Our Story
A family business built on craftsmanship
Established in 1985, B A Knott Oxford Ltd is a family-run building business built on experience, quality workmanship and attention to detail.
What began with Barry Knott as a self-employed painter and decorator has grown into a trusted local building business, with Barry and his son continuing to work together today.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Barry started his career as a painter and decorator, spending much of the 1980s working in London on high-profile homes. He worked with specialist tradesmen in traditional decorative finishes, including marbling, woodgraining and rag rolling, gaining an appreciation for the skill and precision behind exceptional workmanship.
In 1985, Barry started working for himself, initially taking on decorating work for local builders. As demand grew, he began building a large team of skilled tradesmen, while remaining hands-on and working alongside them on site.
By the early 1990s, the business had expanded into small building projects and wider home improvements. Barry's background in decorating continued to influence the way he approached every project. He believed that a great finish doesn't happen by accident — good workmanship starts right from the beginning and every stage of a job matters.
The Next Generation ...
Barry's son followed in his father's footsteps, starting his career in decorating and learning the importance of quality workmanship from the ground up. He was always keen to develop his skills further, particularly in carpentry, and became involved in a wider range of building work.
He later travelled to London to complete an electrical course, finishing top of his class, adding another specialist skill to his practical experience.
Today, they bring together over 40 years of experience, practical expertise and a family approach to building. From extensions and renovations to kitchens, bathrooms and individual home improvements, the same principles that started the business in 1985 remain at the heart of the work.
Quality workmanship. Attention to detail. And doing the job properly from start to finish.