Let's face it, most garages resemble storage unit rejects crammed into a concrete box. But with a little know-how, that neglected space can be reborn as a functional and inspiring workshop! Jigsaw Construction Surrey are here to guide you through the conversion process. Planning the Blueprint: Every project starts with a plan. Before we swing any hammers, we'll discuss your workshop vision. What kind of projects will you be tackling? Woodworking? Metalworking? Maybe a bit of everything? Knowing your needs helps us design a layout that optimises workflow and maximises storage. Insulation and Climate Control Garages are notorious for temperature swings. For year-round comfort, especially if you plan on spending serious hours in your workshop, insulation is a must. We'll explore options like spray foam insulation for walls and the ceiling, ensuring a comfortable space no matter the season. Heating Up Your Creativity (Literally): Depending on your location and climate, you might consider installing a heating and cooling system. Forced air units are a common choice, but for smaller spaces, strategically placed space heaters can do the trick. Just remember, safety first – always keep flammable materials away from heat sources. Powering Up Your Projects: Most garages have minimal outlets. To cater to your power tools and equipment, we'll install additional circuits and strategically placed outlets throughout the workshop. Don't forget dedicated circuits for high-powered machinery! Lighting Up Your Inspiration: Good lighting is crucial for any workshop. We'll ditch the single bulb and install a combination of bright overhead lighting and task lighting over workbenches. Natural light is a bonus, so consider replacing the garage door with one that incorporates windows or adding skylights overhead. Flooring for Function: Concrete is a great foundation, but not the most comfortable for long hours on your feet. We can explore options like epoxy coatings for a durable, easy-to-clean surface, or interlocking rubber tiles that provide comfort and grip. Storage Solutions: Keeping your workshop organised is key to a productive workflow. We'll design a customised storage system that incorporates sturdy shelves, cabinets, and pegboards to maximise space and keep tools and materials readily accessible. Remember, utilising vertical space with wall-mounted units is a great way to save precious floor space. The Finishing Touches: Once the essentials are in place, let's not forget the personal touches! A fresh coat of paint on the walls can brighten the space, while a pegboard adorned with frequently used tools adds a touch of functionality.  By following these steps, we can transform your underutilised garage into a dream workshop that sparks creativity and fuels your passion for making. Remember, this is your space, so don't be afraid to inject your personality and tailor it to your specific needs. To discuss your project, get in touch, https://www.jcs-ltd.co.uk/#ContactUs

So, you've decided to ditch the gym membership and create your own personal fitness haven at home. Fantastic choice! A home gym extension offers the ultimate convenience and privacy for your workouts, allowing you to exercise on your own schedule without the crowds. But where do you begin? This guide will walk you through the key steps to transforming your home into a sweat-worthy sanctuary. Planning is Paramount Before the sledgehammers fly, take a deep breath and get your planning ducks in a row. Here's what you need to consider: Space: Measure available areas and create a layout that accommodates your desired equipment and leaves ample room for movement. Factor in storage solutions for weights, mats, and other essentials. Equipment: List the equipment you envision using, from weight benches and treadmills to yoga mats and kettlebells. Consider how much space each item requires and how they will interact within the area. Flooring: Opt for durable, shock-absorbing flooring that can withstand heavy weights and high-impact exercises. Rubber gym mats are a popular choice. Lighting: Ensure proper lighting for safety and motivation. Natural light is ideal, but supplement with bright overhead and task lighting if needed. Ventilation: Strenuous workouts generate heat and moisture. Plan for good ventilation, either with windows or an exhaust fan, to maintain a comfortable environment. Soundproofing: Consider soundproofing, especially if your gym is located near bedrooms or living areas. This will minimize noise disruption for you and your household. Building Regulations and Permits Depending on the size and complexity of your extension, you may need to obtain building permits and comply with local regulations. Jigsaw Construction Surrey can help you navigate these requirements and ensure your project adheres to safety standards. Embrace the Light and Fresh Air Large windows not only bathe your gym in natural light but also create a more inspiring workout space. Consider bi-fold doors that open onto a patio or deck, allowing you to bring the outdoors in for an invigorating experience. Don't Forget the Finishing Touches Once the construction is complete, personalise your gym to create a space that motivates you. Mirrors can help with form checks and make the room feel larger. Motivational quotes or workout posters can add a personal touch, while a sound system lets you pump out the jams during your training sessions.  Building Your Dream Home Gym Building a home gym extension is an investment in your health and well-being. With careful planning, expert guidance, and a touch of personality, you can create a workout sanctuary that fuels your fitness journey for years to come. Remember, a well-designed home gym isn't just about aesthetics; it's about functionality and creating a space that gets you moving and feeling your best. If you want to plan your home gym with our expert guidance, get in touch https://www.jcs-ltd.co.uk

Freshen up your property's exterior.

Is your garden looking a little ordinary?

In an era where environmental consciousness is gaining momentum, the construction industry is stepping up to the challenge of creating sustainable and green buildings

Are you gearing up to host family get-togethers this festive season and finding your home a bit snug for comfort?

Recent Community Project

Natural light is often lacking in our homes. At Jigsaw Construction, Surrey, we know how important natural light is for our mental health and wellbeing, so, this is something we look to address when carrying out renovation or extensions for our clients. It’s the perfect opportunity to look at ways to maximise natural light, which is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also energy efficient. Here we have some ideas and methods to do this: Orientation and Design By tracking how the sun moves around your home, we can properly orient the extension or renovation to make the most of natural light throughout the day. South-facing windows typically receive the most sunlight in the UK, but we can also consider open floor plans and design layouts that allow light to penetrate deep into the building. And plans can incorporate large windows, sliding glass doors, or folding doors to bring in as much natural light as possible. Rooflights and Skylights Rooflights or skylights added to the roof are excellent for introducing light into spaces that are otherwise hard to illuminate. Skylights can easily and quickly be installed in both flat and pitched roofs, and this does not usually require planning permission. They allow light to flood into the room throughout the day. Modern rooflight designs often come with glazing options that control heat gain, UV radiation, and glare. Window Selection Where budget allows, opt for high-quality, energy-efficient windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass to minimise heat loss and choose windows with a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) to maximise the amount of solar energy entering the building. Glass block windows are perfect for adding privacy without sacrificing natural lighting levels. Glass blocks offer complete privacy while still letting in plenty of sunshine during daytime hours. Plus, they’re available in various sizes and shapes giving you plenty of design options when selecting. Window Placement Place windows strategically to capture the most sunlight. Consider the angle of the sun throughout the day and the seasons. Use taller windows or windows placed higher up on walls to draw light deeper into the room. Casement windows have wide frames that open outward allowing for maximum air circulation and an unimpeded view of outside. Casements can also be combined with transom or fixed-pane windows above them to let in even more light while still providing ventilation. Glazing Technology Utilise advanced glazing technologies such as double or triple glazing to improve insulation which helps save on your heating bill whilst still allowing ample light. Use low-iron glass to increase the clarity and brightness of natural light. Light Tubes or Solar Tubes Install light tubes (also known as solar tubes or sun tunnels) to bring natural light into areas with limited access to external walls or windows. These are particularly effective for hallways, bathrooms, or other enclosed spaces. Interior Design and Colours Choose light-coloured interior finishes, such as paint, flooring, and furniture, to reflect and distribute natural light effectively. Avoid heavy window dressings that block or obstruct light when not needed. Hard floors with a polished finish, e.g., wood or stone, bounce light around the room. Reflective Surfaces Use mirrors or reflective materials strategically to bounce and amplify natural light throughout the room. Mirrors are a great way of reflecting natural light. As well as using wall-mounted mirrors, which create a great focal point, you can also consider mirrored furniture or ornaments. Outdoor Spaces Design outdoor spaces like patios or decks that connect seamlessly with indoor living areas. This can create a feeling of openness and allow more natural light to filter indoors. Lighting Control Install smart lighting systems with dimmers and sensors to adjust artificial lighting based on natural light levels, reducing energy consumption. Landscaping Trim or remove trees or bushes that may block natural light from entering the building. Whatever strategy you choose will depend on the design of your extension or renovation, the location of your property, and your budget. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, we are experienced in maximising natural light in extensions or renovations, so get in touch to find out how we can help you. https://www.jcs-ltd.co.uk/#ContactUs 

In the UK, there are certain building projects that you can undertake without obtaining planning permission. These are often referred to as "permitted development (PD) rights." However, it's important to note that the rules can be complex and can vary depending on the specific circumstances, the type of property, and the local planning authority. That’s why you should always check the current regulations with your local planning authority before proceeding. PD rights apply to 'dwelling houses' — i.e., not to other types of buildings, e.g., offices, flats or maisonettes. In any of these situations a normal planning application will need to be submitted. Some examples of building projects considered permitted development are as follows: Small Extensions You might be able to add certain types of small extensions to your property without planning permission, subject to specific size limits and other criteria. This could include single-story rear extensions. You can add a home extension or conservatory up to six metres, or eight metres if your home is detached, without needing to apply for planning permission. There are three primary conditions for extending your house without permission: 1. You cannot extend a house without planning permission if it has been extended before, either by you or its previous owners. This rule covers extensions made since the 1st of July 1948. 2. Listed homes and homes on designated lands (conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty) have either limited or revoked permitted development rights. If your home falls under this category, we definitely recommend getting expert guidance when planning your extension. 3. Only houses are covered by permitted development. Other property types like flats and maisonettes will require you to apply for full planning permission. Loft Conversions In many cases, loft conversions that do not exceed certain limits might be considered permitted development. Again, there are specific criteria related to size, height, and other factors. To find out whether you need planning permission, it’s always wise to get an architect or builder to check it for you. Generally, you will not need planning permission if it meets the following conditions: · The new loft space won’t be larger than 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses n.b. any existing loft extensions must be included in the volume allowance. · The loft conversion doesn’t extend beyond the plane of the existing roof slope at the front of the house (the principal elevation). · The loft conversion does not extend higher than the highest part of the existing roof. · The loft conversion does not include any verandas, balconies, or raised platforms. · The loft conversion is made using materials that are similar in appearance to the rest of the house. · Any side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed (to stop people from seeing in and out). · Any side-facing windows must be at least 1.7m above the ground. · Your home is not located in certain designated areas, including national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), conservation areas, and World Heritage Sites. · A roof extension, (except for hip-to-gable extensions), must be set back at least 20cm from the original eaves. · A roof extension must not overhang the outer wall of the original house. Outbuildings Small outbuildings such as sheds, greenhouses, and garages might not require planning permission if they meet the following criteria: · Doesn’t exceed 2.5 metres in height. · Doesn’t take up more than 50% of the space around your original house. · Doesn’t cover more than 15 square metres. (If you want to exceed these limitations, you will have to apply for planning permission). It is important to note that outbuildings that are meant for sleeping will always be subject to buildings regulations, regardless of their sizes and larger outbuildings or those located closer to property boundaries might require permission. Porches You may be able to add a porch to your property without planning permission, provided it meets these conditions: · No higher than 3 meters from ground level (external size) · No wider than 3 square meters (external size) · Not located on a listed building or in a conservation area · If your house is in an Article 4 area and if this involves withdrawing the PD right to build a porch, then you will need to arrange for a planning application to be prepared and submitted. · If your house was given permission to be used as a home or if a previous planning consent for it contained a condition to remove specific PD rights to build a porch. For example, if your home is a barn conversion. Roof Lights and Skylights Adding certain types of roof lights and skylights might be considered permitted development, if they meet the following criteria: · They mustn’t protrude more than 150mm beyond the plane of the roof. · They can’t be higher than the highest part of the roof. · If it’s a side facing window it must be obscure glazed. If it’s an opening window it must be 1.7 metres above the floor level. · Roof lights or skylights added to listed buildings or in conservation areas may require planning permission. Solar Panels Installation of solar panels might be allowed under permitted development rights, unless installed on: · Flat roofs - The reason for this is that solar panels on a flat roof are usually placed in frames to create an angle towards the sun. This means they typically need to protrude more than 0.2 meters above the roof slope which is contrary to the “permitted development” guidelines. · Listed Buildings -It requires listed building consent followed by applying for planning permission. · Conservation Areas - a planning application would be required if it is proposed to install a solar PV system on a wall fronting a highway. Because regulations can change and local variations apply, always check with your local planning authority or a qualified professional before starting any building project. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, we project manage your building project from start to finish which includes checking compliance with planning regulations. Get in touch to discuss your project https://www.jcs-ltd.co.uk/#ContactUs