The Importance of Clean Air and Ventilation in Your Extension
Gary Newell • 1 June 2024
At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, we're passionate about creating beautiful, functional extensions that transform your home. But a stunning extension isn't just about aesthetics – it's about creating a healthy and comfortable living environment. That’s why we prioritise proper ventilation and air quality in every project we undertake.
Why is Clean Air Important in Your Extension?
Believe it or not, the air inside your home can be [1]2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. This is because everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and even breathing release pollutants into the air. In a poorly ventilated extension, these pollutants can become trapped, leading to a range of health concerns, including:
- Respiratory problems like asthma and allergies
- Headaches and fatigue
- Eye irritation
- Difficulty concentrating
The Benefits of Proper Ventilation in Your Extension
By incorporating a well-designed ventilation system into your extension, you can:
- Reduce pollutants: Fresh air dilutes and removes harmful contaminants, creating a healthier environment for you and your family.
- Control moisture: Proper ventilation helps prevent condensation and mould growth, which can damage your extension and trigger allergies.
- Improve comfort: Fresh air circulation keeps the temperature and humidity levels comfortable, especially important in well-insulated extensions.
- Boost concentration: Good air quality can improve focus and productivity, perfect for creating a home office in your extension.
Different Ventilation Options
In the UK, we have several ventilation options to consider for your extension, both natural and mechanical:
Natural Ventilation:
- Windows: This is the most basic and cost-effective option. Strategically placed windows allow for fresh air to enter and stale air to escape. You can consider tilt-and-turn windows for more flexibility in controlling airflow.
- Window trickle vents: These are small vents built into modern windows that allow for a constant trickle of fresh air, even when the window is closed. This helps maintain background ventilation, particularly important in new, energy-efficient extensions where gaps and cracks have been sealed.
- Air bricks: These are bricks with built-in vents that allow air to enter and exit the building through the walls. They are most commonly used in older homes but can be incorporated into new extensions as well.
Mechanical Ventilation Systems:
- Extractor fans: These are typically installed in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and odours. They can be intermittent or continuous.
- Continuous Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV): This system uses low-powered fans to continuously extract stale air from wet rooms like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Continuous Mechanical Balanced Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): This is the most sophisticated option. MVHR systems extract stale air while simultaneously bringing in fresh air. They also recover heat from outgoing air and transfer it to incoming fresh air, improving energy efficiency. This can be a good option for larger extensions or those in areas with colder climates.
Choosing the Right Ventilation Option:
The best ventilation option for your extension will depend on several factors, such as the size and layout of the extension, the number of occupants, and your budget. Take a look at the building regulations for more information.
- The Building Regulations: Building regulations in the UK outline the minimum ventilation requirements for new extensions https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-user-guide-template/existing-home-ventilation-guide.
Jigsaw Construction Surrey: Building Healthy Extensions
At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, we work closely with you to understand your needs and design an extension that prioritises both style and health. We can advise you on different ventilation options.
Investing in clean air and ventilation is an investment in your health and well-being. Let Jigsaw Construction Surrey help you create a beautiful and healthy extension you'll love for years to come.
Contact us today for a free consultation! https://www.jcs-ltd.co.uk
[1] https://www.cfpdirect.co.uk/news/20-shocking-facts-about-indoor-air-pollution/
Is it Worth Knocking Through for a Kitchen-Diner? Creating an open-plan kitchen-diner is one of the most popular home improvements in the UK. Many homeowners are choosing to knock through walls to combine their kitchen and dining area into one large, social space. But is it worth it? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits, costs, potential challenges, and the latest design trends to help you decide if a knock-through is the right choice for your home. The Benefits of a Kitchen-Diner Knock-Through More Space & Better Flow Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room can create a more spacious, open plan feel, making your home feel larger and more inviting. Brighter Living Area Traditional kitchens can sometimes feel dark and enclosed. Knocking through allows natural light to flow freely, creating a brighter and more pleasant living space. Better for Entertaining A kitchen-diner makes it easier to cook and chat with guests at the same time, making it perfect for dinner parties and family gatherings. Increased Property Value Open-plan living is highly desirable for buyers. A well-executed kitchen-diner conversion can add value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. More Functional Living Space A combined kitchen and dining area can create a more practical, multifunctional space that suits modern family life. Current Trends for Kitchen-Diners If you're considering knocking through, thekitchn.com has some of the latest trends to incorporate into your design. These include: Moody Hues & Cool Metals Rich, deep colours like navy, plum, and burgundy, combined with sleek metals like chrome and polished nickel, are making a bold statement in modern kitchens. Concealed Kitchens Seamless cabinetry and integrated appliances create a sleek, minimalist look, making your kitchen feel more like part of the living space. Natural Materials & Warm Woods Sustainable materials like stone and warm wood finishes bring a timeless, cosy feel to open-plan kitchen-diners. Multi-Zoned Layouts Kitchens are now designed with dedicated areas for cooking, entertaining, working, and relaxing, ensuring a functional and organised space. Bold Colours & Mixed Materials Combining soft and bold colours like sage green, dusty pink, and rich browns with organic textures adds depth and warmth to the design. Open Shelving & Display Areas Stylish open shelving provides both storage and a way to showcase personal style, keeping the space practical yet decorative. Interesting Lighting Statement lighting fixtures made of coloured glass, thick metals, or natural materials serve as focal points in modern kitchen-diner spaces. Retro Influences Vintage elements such as patterned wallpaper and colourful area rugs are making a comeback, blending nostalgia with contemporary design. Sculleries & Secondary Kitchens More homeowners are incorporating secondary kitchen spaces or sculleries to keep the main kitchen clutter-free. Wellness-Focused Design Biophilic elements like indoor plants, natural light, and calming colour schemes are being used to create a healthier, more inviting kitchen environment. Considerations Before Knocking Through Is the Wall Load Bearing? If the wall is structural, you’ll need a steel beam (RSJ) to support the weight of the upper floors. A structural engineer’s assessment is essential before proceeding. Building Regulations & Permissions Most internal wall removals don’t need planning permission but must comply with Building Regulations. Your builder should notify your local authority or work with a building control inspector. Budget & Costs The cost of a knock-through varies depending on whether the wall is load-bearing, whether you need to relocate plumbing or electrics, and the level of finish you require. On average, expect to pay between £2,000 and £5,000 for a standard knock-through. Disruption & Mess Removing a wall is a major job that will cause dust and noise. Be prepared for some inconvenience while the work is being carried out. Heating & Ventilation Open-plan spaces can be harder to heat and may require additional heating solutions, such as underfloor heating or a more powerful radiator. Is a Kitchen-Diner Knock-Through Worth It? For many homeowners, the benefits of a larger, brighter, and more social space far outweigh the costs and temporary disruption. If you’re planning a knock-through, working with an experienced builder and structural engineer will ensure a smooth process with great results. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, we manage your project from start to finish and keep you fully informed along the way. We can arrange both an architect and structural engineer who we work with regularly to help smooth this process for you. If you’d like professional advice on your home renovation project, get in touch with our expert team today!
Thinking of Knocking Through? Here’s What You Need to Know! 🔨 Benefits of Knocking Through for a Kitchen-Diner: ✔ More space & a better flow ✔ A brighter, airier home with more natural light ✔ Perfect for entertaining – cook & chat with guests easily ✔ Adds value to your property ⚠ Things to Consider: 🔎 Is the wall load-bearing ? You may need structural support 💷 Budget for potential plumbing & electrical work 🏗 Be prepared for dust & disruption – but it’s worth it! A kitchen-diner knock-through can completely transform your home! Could it work for you? Read more in our blog: www.jcs-ltd.co.uk/blog #KnockThrough #HomeRenovation #KitchenDiner #OpenPlanLiving Why Choose JCS Ltd? At Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd , we bring expertise, quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to customer satisfaction . Our experienced team ensures your home improvement project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. With a proven track record in renovations, extensions, and bespoke building projects , we’re the trusted choice for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. We specialise in: Home extensions and renovations Kitchen and bathroom refurbishments Garden landscaping and patios Loft and garage conversions New build and custom projects Ready to Get Started? If you’re considering a home renovation or construction project this year, now is the perfect time to get in touch. Contact us today via www.jcs-ltd.co.uk to discuss your ideas and secure your spot with trusted local builders before our schedule fills up!
If you're thinking about a home renovation , house extension , or garden landscaping project this year, now is the time to act. March is the perfect month to start the planning process and get your project booked in before the summer rush. Here’s why: 1. Avoid Peak Season Delays As the weather warms up, more homeowners start planning their building projects . By securing your spot in March, you get ahead of the crowd and avoid long wait times. Builders’ schedules fill up fast , and delaying could mean pushing your project back by months. 2. Better Availability of Skilled Trades During peak season, high demand can make it harder to secure top-quality tradespeople . Booking in March gives you access to the best professionals before their calendars are fully booked. 3. Take Advantage of Mild Weather Spring brings better weather conditions for construction work compared to the unpredictability of winter or the intense heat of summer. Getting started in March allows for steady progress with fewer weather-related interruptions. 4. More Time for Planning and Permits If your project requires planning permission or building regulations approval , starting now ensures you have enough time for paperwork and approvals without causing delays. 5. Lock in Prices Before They Rise Building material costs fluctuate throughout the year, and demand-driven price increases are common in peak season. By booking in March, you can secure current pricing on home improvement projects and avoid potential cost hikes. 6. Enjoy Your New Space Sooner Whether it’s a new kitchen renovation , an outdoor patio , or a loft conversion , starting early means your project will likely be completed in time for summer, so you can enjoy your upgraded living space when it matters most. 7. Why Choose JCS Ltd? At Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd , we bring expertise, quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to customer satisfaction . Our experienced team ensures your home improvement project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. With a proven track record in renovations, extensions, and bespoke building projects , we’re the trusted choice for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. We specialise in: Home extensions and renovations Kitchen and bathroom refurbishments Garden landscaping and patios Loft and garage conversions New build and custom projects Ready to Get Started? If you’re considering a home renovation or construction project this year, now is the perfect time to get in touch. Contact us today via www.jcs-ltd.co.uk to discuss your ideas and secure your spot with trusted local builders before our schedule fills up!