Extension, renovation and reconfiguration ideas? (Cuffley, London)
Hi All,
I have had a quick browse through the forum and it seems like there is a fantastic source of opinion and expertise here.
We have recently had an offer accepted on a property in Cuffley, Potters Bar. Subject to receiving a satisfactory survey, we will be completing in December/January and will be looking to spend some money modernizing and extending the property. The house was built in the 1960s, had an initial extension to the rear in the 1970s and would benefit from an additional two-storey extension, general update and perhaps a reconfiguration of the layout.
If anyone had any initial thoughts on what type of plan they would adopt, it would be really useful. We are moving from a small flat in central London, so are very new to the concept of having space!
I have attached the floor plan and linked to the property on Rightmove below. We had thought that 'squaring off' the rear of the property and moving the kitchen to the rear could be a good idea? Not sure of the practicalities with the downstairs bathroom though.
We would be looking to instruct designers/builders in due course, so any recommendations or offers of service would be great.
Many thanks,
Adam
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-58889576.html?premiumA=true
Comments (23)
8 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (14)The fireplaces in the bedrooms are decorative. Living room is a real open fire and the study (with the wooden fireplace surround) has been converted to gas. We were lucky to acquire three of the fireplaces from the house directly across the road. They cost £500 which I thought was a bargain until I realised they would cost me £2,500 to restore them! The wooden surround was in the house when we bought it and we had to buy the cast iron insert. The surround is actually mahogany, I'm not actually that keen on it but couldn't bring myself to rip it out! I would get to know the neighbours and see what original features they have in their houses. Be careful with architectural salvage, for example salvaged doors if you need them have often been dipped in acid and the glue joints tend to fail after a while. We employed a conservation architect to restore the house and I felt his design was one which would stand the test of time. We had folding doors in our last house. These timber doors are bespoke made and look/feel quality. Just a bit more sophisticated....See MoreAdvice - Rear extension north London Victorian terrace
Comments (15)We live in North London, N6 and nearing the end of a side return and kitchen extension. Our first task was to ask our builder for a rough estimate, then we were sure that we could actually afford the job. Most of the areas around North London are conservation areas, so it pays to consult with the council first regarding your outline plans. We booked as pre-application meeting with Haringey Council and they visited and confirmed that our plans would not qualify under permitted development but the project that we wished to complete was fine and we should submit a planning application. In our case we knew what we wanted, so I was happy to pay for an initial meeting only with an architect to test out a few ideas and check that I hadn't missed anything. After that we used a local small co to draw the plans, manage the planning application, party wall notices, building control application and structural calculations. I have managed the job directly with the builder, using the services of the small local company for 2 visits only - removing of main wall and inserting steels. Really this depends on how happy/confident you are with the builder and acting almost as project manager. I know our builder well and I was very lucky in that I was at home full time, so able to keep an eye on things and avoid any mistakes on the job. Had I been working, I would have used either an architect or project manager to oversee the build. Sometimes you have to spend money to save money....See MoreIdeas for reconfiguring bungalow floorplan
Comments (27)Jonathan, moving the bathroom as you have was actually Plan A but I got cold feet about the cost of moving the bathroom although I loved the idea of a line of sight from front door to back garden. We only roughly sketched it and having seen your beautiful floorplan I am thinking we’ll regret it if we compromise instead. The bungalow looks so much more balanced than it does at present and has a flow to it, which it currently completely lacks. Thank you so much for taking the time to draw it up so nicely :) love the addition of a cupboard in hallway to bedrooms and one in entrance hall as Rinq latterly suggested (completely agree on need for this Rinq) and access to toilet from garden - have 3 year old and 10 week old so very necessary, as is catching the mud before it comes indoors! Can I just ask, on the right hand side of kitchen is that recessed cupboards? Ps. You got the layout of our sofas bang on ;D...See MoreReconfiguring Victorian ground floor - creative ideas needed
Comments (16)It is a challenging layout for sure. First try: Dining definitely near the garden, space for 4, but also for 6 when needed. No boot/mudroom, kept as much open as I could. Imagine a tiled floor throughout and a nice big doormat to zone off the area. Bench next to backdoor, then app.35cm deep units for shoes and whatnot. Shower room (shower pan is 80x80cm), washing machine in hallway cupboard. Kitchen with extra deep worktop on cooking side. Lots of tall units on the opposite wall, perhaps some low ones with upper to store toaster and coffee machine. Then towards the left a play area and some shelving/baskets so they can tidy up while you are cooking....See More
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8 years agoI've included my take on it (2nd pic) but the upstairs could probably be tweaked to work a little better as a larger family bathroom would be good.
You could also easily change the pantry/downstairs bathroom proportions to put in a small study too if thats more important to you than a large mud room space (first pic).
Both of these have the advantage of not changing too much of the existing structure so should cost less and/or mean you can tackle redecorating those spaces at a late time when budget allows.
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Jonathan