Joiner in Cockenzie and Port Seton: George Herkes & Son
George Herkes & Son Joinery is a family-run joiner based in Tranent, East Lothian, trading since 1989 and an East Lothian Trusted Trader since 2017. We work regularly in Cockenzie and Port Seton, fitting kitchens, building fitted wardrobes and storage, hanging doors, repairing windows and doing renovations, conversions and decking. Call George on 07860 211 815 for a free estimate.
Rated 5.0 from 63 reviews · East Lothian Trusted Trader since 2017
Cockenzie and Port Seton sit just below Tranent on the coast, so we're never far away. Whether it's a new kitchen, a set of fitted wardrobes or a front door that won't close properly, we can help.
The town grew from two fishing villages, and you can still see that in the housing. There are stone cottages near the harbours, family homes built over the last century, and newer houses further out. Each has its own joinery needs, and we've got used to the differences.
Homes in Cockenzie and Port Seton and the joinery they need
Local history sources describe a mix of stone-built cottages and terraced houses, council-built homes from between the wars and the 1950s, and private housing added from the 1970s. There are flats and detached houses too. That mix means no two jobs are quite the same.
In the older stone cottages, rooms are often small and walls are rarely square. That is where made-to-measure fitted wardrobes, alcove units and under-stair storage earn their keep. In the family homes, kitchens, internal doors and flooring tend to be the jobs people ask about.
Being on the coast, wind and sea air take their toll on external doors, windows and outdoor timber. A door that has swollen or dropped, or a window that no longer shuts tight, is often a repair rather than a replacement.
Joinery services we offer in Cockenzie and Port Seton
We're a small family firm, so you deal with George and Ross from the first call to the last coat of paint. You can see everything we do on our services page, and some of our own jobs under recent work.
- Kitchen fitting
- Bespoke joinery and fitted furniture, including wardrobes, alcove units, shelving, under-stair storage and staircases
- Internal, external and fire doors
- Timber and sash window repairs
- Renovations, including bathrooms and flooring
- Loft and garage conversions
- Decking and outdoor joinery
Older and listed homes: what to check first
Part of Cockenzie and Port Seton lies within a conservation area that takes in both harbours and the planned fishing village between them. East Lothian Council publishes a character appraisal for it. Some buildings in the town are also listed, so changes to windows and exteriors can need consent before any work starts.
If you live in an older terrace, check with East Lothian Council first. We can tell you what we'd do on the joinery side, but the council decides what needs consent. The council also runs a traditional-building repair grant scheme for the town, which has covered work such as refurbishing sash and case windows. Ask the council whether your property is eligible.
We're happy to repair existing timber and sash windows where that is the right approach, and to talk it through with you at the estimate.
Do you need a building warrant?
Most like-for-like jobs, such as new kitchens, wardrobes and internal doors, don't need one. Loft and garage conversions and structural changes usually do, and these go through East Lothian Council's building standards team. Planning permission may also be needed for some work.
We'll tell you at the estimate what we think your job involves, so there are no surprises later.
Getting a free estimate in Cockenzie and Port Seton
George will come out, measure up and give you a clear written estimate, free of charge. One customer said: "George responded quickly to my online enquiry, visited the site and provided an estimate which I considered to be fair and reasonable for the work involved." (James Allan). You can read more on our reviews, where we're rated 5.0 from 63 reviews.
To start, call George on 07860 211 815 or email info@ghsjoinery.co.uk with a few details and photos if you have them.
“Honest, hard working and reliable father and son team who are very highly skilled in all elements of their work.”
Steve Newlin · Full kitchen refurbishment
More reviews02 · Questions
Questions from Cockenzie and Port Seton homeowners.
Do you work in Cockenzie and Port Seton?
Yes. We're based in Tranent, just up the road, and we work in Cockenzie and Port Seton regularly. George will come out, measure up and give you a clear written estimate, free of charge. Call 07860 211 815 or email info@ghsjoinery.co.uk to arrange a visit.
Do I need a building warrant for joinery work in Cockenzie and Port Seton?
Most like-for-like jobs such as new kitchens, wardrobes and internal doors don't need one. Loft and garage conversions and structural changes usually do, through East Lothian Council's building standards team. We'll tell you at the estimate what your job is likely to involve, and the council can confirm.
Can I change the windows on an older cottage in the conservation area?
It depends on the property. Part of the town is a conservation area and some buildings are listed, so window changes can need consent from East Lothian Council before work starts. Check with the council first. We can repair timber and sash windows and advise on the joinery side.
Do you fit kitchens and fitted wardrobes in Cockenzie and Port Seton?
Yes. We fit kitchens and build bespoke fitted wardrobes, alcove units, shelving and under-stair storage made to suit your room. It works especially well in smaller older rooms and awkward corners. Ask George for a free estimate and he'll measure up on the visit.
Do you build decking in Cockenzie and Port Seton?
Yes. We build timber decking, including raised decks with balustrades, as part of our outdoor joinery. Raised decks can have extra requirements, so we'll talk through your plans at the free estimate and let you know if you should check with East Lothian Council.