The J&Co Blog

Practical roofing & building advice from a Hertfordshire contractor.

Real numbers, real timelines, real on-the-tools knowledge. Written by Jamie Pocock — owner of J&Co Contractors — for homeowners across Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire and Essex.

Pitched tile roof inspection on a Hertfordshire home before winter

Featured · Roofing

Winter Roof Checklist: 12 Things Every Hertfordshire Homeowner Should Check Before December

The 12 things that cause 90% of winter roof leaks in Hertfordshire — and how to spot them in 20 minutes from the ground.

May 2026 7 min read

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EPDM flat roof replacement on a domestic extension in Bishop's Stortford

Roofing

5 Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Replacing — Not Just Patching

When patch repairs stop being economic. Five visible signs that a full flat roof replacement is the right call.

6 min Read

Gutter cleaning on a Hertfordshire semi-detached home

Maintenance

What Blocked Gutters Actually Cost You — and Why a £120 Clean Saves £6,000 Later

The maths on what blocked gutters cause downstream — and the simple annual habit that prevents all of it.

5 min Read

Repointed chimney stack with new lead flashing on a Hertfordshire property

Roofing

Chimney Leak After a Storm — What to Check Before You Call

Storm-driven chimney leaks have four common causes. Here's how to identify which one you're looking at.

5 min Read

Single-storey rear extension built under permitted development in Hertfordshire

Building

Extensions: When You Need Planning Permission and When You Don't

Permitted development covers more than most homeowners realise — but the limits matter. Here's the 2026 breakdown.

8 min Read

Completed dormer loft conversion bedroom in Bishop's Stortford

Building

Is a Loft Conversion Still Worth It in 2026?

Costs are up, but so is the value added. Here's the honest 2026 answer for Hertfordshire and Essex homeowners.

7 min Read

Guides

Cost & advice guides

In-depth guides on roofing and building costs, materials and warning signs.