Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
SJ Ward Builders built a single-storey extension and gave this house a facelift.
__________________________
🧱 Summary
🏗️ Major Structural Changes
The renovation includes a porch addition, side extension with three rooms, utility space, and internal restructuring like removing walls and inserting lintels.
🧰 Engineering Workarounds
Challenges included mismatched foundations, unexpected returns in footing, and coordination with building control. Creative problem-solving included repairing salt-glazed pipes and trench modifications.
🚧 Concrete & Leveling Innovations
Footings were poured with rotary laser-level setups and metal spikes. Repairs included strengthening weak points with lintels and rebars to manage structural loads.
🏠 Roofing Craftsmanship
Detailed rafter and hip roof pitching using Dan Cox’s roofing square and app. Attention to cuts and spans allowed precise angles and intersections for a lean-to roof with double hips.
🪚 Joinery & Timberwork
Complex joinery like installing triple beams, noggins, and OSB-backed stud walls for future kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Utility and shower spaces were optimised for hardware mounting.
🏗️ Utility & Plumbing Setup
Utility rooms featured stud walls with OSB, insulation, and specific mountings for plumbing. Plumbing ran in copper, with attention to inspection chamber integration.
🧱 Finishing Details
Brick slips were manually cut to match existing façades, and decorative elements like fascia and soffits were installed. Careful attention was paid to waterproofing and ventilation.
🪟 Internal Completion
Pocket doors are installed to save space. Rooms designated as “snug,” office, and ensuite for multi-use. Custom skirting, door furniture, and loft access were added.
🧼 Project Finalisation
Landscaping completed, including adjusted pathway and original gate reinstallation. Final inspection approved the work. The client assumed responsibility for some interior decorating.
🧑🔧 Reflections & Tools Review
Sam reflects on timing challenges, praises collaboration, and shares satisfaction with a new Makita saw, used extensively in the porch’s unique semicircular step.
__________________________
Check out Sam & Jen on Facebook:
▶ bit.ly/3eh17v0
CHECK OUT SAM & JEN'S PLAYLIST
🎬 youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvRh7uimDQfe7HR2XDO90ppTiztt1FPgM
==========================================
#homeimprovement #construction #extensions
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youtube.com/@SkillBuilder/videos
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(As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases)
==================================
OUR FAVOURITE CHARITIES
👷 BAND OF BUILDERS
bandofbuilders.org
⛯ THE LIGHTHOUSE CHARITY
lighthousecharity.org
💧 CHARITY WATER
charitywater.org
SJ Ward Builders built a single-storey extension and gave this house a facelift.
__________________________
🧱 Summary
🏗️ Major Structural Changes
The renovation includes a porch addition, side extension with three rooms, utility space, and internal restructuring like removing walls and inserting lintels.
🧰 Engineering Workarounds
Challenges included mismatched foundations, unexpected returns in footing, and coordination with building control. Creative problem-solving included repairing salt-glazed pipes and trench modifications.
🚧 Concrete & Leveling Innovations
Footings were poured with rotary laser-level setups and metal spikes. Repairs included strengthening weak points with lintels and rebars to manage structural loads.
🏠 Roofing Craftsmanship
Detailed rafter and hip roof pitching using Dan Cox’s roofing square and app. Attention to cuts and spans allowed precise angles and intersections for a lean-to roof with double hips.
🪚 Joinery & Timberwork
Complex joinery like installing triple beams, noggins, and OSB-backed stud walls for future kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Utility and shower spaces were optimised for hardware mounting.
🏗️ Utility & Plumbing Setup
Utility rooms featured stud walls with OSB, insulation, and specific mountings for plumbing. Plumbing ran in copper, with attention to inspection chamber integration.
🧱 Finishing Details
Brick slips were manually cut to match existing façades, and decorative elements like fascia and soffits were installed. Careful attention was paid to waterproofing and ventilation.
🪟 Internal Completion
Pocket doors are installed to save space. Rooms designated as “snug,” office, and ensuite for multi-use. Custom skirting, door furniture, and loft access were added.
🧼 Project Finalisation
Landscaping completed, including adjusted pathway and original gate reinstallation. Final inspection approved the work. The client assumed responsibility for some interior decorating.
🧑🔧 Reflections & Tools Review
Sam reflects on timing challenges, praises collaboration, and shares satisfaction with a new Makita saw, used extensively in the porch’s unique semicircular step.
__________________________
Check out Sam & Jen on Facebook:
▶ bit.ly/3eh17v0
CHECK OUT SAM & JEN'S PLAYLIST
🎬 youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvRh7uimDQfe7HR2XDO90ppTiztt1FPgM
==========================================
#homeimprovement #construction #extensions
👇 SUPPORT SB - BECOME A MEMBER
youtube.com/channel/UC9GdB6vG6m6cDAwrTAWXgyg/join
📪 JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
skill-builder.uk/signup
🛒 SEE OUR FAVOURITES ON AMAZON
amazon.co.uk/shop/skillbuilder
🎧 LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST
blubrry.com/skillbuilder/subscribe
🎬 OUR VIDEO LIBRARY
youtube.com/@SkillBuilder/videos
🔗 SEE EVERYTHING SB ON LINKTREE
https://linktr.ee/skillbuilder
facebook.com/skillbuilderchannel
tiktok.com/@skillbuilder
instagram.com/skill_builder
(As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases)
==================================
OUR FAVOURITE CHARITIES
👷 BAND OF BUILDERS
bandofbuilders.org
⛯ THE LIGHTHOUSE CHARITY
lighthousecharity.org
💧 CHARITY WATER
charitywater.org
