James and Ian built an external stud wall and a second-storey extension on top of what used to be a garage—now a home gym.
We look at the challenges of timber framing, getting measurements bang on, and making practical decisions that balance cost, time, and weather, like choosing to keep the existing lead roof rather than risk exposing the structure mid-build.
Instead of building the walls upright, they lay them flat first to get everything perfectly aligned before standing them up. Heavy-duty timber screws (ForgeFast) are used instead of nails for stronger joints and better compliance with building control standards.
We look at sourcing good timber, working around supply issues, and how the weather can dictate the order of work. Now that James has left the industry, we miss the banter and the laughs from this part of Skill Builder’s history.
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Highlights
🏗️ Building a timber-framed second storey on a converted garage.
📏 Laser-level accuracy for perfectly aligned stud walls.
🔩 Using ForgeFast timber screws for solid, structural fixings.
🌧️ Keeping the lead roof intact to avoid weather-related damage.
🪓 Assembling walls flat on the deck before raising them.
🔨 Tackling tricky roof geometry—hips, valleys, and ridges—under pressure.
🤝 Good humour and teamwork throughout the build.
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Key Takeaways
🏠 Building up, not starting over: Instead of demolishing the old garage, the crew extends upward, saving both money and usable space. It’s a brilliant example of how adaptive reuse can work in domestic builds.
📐 Precision is everything: The “measure twice, cut once” mantra comes to life here. With laser levels and careful planning, the team keeps things square across long runs, avoiding rework and wasted materials.
🪚 Flat-first framing: Assembling walls on the ground makes for tighter, cleaner joints and speeds up construction. It’s a method that pays off in both accuracy and efficiency.
🔩 Modern fixings for modern builds: The switch from nails to structural timber screws gives stronger, more reliable connections—especially on load-bearing walls and roof collars.
💰 Planning ahead saves money: Buying timber before prices climbed and cutting efficiently to reduce waste show how foresight can make a big difference to project budgets.
🌦️ Weather dictates the workflow: Keeping the lead roof in place protected the interior during wet spells—a small call that saved a lot of headaches.
🛠️ Craftsmanship meets problem-solving: Working out hips, valleys, and ridge lines on-site isn’t simple, but the team’s experience and adaptability shine through in how they handle every twist in the build.
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RELATED VIDEO LINKS
🎬 https://youtu.be/CmKZoPmROn8
🎬 https://youtu.be/_TmXZ0cGNEI
🎬 https://youtu.be/7qlQW3j6OIQ
🎬 https://youtu.be/osoItQj_blw
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Our thanks go to James and Ian, who no longer run The Supreme Finishing Company.
