Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Plan Your Home Extension in Surrey

Lisa Woolnough • 28 October 2025

Introduction

When the weather turns cold, most homeowners put off thinking about renovations until spring. But here’s the truth — winter is actually one of the best times to plan your home extension.

While it’s not ideal for building work, it’s the perfect season to design, budget, and prepare. By using the quieter months wisely, you can hit the ground running in spring.

At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, your trusted local builders in Surrey, we’ve helped many homeowners get a head start — saving them time, money, and stress.

1. Beat the Spring Rush for Builders

Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for construction. By starting your planning in winter, you’ll:

Beat the rush for reliable home extension builders in Surrey
Have more flexibility with start dates
Secure better availability and pricing

When the first signs of spring arrive, you’ll already be ahead — with your plans, approvals, and contractor locked in.

2. Time to Perfect Your Design and Planning Applications

Winter gives you breathing space to plan properly. Use this time to:

Finalise your design and layout with an architect or designer
Submit your planning application (which can take 6–10 weeks to process)
Research materials, finishes, and energy-efficient upgrades

Planning ahead ensures your home extension project runs smoothly once construction begins — with fewer surprises and delays.

3. Easier Budgeting and Better Quotes

During winter, builders in Surrey often have more time to prepare detailed quotes and help you fine-tune your budget.
At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, we find that clients who plan early get clearer, more accurate pricing and avoid last-minute cost increases.

Taking time now means you can make informed choices — without the pressure of an imminent build.

4. Minimise Disruption to Family Life

No one wants dust and noise in the middle of summer! By planning in winter, you can schedule your build for early spring or summer, when you’ll naturally be spending more time outdoors.
That means less disruption — and you’ll be relaxing in your new space just as the weather warms up.

5. A Fresh Start for the New Year

Winter is a great time to dream big. Whether it’s a kitchen extension, open-plan living area, or loft conversion, planning now means you can start the new year with a clear vision for your home.
Your future self will thank you when the work kicks off smoothly — and your family enjoys a bigger, brighter home by summer.

Final Thoughts

While many homeowners slow down in winter, the savvy ones plan ahead.
Use these colder months to design, plan, and prepare your home extension in Surrey — and you’ll be ready to build when the weather improves.

At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, we’re here to help you every step of the way — from the first idea to the final build.

Start your 2026 project now — book a free winter consultation with our team today.

< Older Post

🛁 From Drab to Dreamy: Inspiring Surrey Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations

by Lisa Woolnough • 26 September 2025

When it comes to home renovations, two rooms always top the wish list: the kitchen and the bathroom. They’re the most-used spaces in any home.

Navigating Planning Permission in Surrey: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Lisa Woolnough • 3 September 2025

Planning a home extension in Surrey , a loft conversion , or even a new build? One of the biggest early considerations is whether you’ll need planning permission . For many homeowners, the process can seem confusing—but with the right knowledge and an experienced Surrey construction company by your side, it becomes much simpler. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey , we’ve supported countless homeowners through planning applications, helping them move smoothly from paperwork to building work. Here’s our step-by-step guide to navigating planning permission in Surrey. Step 1: Do You Need Planning Permission in Surrey? Not all building projects require formal approval. Some fall under Permitted Development Rights (PDR), which may allow you to extend or convert your home without submitting a full application. However, in Surrey, these rights can be restricted if your property is: Within a conservation area A listed building Situated in the Green Belt 👉 Before starting your project, check with your local Surrey council or ask our team at Jigsaw Construction Surrey for guidance. Step 2: Understand Local Planning Policies Each borough—Guildford, Elmbridge, Woking, Epsom & Ewell, and others—has its own Local Plan, which sets rules for building work. These policies cover: Building scale and height Design and materials Neighbour impact (privacy, light, outlook) Environmental impact Researching these guidelines early gives your project the best chance of success. Step 3: Create Detailed Plans A strong planning application depends on clear, accurate documents. Typically, you’ll need: Architectural drawings (site plans, elevations, floor layouts) A Design & Access Statement explaining how your design fits local policy Supporting reports (e.g., tree surveys, flood risk assessments) At Jigsaw Construction Surrey , we collaborate with skilled architects to make sure every application is thorough and professionally presented. Step 4: Submitting a Planning Application in Surrey Applications are submitted online via the Planning Portal or your local council’s website. Fees vary depending on the type of project. Once submitted, your application enters the consultation stage. Step 5: Neighbours & Community Consultation Neighbours and other stakeholders are invited to comment on your application. Common concerns include: Loss of light or privacy Parking and traffic impact Design compatibility with the local area Tip: Talking to your neighbours in advance can reduce objections and speed up the approval process. Step 6: The Planning Decision Most councils in Surrey aim to decide within: 8 weeks for smaller projects (such as home extensions) 13 weeks for larger developments If approved, you’ll receive a decision notice with any conditions. If refused, you can appeal—or make changes and reapply. Step 7: After Planning Permission – Building Regulations Even if planning permission is granted, you’ll still need to meet Building Regulations . These ensure that your project is structurally sound, energy-efficient, and safe. Our team at Jigsaw Construction Surrey helps clients every step of the way—from planning permission through to Building Regulations approval and construction. Why Choose Jigsaw Construction Surrey? Navigating planning rules can be complex, but we make the process stress-free. As trusted Surrey builders , we: Advise if planning permission is required for your project Work with architects and planning consultants Submit and support your application Deliver high-quality home extensions, loft conversions, and renovations With our experience, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your project is in expert hands. ✅ Thinking about a home extension or loft conversion in Surrey? Contact Jigsaw Construction Surrey today to discuss your plans—we’ll guide you through planning permission and bring your project to life.

The Importance of Project Management in Construction Projects

by Lisa Woolnough • 1 August 2025

In the dynamic and complex world of construction, project management plays a pivotal role in the successful delivery of projects. Effective project management ensures that construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the expected quality standards. It plays a crucial role in coordinating various moving parts, managing risks, and ultimately satisfying client expectations. This blog will explore the critical importance of project management in construction projects. Ensuring Effective Planning and Organisation One of the primary functions of project management in construction is the development of a detailed project plan. This plan encompasses timelines, resource allocation, budget estimates, and risk management strategies. A well-structured plan serves as a roadmap for the entire project, guiding the construction team through each phase from inception to completion. Project managers are responsible for organising all elements of the project, ensuring that every team member knows their role and responsibilities. This level of organisation is essential in avoiding delays, preventing miscommunication, and maintaining a smooth workflow throughout the project lifecycle. Risk Management and Problem Solving Construction projects are inherently risky due to their complexity and the numerous variables involved. Effective project management involves identifying potential risks early and developing strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach allows project managers to address issues before they escalate, ensuring that the project remains on track. Moreover, project managers are skilled problem solvers, equipped to handle unforeseen challenges that may arise during construction. Their ability to devise innovative solutions and adapt to changing circumstances is invaluable in maintaining progress and minimising disruptions. Resource Management Efficient resource management is another critical aspect of project management in construction. This includes managing human resources, materials, equipment, and finances. Project managers must ensure that resources are used optimally, reducing waste and avoiding unnecessary costs. By effectively managing resources, project managers help to keep the project within budget and ensure that the necessary materials and labour are available when needed. This level of control is crucial in maintaining the project's financial health and ensuring its timely completion. Quality Control and Assurance Quality is a non-negotiable aspect of any construction project. Project managers play a key role in establishing quality standards and ensuring that these standards are met throughout the construction process. By implementing rigorous quality control measures, project managers can detect and rectify defects early, preventing costly rework and ensuring that the final product meets or exceeds client expectations. Communication and Stakeholder Management Project management is also vital in fostering effective communication among all parties involved in a construction project. This includes clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers. Open and transparent communication helps to align expectations, build trust, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. Furthermore, project managers are responsible for managing stakeholder relationships, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed promptly. This aspect of project management is crucial in maintaining a positive working environment and securing stakeholder satisfaction. Conclusion In conclusion, project management is indispensable in the realm of construction projects. It provides the framework for planning, organising, and controlling all aspects of a project, ensuring its successful completion. By effectively managing risks, resources, quality, communication, and stakeholder relations, project managers play a vital role in delivering construction projects that are on time, within budget, and of the highest quality. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the importance of skilled project management will only continue to grow.