Client Brief:

The homeowners wanted to expand their living spaces to and improve the flow between formal and informal areas. The brief included creating an additional bedroom, a larger bathroom, and expanding the downstairs porch, with a grand entrance, cloak room and W/C without compromising the existing architectural integrity.

Project Details

• Location: Ayot St Lawrence, Hertfordshire
   
• Project Type: Double storey residential extension
   
• Services Provided: Full build-out, structural coordination, finish specification
   
• Duration: 6 Months
   
• Approximate Budget Range: £175,000
   

This extension project reflects our expertise in residential construction and house extensions in Hertfordshire and surrounding counties. 

The property sits within a sensitive village setting with adjacent homes and mature landscaping. The design needed to complement the existing architectural features and respect local planning guidelines.

Key considerations included:

• Maintaining proportion with the original house
   
• Managing site access and neighbour disruption
   
• Coordination of structural steel supports for the extended footprint
   

Despite these constraints, we delivered a cohesive and aesthetically balanced extension that resolves both spatial and functional requirements.

Our structured process ensured clarity from initial consultation through to completion:

Initial Assessment and Planning
We reviewed the existing structure, surveyed the site, and developed a build strategy aligned with the client’s priorities and budget.

Design Coordination
We worked with the homeowner’s architect to ensure the extension design integrated seamlessly with the original building. This included planning permission considerations and structural detailing to support the additional storey.

Construction Management
Site operations were sequenced to minimise disruption, with careful staging of groundworks, structural framing, and weatherproofing. Regular updates and client communication ensured transparency throughout the project.

Quality Control and Finishing
Finishes were selected to elevate the extension’s character, with disciplined attention to detailing across internal joinery, external brickwork, and rooflines.

During the build, we focused on:

• Robust structural sequencing to support additional load without affecting existing spaces
   
• Protecting and preserving adjacent finished areas during internal works
   
• Maintaining safe, clean site conditions throughout construction
   

Intermediate milestones were reached on schedule, and programme management ensured alignment with client expectations.

The completed double storey extension delivers:

• Increased functional living space tailored to modern family use
   
• Thoughtfully integrated architectural detailing
   
• Improved light and circulation
   
• A high-quality finish throughout
   

This project demonstrates our capability to manage complex house extensions with professionalism and precision, meeting both aesthetic and practical goals.

We are extremely pleased with the work JLS Building and Property Development carried out on the extension at our home in Ayot St Lawrence. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of what we were looking to achieve.

The quality of workmanship throughout the project has been exceptional, with real care taken in both the build and the finer details of the finish. Communication was clear and consistent, and we always felt confident that the project was being properly managed. The site was kept organised and tidy, which made living through the build far easier than we expected.

The extension was completed on time and to an excellent standard, and the end result has genuinely exceeded our expectations. We would not hesitate to recommend JLS to anyone looking for a high-quality, well-managed build.

— John B, Homeowner - Ayot St Lawrence