Small Bathroom Design Ideas

If you have a small bathroom, you’re probably eager to make it look bigger and there are ways you can do that. You just have to be a bit clever, and that’s what we’re going to be discussing in this post.

Changing round a few things, altering the colour and adding a few strategic pieces can make a massive difference to the sense of space in your bathroom. As we will see, bathroom design doesn’t have involve a complete renovation, just a bit of clever thinking.

Windows

To help with light, and space, have blinds or sheer curtains fitted, they won’t take up too much room and should help allow light in so it isn’t too dark. The sunshine will be able to come in through sheer blinds or curtains and that will help to make the room seem bigger than it is.

You may find that your bathroom doesn’t have any windows at all. If this is the case, then why not put up a mirror and place lights around it too if you wish. This will help create the illusion of space.

Colour

This can make a tremendous difference to your room and the lighter the colour the larger your small bathroom will seem. Whites, pastels and cream colours are a great choice, as are light blues and pinks. Naturally, a pale ceiling, preferably the same colour as the walls, will help give an overall feel of light and space. Dark colours will only make the bathroom seem smaller. If you really do want some dark colours, why not choose some dark accessories, such as mats and towels.

Glass

A glass screen rather than a more traditional shower curtain will help give a better sense of space in your bathroom and they’re also much easier to keep clean and much more hygienic.

JG Joiners & Builders – Bathroom Specialists

Bathroom design done cleverly can really add a sense of space to a small, cramped bathroom. It doesn’t have to cost the earth either, just utilise a few methods which are not too expensive, e.g. choosing light colours for the walls and ceiling, moving a mirror from another room and placing it somewhere where it can help give the illusion of space.

Using blinds and curtains cleverly in the bathroom can also make it seem more spacious and more streamlined. Try to avoid clutter and your bathroom will have a more minimalist, clean fresh look which will contribute to a sense of space.

Bathroom Design and Renovation

If you do decide to go a little further and have your bathroom completely renovated, then do please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to sit down and discuss your ideas with you. 

What are the Benefits of Bespoke Joinery?

We’re going to be looking at the benefits of bespoke joinery. We pride ourselves on our talent here at JG Joiners and Builders, but we realise you may not understand the benefits. We’re hoping you’ll go away more informed, and perhaps think about investing in this type of joinery yourself.

Create Unique Storage Space

You can make the most of the potential storage space in your home and add your own style to it. As opposed to buying ready-made or flat pack furniture you put together at home, bespoke creations say so much more about your own personal style and tastes. You can create storage space that hides all your clutter, but create something novel and unique at the same time.

Bespoke Joiners are Talented and Creative Individuals

Bespoke joiners are talented individuals because they don’t just put things together, they help to make your ideas come alive. They’ll help you coordinate the look with everything else in your home, work on how many shelves you need for one particular room, or how to create some hidden space to store some unsightly items you don’t want anyone else to see.

Bespoke Joinery Can Be Affordable

It doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be just as affordable as buying ready-made furniture. At the same time, you’ll make your property more appealing to potential buyers as well as add value to it.

Whatever you do spend on bespoke joinery it’s definitely worthwhile because you’re adding something beautiful to your living space that won’t be replicated anywhere else, something that speaks so much more of your personality.

Reduce Your Lighting and Heating Bills

Bespoke joinery can really help you to reduce both your lighting and heating costs, because with careful planning you can work with your joiner to create more light in parts of the house and even create extra spaces for insulation. There are studies that argue in favour of thermal performance when it comes to bespoke joinery, so there are clear advantages as well as simply the aesthetic ones.

Wood is a classic natural material and a popular choice with buyers because of its versatility, beauty and range of timbers. It brings a traditional yet modern feel as well as a real organic raw look to a room, and with talented bespoke joiners, you’re guaranteed a beautiful finish.

JG Joiners and Builders – Experienced Bespoke Joiners

If you’d like to go ahead with something really special in your home, perhaps some bespoke cupboards and doors, creating space or insulation, then do please get in touch. We prize good communication, so we’re more than happy to sit down and talk with you about what you have in mind. We’d love to bring your ideas to life and create something really special, so why not give us a call and one of our professional team members will be more than happy to help.

Types of Garage Conversion

If you thought that all garage conversions were the same, you’d be wrong. There are different types of garage conversion depending on what type of garage you have to start with, and this is what we’re going to be talking about today.

Single Garage Conversion

These are popular conversions as they’re less expensive to convert with little in the way of disruption for owners. You won’t need to ask planning permission and there should be no architectural fees. We’re talking around at least 10 working days for completion, so if you’re in a hurry, and you’re on a budget, then perhaps a single garage conversion is perfect.

Double Garage Conversion

Naturally, there’ll be more work involved with a double garage conversion but there’s plenty of things you can do with the existing space and plenty of opportunity to do something a little different. Depending on what you do with it, the cost could be minimal or more expensive, this is something you’ll probably have to discuss with your builder.

Single Detached Garage Conversion

With this type of garage conversion, you’ll have to think about insulation and perhaps consider planning permission. If you need to create a link from the garage to the house then this is something that would need permission, but you can discuss it with your builders as they should be knowledgeable in this area.

Double Detached Garage Conversion

Depending on what you want to do with it, it could be expensive and quite complicated. This will depend a lot on what you intend doing with it, you could completely convert it into a separate cottage and let it out, or into a granny flat or separate apartment for a relative or lodger. You may need to consult an architect if you’re considering a conversion of this type.

Most types of garage can be converted but it will also depend on the current state of your garage and whether it’s in good enough condition. Take advice from a professional builder, who will be able to check whether it’s structurally sound enough for a conversion. If it’s going to cost more to fix structural problems first, then it may not be worth the effort, and you may find it’s more cost effective to buy a brand new garage. Consider building regulations, planning permission and whether or not you need an architect before you start anything.

JG Joiners & Builders – Garage Conversion Specialists

We’ve created lots of well-built garage conversions over the years, and it’s helped us to improve and hone our skills in this area to such a degree, that we consider ourselves experts in this field. We’d love to work with you on your garage conversion, so why not get in touch? 

Space Saving Tips For Your New Kitchen

The size of your kitchen can really get you down, but if you're thinking of renovating your kitchen, then you can do something about it. Just because you don't have a large kitchen doesn't mean you can't make good use of the space you do have. Today we're going to be talking about how you can make best use of your kitchen space so it doesn't feel small and cramped.

Appliances

Try out some small appliances, vintage are usually smaller and every bit as stylish, if your family is smaller now, then why not downsize on the appliances and give yourself some more space.

Variations on sinks

Do you really need a double sink, or could you perhaps downsize to a smaller one, you could give yourself so much more room by simply having a smaller sink, a single mount, so you can utilise the extra space.

The Pantry

You can either utilise the one you currently have and put up hooks where you can hang up any spare pans, as wall mounted storage is a great idea, or you can just create a kitchen island where you'll be able to hang up your pots and pans above it and perhaps use it for garbage. Pull out pantries are also a great idea and help save on space and remove clutter.

Corner Cabinets

These are great for storage, keeping unnecessary items hidden from view. You can shop around and find one that pulls out as well, as these are great for providing storage space, but prevents trips and falls.

You could always take the wall away so your kitchen is open plan. This will provide more light as well as space, making it seem much bigger than it was before. It will also provide a focal point for entertaining guests and a great way of sharing your kitchen area.

JG Joiners – Quality Kitchen Fitters

We hope that the advice we've given has been of help. Your kitchen is the centre of your home where you cook, entertain and where your children hang out at the end of the school day. Why not make it more comfortable and enjoyable to spend time in by improving upon the space you have while you're renovating? If you fit in all your space saving ideas while your kitchen is going through a process of change, you'll save yourself time doing it later.

If you choose our team of kitchen fitters, we can go through any ideas you have to save on space and perhaps come up with some of our own. We have many years experience with kitchen renovation and our team are trained kitchen fitters, so get in touch today.

Types of House Extensions

Perhaps your house is starting to feel like a prison, perhaps it's making you feel claustrophobic. A few new additions to the family, a friend, a lodger can make your home suddenly feel like there's no room or space in which to move. At this point, you have a few choices, ask people to leave, move to a bigger house, and all this will entail, or extend your house to accommodate the additions to your family and perhaps even add value to your home.

Adding an house extension is a really good way of creating more space without having to move, and it can add value to your property. It can be a really good investment, provided of course its done properly by trustworthy and reliable builders.

In this post we're going to be looking at what you can do to improve your home by adding an extension and give your home a really useful makeover.

What are the House Extension Options?

There are many different types of house extension and below we've drawn up a list of the most popular and well-known ones.

• Double/multi-storey house extension

• Single storey or rear & side house extensions

• Outbuildings and conservatories

• Garage Conversion

• Loft Conversion

• Basement Conversion

Naturally, if you're going to have an extension on your house you must consider your neighbours, and this requirement is considered of sufficient importance for it to influence whether you will be given planning permission if you're having a double extension. Privacy and light are big factors, you can't have an extension if when built, you'll have windows that look directly into your neighbours gardens, or into their living space. You must also make sure an extension doesn't overshadow a neighbours property and prevent them from getting any sunlight.

Single-Storey House Extension

These can be at the side or to the rear of a property or they can be built on to an existing garage or outbuilding if you have one. You can have a pitched roof or a flat one depending on the design of your house. You must consider upper floor windows and not compromise escape routes should there be a fire. There shouldn't be too much too worry about it in terms of planning permission as long as your single storey complies with certain elements -

• The materials used should be more or less the same or similar

• The eaves can't be any higher than 3m and no more than around 4m in height if it's within the 2m of any boundary

• Rear extensions can't be more than 4m in depth if its detached, or 3m in depth if it's a terrace or a semi-detached

• Side extensions must have a width that's no bigger than half the width of your original house

• You can't have a side extension that extends on to conservation areas.

Outbuildings

If you have a house extension on your outbuilding you probably won't need planing permission, but keep in mind the original must comply with the following -

• its of a reasonable size

• it's no higher than 4 metres.

Double Storey House Extensions

This will definitely rely on planning permission, the type of property and its design, and also the impact it will have on neighbours in terms of light and privacy. It should ideally, match the rest of your property, fitting in smoothly with the rest of the design. The materials should be more or less the same, with a matching roof, windows and doorway.

JG Joiners & Builders – For House Extensions and Conversions

Are you thinking about having a house extension carried out? If so, and if you have further queries, then get in touch with us here at JG Joiners & Builders, and we can give you all the advice and guidance you need. If you do decide to go ahead, then you won't find a more reliable, experienced or knowledgeable team of joiners and builders at your disposal.

Hip to Gable Loft Conversion Guide

Are you thinking of having a hip to gable loft conversion? This is perfect for those with semi-detached, end of house, or completely detached homes with hipped roofs. It's usually a good idea to have a professional builder take a look at your house before you go ahead with this type of conversion, to check whether you have the right type of property for this.

When choosing this type of loft conversion you will have thought long and hard about whether it suits your type of home, and there will be certain factors your builder will have made you aware of, such as the roof height, and whether its high enough between the top ridge and ceiling joints. This is an important factor to consider, because if it isn't then it could make the conversion redundant and no longer cost effective.

You may have already checked all this out and if so, then that's great, you're ready to get started.

Planning Permission – Do You Need It?

You may already be aware that having a hip to gable loft conversion involves changing the outside of your property, At one time, this would have required planning permission, however since 2008, this is no longer necessary. However, it may be a good idea if you or your builder checks this out anyway. Your local authority is your first port of call, but there shouldn't be any problems. Hip to gable loft conversiosns is an ideal type of conversion for those that want more space if the original loft doesn't provide it, so you've probably chosen this type of conversion for that reason.

More Living Space and Increased Property Value

Other advantages of a hip to gable loft conversion include that you'll be able to have a better fitting staircase because of the extra space. If you plan it well and make sure it matches every part of the house so it feels part of the same property, then it'll look amazing once its finished. And it will probably increase the value of your property should you decide to sell at some point in the future.

How Long Does it Take to Build a Hip to Gable Loft Conversion?

This will depend on a variety of different factors, such as the amount of people working on it. If you've chosen your builder, how big his team is will pretty much determine how long the conversion is going to take. He/She should be able to give you a good indication of how long it will take at the beginning, before they start work. It's normally around a month or up to around 6 weeks.

JG Joiners & Builders – Hip to Gable Loft Conversion Experts

If you're looking to have a hip to gable loft conversion in your home and you'd like to discuss it further, or you're not entirely sure if your house is suitable, then get in touch with us. We can go through it with you, and perhaps visit your property to go over one or two things with you. This will give us a much better idea of whether a hip to gable loft conversion is right for you. So contact us today and lets see if we can get your loft space converted.

Mansard Loft Conversion Guide

You want a loft conversion, something that really transforms the upper part of your property as well as giving you more space. You can see it in your mind's eye, this truly elegant extra space where you've installed lacquered flooring and painted with the latest on trend shades. It's going to be a place of retreat for you, your children, or it's going to be a games room for the family, or perhaps a brand new bathroom. Whatever you've decided you're going to use it for, have you decided on what type of conversion you're going to have?

If you've decided on a Mansard loft conversion may we congratulate you on an excellent choice. You may have read about it online, discussed it with friends and family, and after taking into consideration the type of property you live in, decided that this is indeed the perfect conversion type for you.

Convert Space and Add an Extra Dimension to Your Property

A Mansard loft conversion is a great way to convert loft space, however you may or may not be aware that this type of conversion will need a lot of construction work before it's completed and fit for use. The end result will be a lot of extra space which you'll probably consider is more than worth your while, but you need to prepare yourself for the chaos.

Loft Conversion Planning Permission

Because you have to change the roof structure, a Mansard loft conversion will need planning permission, so that's one thing you need to sort out before going ahead. If you're unsure, speak to a builder or an architect beforehand. It will have a flat roof with a 72 degree slope, the 72 degrees are exact because that's what councils deem a roof rather than a wall. You will have small dormer windows built in to the conversion with parapet walls either side with brickwork, so it matches the rest of your property nicely.

Value For Money

A loft conversion is an investment that gets you a lot more space that you can do a lot more with and you'll certainly get your money's worth. Make sure you hire reputable builders, because you want this loft conversion to work for you, it'll not only give you space, it can also add value to your property should you decide to sell in the future.

To summarise, what are the advantages of having a Mansard loft conversion?

• You'll get a lot more space than you had before

• It can add value to your property

• It doesn't matter what style of property you have, it's suitable for most types

• It can be finished in such a way that it really fits in with the existing style of your house without standing out for all the wrong reasons.

Expertly Crafted Mansard Loft Conversions That Last

Come to JG Joiners & Builders for loft conversions that are expertly made using durable, good quality materials requires building expertise and knowledge of how materials work together, how to work with them and get the best out of them.

Our building experience gives us the knowledge and expertise to build with confidence, which in turn ensures a perfect build for our customers. Contact us and ask us about our work, testimonials and customer recommendations. We're ready to start, are you?

Your Guide to Dormer Loft Conversions

Considering a loft conversion? Perhaps someone's recommended a dormer type loft conversion and you're not entirely sure what that is. If a dormer conversion has been suggested to you, but you don't really know what a dormer is, then let us enlighten you and hopefully, you'll begin to realise why a dormer was suggested to you as a potential loft conversion.

What is a Dormer Loft Conversion?

There are around 4 different types of dormer loft conversion, and it consists of a construction which extends vertically from the plane of a roof that slopes. It's structured as an extension to the sloping roof and its useful for turning a small cramped attic into a more spacious area with floor space and headroom.

The Four Types of Dormer Loft Conversion

The four types are flat roof, shed dormer, gable fronted and hipped roof. Which one you have depends on what's suitable for your type of property. A flat dormer loft conversion is one of the most popular and is one of the most reasonably priced. You'll get a fair bit of internal space for your money with a flat roof dormer, so you might consider it a good investment. A shed dormer will give you a single planed roof that's flat but will slope down at an angle. This angle will be shallower than your main roof. Shed dormers are popular with gable roofs, and if you decide to have one, you'll need different types of roof sheeting to the one your main roof has.

A gable fronted dormer has a gable wall extension which goes up to the existing ridge line, and then there's a new roof section that is built outwards towards the new gable end. The final dormer is the hipped roof and this is another attractive type of dormer conversion which consists of three sloping planes which will converge at the ridge of the dormer.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Dormer Loft Conversion

Dormer loft conversions, as you will have already seen, offer terrific value for money and as well as offering you more space, it makes your house look an attractive option for would be buyers if you're thinking of selling in the future. Dormer loft conversions offer lots of space, straight walls and flat ceilings, and not all of them are expensive. It will give you plenty of light and lots of ventilation and provides all the space you'll need. Regardless of what type of house you have, whether it's terraced or semi detached, there'll be a dormer conversion to suit.

However, a flat roofed loft conversion provided by a dormer style may not be to everyone's tastes as they don't always look as attractive, however they are much cheaper than a gable fronted or hipped roof dormer.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

You'll find that most of the time, a dormer loft conversion will fall under, what's known as, 'permitted development,' which means that you do not need to seek planning permission.

There will be circumstances where planning permission is needed, however it's best to speak to your builder, an architect or your local planning department, who will be more than happy to help.

You will need approval however, from the Building Regulations and this applies irrespective of whether or not you need planning permission. They'll need to be certain that the structure is safe, stable, that there's sufficient insulation, and that you've created easy exits should there be an emergency.

JG Joiners & Builders For Dormer Loft Conversions

If you've made your mind up that you definitely want a dormer loft conversion then why not get in touch with us here at JG Joiners & Builders and we'll be more than happy to talk it through with you. Think of all that extra space and the value you'll be adding to your property, it'll definitely be worth it.

A Quick Guide to Building Your Own Home

You may be one of the many out there who have decided to build their own home rather than buy a ready-made house in the more conventional way. The hard work and planning that goes into creating your own home is really worth it in the end, and in this guide we’re going to go through some of the things you need think about if you plan on building a house.

Be Well Prepared

Before you go ahead with anything make sure you have obtained permission to build and investigated all relevant building control approval. Warranties, insurance and all your contracts should be in place before anything starts.

Plot

Yes, you may have found one of your own by now, but for those of you still struggling, there are different ways you can go about finding the perfect piece of land. Word of mouth is one good way of finding out about a perfect plot and you can go online where you will find many helpful resources such as this http://www.selfbuildportal.org.uk/, the self-build portal which is brimming with useful advice.

Finance

Yes, you’ll need money for your new home and there are different ways you can generate finance, you can take out a loan in the traditional way, or you can take out a self-build mortgage which releases funds at different points during the project, so you have a reasonable cash flow for all that you’ll need.

Preparation

Make sure the plot is clear and ready to work on for the team. You may have to clear the area and level the plot and set trenches in readiness.

Budget

You’ll need to make sure that you have enough money to cover what you’re going to do and for any emergencies. You don’t want to be left with any surprises along the way, so make sure you’ve got money put aside for anything out of the usual that could happen.

Architect

If you’ve made a rough drawing of how you’d like your house to be once it’s built, then it’s a good idea to get in touch with an architect who will understand what it is you’re looking for and be amply qualified to give you help and guidance. You may want to place the design of your home into the hands of the architect so he can supervise the build on your behalf.

Planning Permission

It’s important to get in touch with planners early on. You will need to get in touch with planning officials via your local authority, who will normally offer pre application advice for those who are not familiar with the process. Once you understand the ins and outs you can put your planning application in.

House Builders

While we’d be happy if you chose us to help build your dream home, there are certain things to look out for before making a final choice on who’ll be in charge of building your house with you, or on your behalf. You could choose a company that will guide you through it rather than take an active part, while others may prefer to use an architect and a project manager to supervise the build. Some like to supervise the building themselves and are better able to keep an eye on spend.

There’ll be various stages of building a home, these will be creating the foundations of your home, putting the windows, roof and doors in, and finally carpentry and plastering.

Once the building is completed and the interiors done you’ll be able to move into your new home.

JG Joiners & Builders – Professional Builders West Lothian

If you’re looking for builders for your home to either help build, supervise the project or simply give advice, then please get in touch. We’re experienced and fully qualified builders and most of our work is awarded by recommendation, because we’re good at what we do. If you want to get your house built, then get give us a call.

Home Improvements to Add Value to Your Home

There are many ways you can add value to your home and at the same time add some much needed living space. It will take time and money, but the investment will be worth it. Extending your home and making it bigger will benefit you and your bank balance in the long-term.

Choose builders in West Lothian you trust and make sure that if you’re having extra rooms built, they fit in with the rest of your home. If it looks good then it leaves a lasting impression if you’re thinking of selling and you want to impress potential buyers.

House Extension

A house extension is one way of creating more space, there are many different types of house extensions, so choose carefully for the one most suitable for your home. It could make a dramatic difference, so make sure you choose and decorate it well.

Loft Conversions

A loft conversion can give you an extra bedroom or bathroom and can add value to your home. Although it can run into thousands, it’s well worth the cost in the long run as it will add value to your house. Make sure you choose reputable builders to carry out your loft conversion or you’ll be wasting money.

Conservatory

A conservatory can add more dining area for entertaining, or it can be used as a place of relaxation as an added living area. Try to make sure it complements the rest of the house in terms of style with flooring and walls. You don’t want your conservatory to look odd or out of place with the rest of your home.

Garage Conversion

Garages are wasted areas of space and rarely used for parking cars. It usually ends up as a place where you store furniture or old junk. Why not create extra living space by turning it into a bedroom or extra bathroom. You could even turn it into a dining area if you like entertaining, or you could turn it into a family media room, or playroom for the kids.

Curb Appeal

Make sure outside your house looks as good as the inside. First impressions count and it’s important that it’s looks clean and inviting rather than scruffy and derelict. Why not give your front garden a makeover, paint the front door or perhaps replace it completely. Tidy up the front gate and any fencing, and make sure it looks as elegant on the outside as it does on the inside.

JG Joiners & Builders West Lothian

If you’re looking for builders in West Lothian to add value to your home, then get in touch. We are one of the most successful West Lothian builders in Scotland, and all of our team are qualified, trained and experienced.

Most of our work is word of mouth because our customers recommend our work. Anything we do is built to last and you won’t be sorry you chose us. Get in touch if you want to add value to your home.  

Bathroom Renovation: The Benefits

Turn a Tired Bathroom into an Innovative New One

If your bathroom is a little stale, then you may find renovating it is a great idea. You could find yourself saving money, because rather than buying a new property and all the upheaval that involves, you could simply renovate your bathroom. You could also increase the value of your home.

Custom Designed Bathroom

You can have a bathroom designed  by our team of bathroom fitters to your specifications. You can have it the colour, shape and design you like, so that it better reflects the style of your home and your personal tastes.

Bathroom Too Small?

If your bathroom is a little on the small size, then renovating it and cleverly making the most of the space available could make your bathroom seem much bigger, even though it’s still the same size.

Modernise and Galvanise

You can also use the opportunity to add new appliances and technology and bring your current bathroom up to date. This is a great idea, especially if you have a family. You can have it modernised with all new gadgets, and bath time will never be the chore it once was.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Yes as we’ve already mentioned you could turn your bathroom into something really special and the talking point of your home. By renovating your bathroom you could create a special part of the house that makes it all the more valuable. Someone may be willing to pay more for a bathroom that has special features.

Make Your Bathroom an Enjoyable Space

By renovating your bathroom you’ll be more than happy to spend more time in it as will the rest of your family. If you didn’t choose the current design, you can change it to something that better reflects your family and its personality.

You can make it more functional by increasing the size of your sinks, make the bath larger, or smaller even. Simple changes can make such a massive difference to your bathroom and make you feel like going in there isn’t something you dread anymore.

Making Your Bathroom Safe

Are there certain features of your bathroom that you don’t feel are as safe as they could be? You could have damp walls, uneven flooring, and perhaps the electrical systems don’t work as they should.

Our bathroom fitters can take care of all of this as well as renovating the rest of your bathroom. This way you can rectify these problems and make it a safer place in which to relax for you and your family.

JG Joiners and Builders - Bathroom Fitters West Lothian & Edinburgh

We have many years’ experience as bathroom fitters, our skills set is as varied as our qualifications and training. We have an experienced and well trained team of bathroom fitters that can really help create the kind of bathroom you’ve been dreaming of. Get in touch today and we can turn your ideas into reality.

Things to Consider When Planning a House Extension

With a housing market that doesn’t appear too healthy at the moment, it makes perfect sense to stay where you are. However, you may not take this as good news if your house seems too small. How about a house extension, this is a great idea and not only provides you with extra living space, but can also potentially increase the value of your home.

But before you leap in and get cracking, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before you start.

We’ve managed to put together a few pointers that will help you prepare for that house extension in West Lothian - or wherever you are for that matter.

House Extension Budget

You need to think about this, although it seems a relatively straightforward thing to consider. What is your budget and how much can you afford to spend? Before you get carried away, thinking about what you’re going to be using your house extension for and how big it’s going to be, think about what you can realistically afford to spend first. Think about architect fees, builders quotes and VAT. Once you know how much you can afford to spend, stick to it and don’t go over budget.

How long will it take for your house extension to be built?

It takes time to create a house extension, well it should do if you’ve chosen a good architect and well recommended builders. It can sometimes take many months just to get planning permission, and that’s before you get started on the actual building. Make sure you create a timeframe for the building to be carried out, it’s a good idea to plan ahead if you can and make sure it doesn’t clash with holidays and periods away.

House Extension Planning Permission

You need to factor this in to your timetable, it could take a while. There are certain extensions which don’t need permission, such as a single storey or loft conversion, but anything else probably will. Make sure you get good advice and check all the planning regulations for your area and consult with trustworthy individuals before you go ahead with anything.

Architect?

Does your potential house extension in West Lothian need the expertise and design of an architect? A house extension, whether it’s a loft conversion or a conservatory is a large undertaking. It needs a professional in place to sort it out. It’s not something you can do alone – so don’t even think it’s a do-quickly-DIY job. Make sure you include the cost of an architect and even an engineer into your budget.

What about your neighbours?

Yes, you’re going to have to consider your neighbours and if you’re going to be making big changes to your house, chances are you’re going to have to speak to them about it.

Things to consider are:

• Will any alterations you make potentially damage their house?

• Will there be a lot of noise (yes), how will this impact on their lives?

Builders – Recommendations

You’ll need a professional building firm and they need to be qualified and trained and belong to a guild of builders and contractors ideally, and also, come with recommendations. It’s good if these recommendations come from friends, builders often get work word of mouth, but only because they’re good.

If you’re hiring an architect then perhaps they’ll be able to recommend someone. Take time in choosing someone and you’ll hit the jackpot at some point and find someone worthwhile. When you do find someone who seems perfect, ask for evidence of previous work and he/she should have examples to show you.

House Extensions West Lothian

If you want to go ahead with your house extension in West Lothian or have any questions then get in touch with us here at JG Joiners and Builders. We have testimonials and evidence of our good work and if you choose us you won’t be sorry. 

Why have a new kitchen fitted?

If you’re fighting for space in your kitchen and you need some extra room then perhaps a fitted kitchen is the answer. A newly fitted kitchen offers you space and room to manoeuvre as well as providing more storage space. This can help to make your kitchen more streamlined and much better for entertaining.

You can also add more electrical outlets, so you can use more sophisticated appliances, this will not only make your kitchen much easier to live and cook in, it will also increase the value of your home.

Kitchen Fitters To Tailor Your Kitchen to Suit You

Why not tailor your kitchen to your individual needs. For instance, are you a cooking enthusiast? Perhaps you enjoy dining in the kitchen rather than the dining room. Perhaps you spend your time studying in the kitchen, or perhaps it’s an area which the children enjoy playing in. Our team of kitchen fitters in West Lothian will make your dream kitchen a reality.

Dining

Your kitchen can be transformed into whatever you want it to be. If you want to make it more child friendly then this can be achieved. You can have an area set aside for dining, if you want to turn your kitchen into an area more conducive to entertaining.

Modern Appliances

You can also have radio and TV appliances installed so you can watch TV or listen to the radio while you’re entertaining or cooking. If you are an enthusiastic cook then you can adapt the kitchen accordingly.

Keep in mind that as well as making your kitchen functional, you can also have it decorated or styled to reflect the rest of your home. You can choose a particular style and décor that is in tune with your own personal tastes and more in keeping with the overall style of your home.

An Old Kitchen May Not Work For You Anymore

If your kitchen is quite old, you may have found that it doesn’t really work for you any more, it may be small with no room to move, it may feel crowded and unappealing as a family room. You may also find that there aren’t enough fittings to accommodate modern appliances and this in turn makes it hard for you to cook, work or relax in.

The benefits of getting our kitchen fitters in are numerous, and you’ll have a kitchen area that feels like somewhere you want to spend time in. Once you’ve decorated and customised it to fit in with how you want it to look and work for you, it’ll feel more like an integral part of your home.

A new fitted kitchen will make a tremendous difference to the value of your home too. A well-designed, well thought out fitted kitchen can add style and sophistication to the overall look of your home, making it a really good selling feature.

Kitchen fitters in West Lothian

If you’re looking for kitchen fitters in West Lothian, or you’re having a fitted kitchen for the first time, then get in touch with us here at JG Joiners & Builders. We have many years’ experience in this field and we have a dedicated team of professional builders who are experts at what they do. If you’re looking for that dream kitchen then let us create it for you. 

Considerations If You're Planning A Loft Conversion in West Lothian

It isn’t simply a case of deciding on a loft conversion and then getting in touch with the builders and getting it done. There are so many things that need to be taken into consideration. We know, because we build lofts for a living, and we know that there’s a lot to consider before going ahead.

Let’s take a look at some of the issues you may have to consider before embarking on a loft conversion in West Lothian.

Loft Conversion Weight

This is where you have to consider the structure of your house and the foundations, to see whether or not it can take the weight of a loft conversion. It will only take a little more weight, but all the same this is still something that requires consideration, but it’s worth checking first.

Depending on the type of loft conversion you’re having, you may have to invite a building officer round to check it too, as you may find that the house needs underpinning to help it support the weight of the loft. Naturally you’d have to consider the expense if you did need to add underpinning to the budget.

Stairs to Your Loft Conversion

You’ll need access to the loft and an escape route. The rules stipulate that a loft conversion must have a permanent staircase for it to be considered new room. They also need to be as wide as the steps in the rest of your house. You might alternatively consider a spiral staircase or perhaps a ladder. You’ll need to check head height so as to accommodate easy access and exit to the loft.

Head Clearance

What do you do if there’s not enough head height? If you have a sloping roof above the stairs then this could cause problems, and you’ll have to think of innovative ways of creating enough space for head height. You may even have to change the stair so they are on a different angle and this will take some space away from of the other rooms. There must be a minimum of 2m head clearance across each step.

Fire Door

You need a door at the bottom of your stairwell that complies with fire regulations. This will be your escape route should a fire break out. You will be expected to change all doors in the stairwell area to fire doors that comply with British Standards BS 476. Doors of this nature will be made from fire resistant materials. If the door also has an intumescent seal this is even better, because they’ll create a tight seal around the door by swelling to an enormous size.

Finally, here are some other factors to take into consideration before you go ahead and have your loft conversion:

• Is the structural strength of the floor up to standard?

• The stability of the entire structure including the roof must be checked.

• Good sound insulation between the new loft conversion and the rooms downstairs.

Loft Conversions West Lothian

Get in touch with us here at JG Joiners & Builders should you have any more questions or would like a loft conversion consultation and quote. 

Choosing the Right Builder in West Lothian

If you’re looking for builders in West Lothian then you’re probably looking to have work doing on your house. You may be cautious and a little worried about whether you know how to choose the right one. If you choose someone unsuitable, it could be a costly mistake.

Here in our guide, we’ll give you the lowdown on what to look out for when choosing builders in West Lothian, and if you don’t choose us, that’s fine, but if you do, then you’ll be guaranteed an excellent job.

Word of Mouth, Recommendations, Customer Satisfaction

If you get a referral for builders in West Lothian from people you know, then you’re on safer ground. When you decide to contact the builder you’ve been referred to, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you check how long they’ve been in business, their experience, and how long they’ve taken to get work completed.

Certification, Qualifications & Training 

Does your builder in West Lothian have all the relevant qualifications? Do they have valid certification acquired via qualifications obtained in the building trade? Another important factor is insurance papers – check them out, they should have public liability insurance on all work that will be carried out in your home.

Builders References

Make sure you get references from builders in West Lothian and make sure you check them. By getting in touch with the people who used them, you can ascertain whether or not you can work with them and whether they’re trustworthy.

Check Out Their Trade Membership

There have been some cases recently of builders in West Lothian claiming to be members of official trade associations when that hasn’t been the case at all. If you’re in any doubt, do the necessary checks, call, and make sure they really are a member.

Quotes and What’s Covered

You may have been recommended more than one builder, and to help decide which one is right for you, you can create a shortlist of the ones you are most impressed with. Once you’ve done that, call each one and get a quote on the job, get them to put this in writing – what’s covered and what isn’t. The quote should include clearing up, materials, supplies and site maintenance. You also need to check out whether they will need to apply for approval via Building Regulations.

Paying Your Builder

How does your builder like to be paid? Instalments is one way, depending on how long the project is liable to go on for. You should pay a deposit and then regular instalments as parts of the job are completed.

Builders in West Lothian You Can Trust

We depend on customer recommendation because it’s how we get work. We provide a good job and our customers recommend our services, so it’s not in our interests to do a bad job. We also place great value on providing a great customer service, and we believe that listening to our customers and paying attention to what they want is what leads to a job well done. So if we’re on your shortlist of builders in West Lothian, then don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk everything through with you. 

Garage Conversion Ideas

You may be running out of living space and up until now, you’ve only considered one option – moving to a new home. Perhaps you’ve even started looking at properties and you’ve been preparing your family for the inevitable disruption of moving. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You may be sitting on extra living space as we speak. If you look around and think about it, you’ll soon realise that you may have unoccupied space that could be put to better use.

If you haven’t guessed it yet, it’s your garage that may provide the answer you’ve been looking for. If you want extra living space, if you’re looking to set up extra an room and a getaway space for you and your family to relax, then a garage conversion in West Lothian could provide the perfect answer.

You may already have an outline in your mind of how you’d like to convert your garage, but if you haven’t, then below are just a few ideas that could give you a head start.

Bedroom Garage Conversion

An extra bedroom is an excellent way of utilising your garage, it can be rented out to tenants to help create extra income, or you can use it as a bedroom for one of your children, a teenager perhaps, who’s craving some privacy.

Your new bedroom can be either en suite or not, an extra bathroom is optional, and dependent on how much room your garage can afford. It would definitely be something worth exploring if you have a tenant and you want to provide privacy for both you and your family by keeping bathroom facilities separate.

Bathroom Garage Conversion

An extra bathroom is an important addition if your family is growing. The garage is a great idea to use as a bathroom and it won’t cause anywhere near as much mess and inconvenience as you might imagine. If you hire responsible builders for the job, it could all be done quickly and conveniently, and a lot less bothersome than a complete move to another house in a different area.

Extra Living Room Garage Conversion

A new living room or lounge may be just the thing to brighten things up. You could create another room to give yourself some time out from the rest of the family for one of you, or you could have this as the living room to replace your current one, and turn the old one in to something else.

Dining Area Garage Conversion

A new dining area gives you ample opportunity to entertain friends and family, if your current dining area is too small. You could lay on bigger dinner parties for guests if you love to entertain, and that way you could use your old dining area for something else instead, utilising the extra space for a play area or TV corner.

Children's Playroom Garage Conversion

The garage could make a perfect playroom for your children, where they can relax and play with friends, brothers and sisters. It gives them some extra privacy away from parents, and you can make it extra safe, so that you know that, even if you’re not there, they’re playing safely.

Utility Room Garage Conversion

Extra utility space is always useful – it can be used to keep a large fridge, washing machine, and used as an extra laundry room. If you have a large family, extra space to keep laundry and food might be a real life saver.

Home Office/Study Area Garage Conversion

If you work from home, or you or one of your family are busy studying, then extra room to work in peace and quiet could be just what you’ve been looking for. Somewhere to work uninterrupted, so you can catch up on work and meet important deadlines.

Gym/Yoga/Exercise Area Garage Conversion

If you find that you’re just not making it to the gym, then creating your own could be a really good idea. You can create your very own home gym, complete with equipment, so you and your family can work out at leisure after a day at work.

Game Room and Home Theatre For The Family

What better way than to relax at night or at the weekend than with your very own cinema or games room? You can entertain yourself and your friends with films, pool, table tennis or any other games you can think of. Or you can create your own impressive gaming area complete with high tech equipment, so you can get rid of everyday stresses by playing games on your computer without interruption.

Whatever you decide to do with your garage conversion it doesn’t have to be as messy or as stressful as you think. We can talk to you about all the different things you need to consider, such as planning permissions and building regulations, and we can reassure you about anything you’re unsure about.

Get in touch with us here at JG Joiners and let us see how we can help make your garage conversion a success.

What Are the Benefits of a Bathroom Renovation?

The bathroom is one of the few rooms in the house that absolutely everyone - from family members to guests - have a use for. From brushing your teeth in the mornings to unwinding in the bath after a hard week of work, the bathroom is a part of your home you will see often. It makes sense, therefore, that this important room looks and feels the part. Nobody is comfortable in an old or tacky bathroom. If there's no love lost between you and your bathroom, here's why it's time to call in the bathroom fitters in West Lothian.

Get The Bathroom You Want

There are many reasons why you may be unhappy with your current bathroom. Your tastes may have changed, you might be able to afford a better quality suite, or you might want to make more use of the space that is available to you. Whatever the reason for calling in the bathroom fitters, doing so allows you to get a bathroom that you actually want.

Make The Most of Your Space

Space is often a key issue when it comes to bathrooms. They sometimes seem to get fitted as an afterthought, leaving people who own the home further down the line with a cramped space. It's amazing how far a little design and careful planning can go towards transforming a bathroom into a clever space that gives you all the room you need while still incorporating the features you want.

Modernise Your Bathroom

Missing out on the latest technology is a reason many people like to call their local bathroom fitters in West Lothian. There's so much on offer now, including high tech lighting, waterproof speakers, and whirlpool baths. A handful of gadgets can give a functional room the feel of a luxury spa. Whether you are tech obsessed or just want a nice peaceful environment to pamper yourself in, modern technology is your friend.

From changing just one aspect to renovating the entire room, updating your bathroom puts you in charge and gives you a room you will be comfortable in and happy with for a long time to come.

Your Local Bathroom Fitters in West Lothian

You want a bathroom that is perfectly suited to you, and we want to help you get it. Get in touch to tell us exactly what you'd like and we can create a bespoke design that does everything right. For a safe, high quality bathroom that will last a long time, we are the bathroom fitters in West Lothian for you.

Why You Should Build a New Home

When in the market for a new home you have the choice between buying a pre-existing home and building one of your own. It may seem that building a home is more expensive and time-consuming, but with the right house builders the long term benefits can seriously outweigh the cost.

Here are just a few of the reasons for building your own home.

Build Your Dream Home

Buying an existing home means you will always have to compromise. The living room may be perfect, but the bathroom too small, or the kitchen is nice, but the bedroom doesn't have an en-suite. Using house builders in west Lothian to construct a new home allows you to have a house that contains everything you want, exactly where you want it.

No Hidden Problems

Most homebuyers don't get a proper survey carried out on the property they buy. This often leaves them with a large shopping list of problems they need to fix. There will always be little things that have to be sorted out - if not now, then a few years down the line. With a new build, everything is fresh, perfectly constructed, and guaranteed by your house builders. You won't have to worry about leaks, damp, or mould.

Energy Efficient

New build homes are constructed with the latest technology and building methods. New materials such as triple glazing and advanced insulation make new build homes very energy efficient. Modern windows work to keep the room's heat inside. With your home retaining warmth, it requires less effort from your heating to keep your home comfortable. All this means reduced energy bills, creating a lifetime saving.

Beautiful Views

The perfect pre-existing home might not have the perfect view. You can always change the interior of the home, but house builders West Lothian can’t do anything about the location. Because you buy the land you build on, you get to choose the perfect location for your home, so you can complement the beautiful interior with stunning views out of the window.

Low Maintenance

Cutting-edge materials and design make a durable home where everything does its job. This means faults are less likely to develop, meaning home maintenance will be much easier. You also know about all the materials that your house builders West Lothian have used in the construction of your home, so there will be no nasty surprises, such as discovering asbestos.

Environmentally Friendly

As well as having better energy ratings thanks to the advanced materials used in construction, the entire building process is environmentally friendly. New processes and materials have the lowest possible carbon footprint, making the entire building very green. So as well as all the other benefits of your new home, you are helping look after the planet.

House Builders West Lothian

Building your own home puts you in a strong position financially in the future and gives you a great home for you and your family. For the perfect home you need experienced and reliable house builders. Get in touch with us to discuss your dream home.

Move or Extend: The Benefits of a House Extension

Needing more space is a common reason why people move home. It could be that a baby is on the way, the homeowner wants some room to indulge their hobbies, or they want more space to relax and entertain. Homeowners often jump to the conclusion that moving is their only option. It doesn’t always occur that they could make use of the potential of their current home. Yet there are many reasons why house extensions in West Lothian are a much better choice than moving.

Save Money With House Extensions in West Lothian

Moving home is obviously a costly process. As well as hiring transport and buying boxes, there are a mountain of fees to deal with. Buying a bigger home will require a larger mortgage, meaning your financial burden will increase for the next few decades.

By comparison, extending your home is a much more cost effective solution. Extending a house is by no means cheap, however compared to the proportional amount you would be paying for an extra room or two on a new property it is much more affordable. Even when increasing your mortgage to pay for house extensions your payments will likely still be smaller than the increased premiums on a new home.

House Extensions Edinburgh: Stay In Your Community

Moving house is often a compromise. You are probably firmly rooted in your local area now; you have good neighbours and friends, you know where the most convenient places are to shop and enjoy yourself, and you may play a large role in your local community. Moving house can disrupt all of this, and you may find that you have to relocate a considerable way from your current home in order to find the spacious property you require.

House extensions West Lothian or house extensions Edinburgh, on the other hand, provide you with exactly what you need – more space – without forcing you to abandon the home and location that you love.

Personalise Your Home With A House Extension 

The chances are you are likely highly attached to your home. It is a shame to have to leave the place you love simply due to lack of space. House extensions give you to opportunity to make your home perfect for your new needs. It can easily grow with your family, and change to meet your requirements. By adding space you can put your own mark on your home. With a house extensions in West Lothian or Edinburgh, you create a comfortable and flexible environment for you and your family.

House Extensions in Edinburgh and West Lothian

House extensions in West Lothian and Edinburgh allow a much-loved family home to grow with your needs. You don’t have to abandon a property or location you love in order to get more space. People often worry that getting a house extension will be just as disruptive as moving, but by choosing the right builder, any inconvenience will be kept to a minimum. JG Joiners & Builders give you an active role in the design and planning process, to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your extension.

Contact us today for a free consultation on your house extensions in West Lothian or house extensions in Edinburgh.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Kitchen Fitter

The consumer often has a hard time selecting the best company for a particular job. There are countless kitchen fitters advertising their services on the internet and in the pages of a local newspaper, but if you bear a few factors in mind, you’ll soon discover the best people to carry out your kitchen fitting.

Are They An Established Kitchen Fitting Firm?

In the fast paced world of the 21st century, a kitchen fitting firm with a poor reputation won’t stay in business for long. When customers are looking for the best kitchen fitters Edinburgh has to offer, they need to be confident that the building company has a good reputation and has been in business for many years. JG Joiners and Builders Ltd has been serving the community for 27 years. We have a justifiable reputation for excellence and we also offer a bespoke joinery service to ensure that your kitchen is truly unique.

Are guarantees are important?

Steer clear of any company that doesn’t offer a guarantee. A company that’s proud of its craftsmanship and attention to detail will offer a warranty. JG Builders offers a 12-month workmanship guarantee, we know that we can rely on our team to provide you with the very best quality and finish. Kitchen fitting often presents several different challenges, not least is the organisation of the electrics, the plumbing as well as the building work. Ensure that your selected company will be able to project manage your refit from start to finish. We can.

Can you trust your kitchen fitters?

Once you’ve decided to take a look at the very best kitchen fitters West Lothian can provide, then arrange for a free estimate and quotation. If you don’t feel that you can work with a company, then walk away. You want to be confident that the company you select will work on time and on budget will cause minimal disruption to your life. You need to be confident that your kitchen fitters will communicate with you along every step of your dream kitchen creation project.

What do other people think?

Check out the company’s credentials and ask to see customer testimonials. At JG Builders and Joiners, our kitchen fitters place customer satisfaction and the quality of our work at the top of our priorities. Our customers are encouraged to work with us from the design element of their kitchen fitting, and they are welcome to suggest amendments during the life of the project, as sometimes ideas that look great on paper, don’t always work in reality. We always listen to our customers. After all, it’s your project and we simply try and realise your wishes.

Put JG Joiners and Builders to the Test

Once you’ve decided that you want to go ahead and have a new kitchen fitted, why not get in contact with our kitchen fitters. We’ll be delighted to talk to you and offer a free no obligation quotation. We are confident that we’ll be able to answer all your queries and bring in a perfect result on time and on budget.