December Property Maintenance and Ideas
Jigsaw • 1 December 2021
As we head towards Christmas and the dark, cold, winter days, there are still some jobs that can be done, but it is also a great opportunity to consider future jobs that may be required. Here are some examples:
Insulation
Did you know that a quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home? Insulating your loft is an effective w
ay to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills.
Professionally installed loft insulation will typically take a couple of years to pay for itself through the savings you’ll make on your heating bills if you go from no insulation to the recommended amount. The minimum recommended thickness for loft insulation is 270mm but we recommend 350mm.
In the first instance, check whether you have any insulation at all in your loft and, if you do, how much. If you already have some loft insulation but less than the recommended 270mm, then you could save more on your energy bills by topping it up.
Decorating
Most people tend to redecorate in springtime, however, freshening up paintwork or wallpaper is a good indoor DIY job for winter to while away the long, dark evenings while leaving yourself with a brighter home.
Also, look at things like coving, skirting boards, dado and picture rails, and the beading around laminate flooring, which could become loose if the floorboards shrink slightly in colder weather.
Planning big changes
The holiday period is a great opportunity to really consider the goal of any plans you are considering for your home and what may be involved. Planning for work to take place in the warmer months is sensible, as the weather is better and delays are less likely, especially if building work is involved.
Here are some tips to help you:
- Sketch out your vision thinking about your requirements. Research what your neighbours have done to determine what would be a good return on investment and what works well. Having a detailed list of your desires, and what will make the most impact on your life at home as this makes it easier to decide how best to allocate your money.
- Consider your budget and include a contingency fund for any unplanned repairs or unexpected costs that may occur, including things like dining out more or staying in a hotel whilst work is being carried out. When you work with a reputable contractor, they should have a system for keeping costs, and any changes to expenses, in line with their estimates.
- Speaking of contractors, the very first tip should be to find a qualified one that can bring your dreams to life. Check out reviews and see what their past clients say about their work and service. Keep in mind that a great contractor may also offer some possibilities that you hadn't considered.
- Think about the timeline of your project and take into consideration any upcoming holidays and events you would like your home to be ready by. It is best to set your end date and plan backward, being realistic and planning for extra time, if possible, in the case of delays or additional repairs.
If you would like any specific advice about any work you are considering, we are always happy to help at Jigsaw. Just get in touch.
If January is about fresh starts, February is where smart plans turn into real action . Homeowners across Surrey use this quieter month to lock in builders, refine designs, and get ahead of the spring rush, and it’s one of the most strategic times to plan a home improvement project. At JCS Ltd , we see it every year: the clients who plan in February enjoy smoother builds, better timelines, and fewer budget surprises. Here’s why February is the sweet spot for planning your home extension, renovation, or garden project . Why February Is a Power Month for Home Improvement Planning 1. Builder availability is still strong By March, diaries start filling fast. In February, reputable builders still have availability to properly scope your project, offer realistic timelines, and secure preferred start dates. 2. Time for proper design and permissions Planning permission, structural drawings, and building regulations all take time. Starting now means approvals are in place well before summer, avoiding last-minute delays. 3. Smarter budgeting for the year ahead February planning allows you to: Spread costs sensibly Avoid rushed decisions Secure materials before seasonal price increases 4. Spring-ready, stress-free builds Projects planned now are ready to break ground as the weather improves, without panic or compromise. On-Trend Projects Homeowners Are Planning Right Now Home Extensions Extra living space remains top of the list, especially: Open-plan kitchen-diners Rear and side extensions Light-filled family spaces Garden Rooms & Outdoor Living Perfect for: Home offices Wellness spaces Summer entertaining areas Renovations & Layout Improvements February is ideal for rethinking: Kitchen layouts Bathroom upgrades Whole-home refurbishments Why Early Planning Saves You Money (and Stress) Rushed projects often lead to: Higher labour costs Limited material choices Delayed completions Early planning means: Accurate quotes Clear timelines Fewer variations mid-build In short: less stress, better results . How JCS Ltd Helps You Get Ahead We guide you through the entire process: Initial consultation Design and planning advice Transparent pricing Professional project management No jargon. No pressure. Just clear, honest guidance. Ready to Plan Your 2025 Project? February is the month when the best projects are quietly planned, before everyone else catches on. 📞 Book your free consultation with JCS Ltd today 📍 Serving Surrey and surrounding areas 🌐 Visit www.jcs-ltd.co.uk Plan smart now. Build beautifully later.
Introduction A new year brings fresh ideas — especially for homeowners thinking about upgrading or extending their living space. As we step into 2026, many people across Surrey are re-evaluating how their homes look, feel, and function. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd , we’ve already seen clear patterns emerging in the types of projects homeowners are enquiring about. From smarter layouts to eco-friendly upgrades, 2026 is shaping up to be a year focused on comfort, practicality, and long-term value. Here are the top home renovation trends we expect to see this year — and how they can transform your home. 1. Open-Plan Kitchen & Living Spaces Open-plan layouts continue to dominate renovation plans, and 2026 is no different. Homeowners want brighter, more sociable spaces that bring families together and improve daily living. Why it’s trending: Better natural light More space for entertaining A modern, spacious feel Great for property value For older Surrey homes with smaller rooms, removing walls or reconfiguring layouts can completely transform the way the home feels. 2. Energy-Efficient Upgrades With increasing focus on rising energy costs and sustainability, energy efficiency remains one of the biggest renovation priorities this year. Popular upgrades include: High-performance insulation A-rated windows and doors Underfloor heating Smart thermostats and TRVs Heat pumps and efficient boilers These improvements not only reduce bills—they make your home more comfortable year-round. For eco-conscious families, sustainability is no longer a bonus; it’s essential. 3. Garage Conversions and Loft Conversions Space is at a premium in Surrey, and homeowners are looking for ways to maximise what they already have. Conversions continue to be one of the most affordable and effective solutions. Why conversions are booming: No need for large extensions Faster completion times Great for home offices, bedrooms, gyms or playrooms Adds significant property value At Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd, garage conversions remain one of our most in-demand services heading into 2026. 4. Garden Rooms & Outdoor Office Spaces With flexible working now a long-term reality, many homeowners want functional, year-round garden rooms. Uses include: Home office Studio or workshop Guest room Gym Entertainment room These spaces offer a private, comfortable place to work or relax — without the cost of a full extension. 5. Sustainable & Natural Building Materials Homeowners are increasingly choosing environmentally conscious options in their renovations. Popular materials include: Sustainably sourced timber Natural stone Low-VOC paints Recycled or reclaimed materials These choices reduce environmental impact while giving homes a modern, stylish, and timeless finish. 6. Budget-Friendly Mini Renovations With many families keeping a closer eye on spending, smaller renovations are becoming more popular — offering big impact without breaking the bank. Examples include: Updating kitchens with new doors/worktops Modern bathroom refreshes New flooring Improved lighting Minor layout tweaks Internal redecoration for a fresh, modern feel These upgrades are perfect for improving comfort and adding value without committing to major works. Final Thoughts 2026 is all about smart, sustainable, and meaningful home improvements. Whether you want more space, better efficiency, or an entirely new layout, there’s never been a better time to plan your renovation. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd , we’re proud to help Surrey homeowners transform their properties with skilled craftsmanship, transparent service, and a friendly team you can rely on. 👉 Thinking of renovating in 2026? Contact Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd today for a free consultation and let’s bring your plans to life.
Discover 5 simple ways to make your Surrey home more energy-efficient this winter. From insulation to smart heating, Jigsaw Construction Surrey can help — contact us today!