Are you planning a kitchen extension? If we said that people are now spending twice as much time thinking about home improvements than we did before lockdown, what would you think? Do you fall into that bracket? Do you look around your home and think I need more space? Or this area could be put to better use?
If you’ve made the decision that your kitchen is a bit too small for what you need or you’ve decided you’re ready to go all in and open plan the entire living area then we need to talk!
Planning a kitchen extension may be the solution to getting that much needed extra space. Plus it’s a chance (and an excuse)to rework your interior layout, too.
Now we all know a kitchen extension is one of the bigger improvements you can make to your home. And this is exactly why you need to make sure it’s planned properly from the outset.
1. Make a wishlist
So take a real look around your space. How have you been using it? What currently works? What doesn’t? This is your chance to seriously think about what you need from this space to enrich your daily life.
Think about your interiors style, too – do you want a streamlined look? This usually involves integrated appliances and floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Or do you want more of an eclectic look? This usually has a more relaxed feel and might mean that you explore the freestanding look with something like a large vintage dresser being a focal point.
You should make a list of the key essentials you want in your kitchen – the ones you cannot live without. Place them in order of preference and we can discuss this list.
2. Set a budget
Nothing is impossible if you have the right budget! But lets face it we don’t all have unlimited pots of money stashed away so be realistic about what you can achieve and the structural work that might be involved. Adding huge sky lights, changing entrances, moving pipes and rewiring will make it more expensive.
Think about the extent of work you think you’ll need and whether you’re planning to relocate the kitchen and its plumbing or can work with the layout as it is. We’re always happy to discuss our clients ideas and help with the overall plan.
Don’t forget to budget for planning permission and building regulations approval. Depending on the size of the extension you don’t always need this but again its something you need to consider and factor into your overall costings.
Want to try to keep costs down? Choosing standard building materials and regular fittings for key items such as glazing can help save money.
Of course, you’ll need to budget for the kitchen itself, too. If your dream design is out of reach, consider
buying from a company such as Howdens or other similar companies who offer trade discount to account holders. Remember luxuries such as Granite, Corian, Hot taps, real wood flooring etc will all take a huge chunk of your budget so best to get quotes at the start.
Find out if you need planning permission
We can help with this bit. With any project that changes the look and size of your home and impacts your home’s outside space, you may require planning permission from your local council.
We can point you in the right direction and it’s usually a good sign if your neighbour’s have had similar work done.
The good news is that many modest kitchen extensions fall within permitted development. This is where you’re able to build without the need for formal planning permission up to a certain size depending on your property type and whether it’s been remodelled before. Again we’ll be able to advise you on this.
Think about your kitchen layout
When planning a kitchen extension and deciding how much room you need for the actual kitchen, look at your storage needs and assess whether you require the same or more units, and how that translates into floor and wall space, as well as the size and type of cupboards and drawers.
For good flow you need to work out a good amount clearance around and between your units, which can have a big impact on your design, especially if you want an island.
Natural lighting and the type of glazing will also dictate your layout. Ideally, you should locate the kitchen in the darkest part of the room, relying on downlights and task lighting to brighten it, with living and dining areas nearest the garden so they can benefit from the sun and indoor-outdoor link.
Ask yourself some basic questions. How many people use the kitchen? Do you need the whole family to eat in the space? Is there a back door that’s in constant use? Kids running through the space to get to the garden? You might even like to draft a layout you think might work and then measure up to ensure it will fit before you have an appointment.
Be sympathetic to your home
Blend old and new. No one wants a kitchen extension that doesn’t flow with the rest of the house.
Keeping structural details such as the ceiling and floor heights the same between old and new rooms has a huge impact on integrating the new space, but there are other ways of seamlessly incorporating your new extension to your home.
Replicate the style of skirting boards, internal doors, and window frames in the new space and keep to the same flooring and wall colour throughout for continuity.
This is even more important in a period home. Fireplaces and grand features should be retained if possible and incorporated into your new space.
Once these basics are established we can set some firm plans in place both for the extension dimensions and the new kitchen design. Then the real fun can begin!
If you would like to discuss your ideas and get some ideas of cost feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
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