Open plan/ Extension?
Hi,
We are thinking of buying this semi-detached property but there is so much work to do so we want to look into what work needs to be done structurally as well as new central heating system and decorating, etc.
I'll attach the current floor plan. The kitchen is an extension off the back. I would want to make the kitchen much bigger as a kitchen/diner is where I imagine we will be when guests are over etc. Next door have knocked through to the diner so that the kitchen is longer but I would want it to be pretty much the size of the reception room (19.4 x 14 ft) rather than being long and narrow.
Any suggestions on whether to knock through or move things around or simply just extend? - Any ideas on costs etc.
Comments (6)
PRO10 years agoLauren,
I would echo the above regarding questioning whether an extension is really necessary. You need to be conscious of making the property too bottom-heavy. If it is possible to extend into the loft, and increase the number of bedrooms perhaps this isn't an issue. Using the existing floorpan, I would perhaps suggest locating the kitchen along the majority of the left hand side with a bank of tall units (accommodating fridge, freezer & ovens). The storage beneath the stairs could then become a pantry/larder. A generous island could accommodate sink, hob and prep areas, and a breakfast bar would make this an incredibly sociable space.
I would also support the idea of a downstairs WC, and possibly also a utility space in the central space around the current store.
The existing kitchen could become the dining space, but here I would suggest maximising natural light by replacing doors with floor-to-ceiling glazing, either as doors or fixed windows. Budget allowing, I would suggest minimising the masonry on the corner to maximise visibility to the garden; corner-to-corner glazing would be perfect.
Regards, Simon
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Comments (18)Could you with a bit of an extension on the back convert the garage into a dining space, with the back bit of the garage as a new utility room, make the current utility slightly smaller and into a pantry. make the kitchen narrower but longer, and then extend the current dining room into a new living room space.. and then the front bit of the current living room could be the relocated gym? The dining area would still be connected to the kitchen but v separate from the main living space.. I wonder if relocating the kitchen to an entirely different part of the house would be prohibitively expensive? (I honestly have no idea) Or maybe move the utility and the WC into the garage and incorporate that into a kitchen, then the whole back you might be able to have the kitchen/dining/living space going along the back? and move the gym still? a lot would depend on dimensions and costs in your area I guess...See MoreKitchen layout advice in new open plan extension
Comments (6)I would suggest handing the FF the other way - aesthetically looks better paired with the pantry that way - and allows you to open both to see what needs to be restocked or to decide what to cook etc. Also for aesthetics, have the drawers either side of cooker both three drawers and the odd one other side of pillar as a two....See MoreOpen plan layout/extension help
Comments (8)I think to make the most of your budget but add to your space is to look at a garage conversion. This would be around £20k+ depending on the spec of kitchen you choose so you'd have spare money to splash out on other renovations. I think the simplest layout would be similar to your sketch. Put the utility by the garage door, then I like your long kitchen idea with perhaps doors into the garden with then lots of space for a dining area, perhaps island or pantry unit. I often help with these sort of layout projects if you need any more help. We can bounce some ideas around and work out the best plan for you and your family 😊 Good luck...See MoreFloorplan layout ideas needed for an open-plan extension please
Comments (4)Because of the location of the toilet soil pipe, the logical place for the downstairs toilet is below, next to the garage wall. The utility is also good to keep towards the middle of the house as this will keep the lightest area of the room for the kitchen. (unless you have a muddy family and need to get them clean before letting them in the house in which case it goes near a door!) With the snug by the lounge, it puts a lovely kitchen and dining area right at the garden end of the extension to be in the brightest and most garden connected side. If you want to play with some ideas to develop the shape of the extension further and get a real feel for the new space, feel free to give me a shout. Emily x...See More
10 years ago
PRO9 years ago- 9 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
PRO9 years agoHi Lauren,
There's lots of options with your kitchen. It's a great space and an island would work well.
I would suggest sitting with a kitchen or interior designer as it's best to get your kitchen right first time and not make costly mistakes you'll regret later.
There's a lot to consider like the light direction and quality in the space, industry standards and regulations around appliances, traffic flows on how you use the space and much more. If you sit down and go through all your likes and dislikes, dreams and aspersions for the area, I am sure your plan will come together to give you your dream kitchen.
I find my clients like to see it come together using 3D imagery of the space which many companies now offer.
For the dining area you could consider booth style seating to give you more space and make it unique to your kitchen tying everything in.
All the best with your project.. it looks like you're going to have a great space.
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