happy to answer questions.


outstanding quality

From the quality of the materials we source to the skill of our tradesmen, we have exceptionally high standards.

The detail of our workmanship is just as important as the quality of the overall project, and we’ll never compromise on achieving a flawless finish.


competitive price

At Artifex, we believe that excellent service, strong attention to detail and outstanding quality don’t have to come with a premium price tag.

We always aim to provide you with a competitive quote, without cutting corners or compromising on our high standards.


peace of mind

Excellent communication is the key to a successful project, so we’re always on-hand and happy to answer your questions – please just ask!

We also provide a contract on every project, produced by a local solicitor. If you prefer, we can use a JCT contract instead.


WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Porch and internal refurbishment in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

“Really impressed with Tom and his team from Artifex. This is clearly a well organised, customer focused company, where everyone involved takes pride in what they do. This is reflected in the excellent quality of the finished result. I would not hesitate to recommend Artifex.”

— John Gostick, May 2023


We’re Which?
Trusted Traders

We’re proud to be endorsed by Hertfordshire’s Which? Trusted Trader scheme. This is a joint initiative run by Hertfordshire Trading Standards and Which?, the UK's largest independent consumer organisation. It aims to give you confidence in selecting a local trader.

We chose this scheme as its very thorough vetting process (including a visit from a trading standards assessor) means maximum peace of mind for you as a Herts resident. You can view their complaints policy here.

Three Artifex Homes builders working on site installing timbers

We’re considerate constructors

As well as being endorsed by the Which? Trusted Trader Scheme, we’re also members of the Hertfordshire-based Considerate Constructors Scheme. This is an independent not-for-profit organisation which works to create positive change in the construction industry.

The scheme’s code of conduct aligns perfectly with our own values of respecting the community, caring for the environment and valuing our workforce.

Two of the Artifex homes team in safety clothing on site while reviewing plans