Completely lost - how to get the right configuration?!
I recently came across the forums here, and well... I am obsessed!! I have gained so many great ideas from design to layout. But I am now taking the plunge and here's my first post, as I. Need. Help!
So we are in the process of purchasing an already heavily extended home. As an FYI the ground floor previously had a double garage (where dining/utility now are) with nothing behind it, and the kitchen ran from behind the hallway to the lounge (the entire old back wall).
My dream layout is to have a kitchen that allows for U shaped kitchen, an island with seating, a dining table and space for comfy seating. At the moment if feels like the current floor plan would be a bit cramped to allow for that, therefore, options we are considering are...
Option 1 - shown with green lines
Make a T shape and knock through utility walls and dining room wall
Option 2 - show with blue lines
Make an L shape and knock through (and convert) garage - possible challenge on planning for this one as don't think we would get permission to formally change purpose of garage and get a window
Option 3 - shown with red lines
Knock garage, utility and dining room into kitchen for one massive space - this feels like it would just be too big?!
Option 4 - shown with yellow lines
Extension. Unsure about planning constraints with this one, and feels like it might be the most costly.
... or of course are are missing the point and current floorplan would allow for all we're looking for?!
We are completely new to any kind of renovation / design work - honestly the most ever done is redecorate a home... So any tips, concerns, opinions would be really appreciated!!
Comments (7)
Jonathan
3 years agoOur first rennovation
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Hallway style advice - how do I complete this corner?
Comments (2)Before rushing out shopping for different items you must decide how you will use this space; will it be just telephone corner?; will you need storage or hinging space?; how do you link this corner to the rest of your property stylistically, practically and colouristically? Answer these questions before taking inspiration from others. This looks like a dark corner, so perhaps adding a ceiling pendent light would be useful. In terms of plants - you have to look for some that thrive in shade - cacti family, succulents that are less needy? If you use this space for shoe/coats storage then perhaps adding a short two sided bench with box storage underneath and hooks on the wall would be useful? If you decide that this is decoration only space, then perhaps adding picture/photo frames would (a lot of them, containing colours linking to the rest of the property) add character. Placing interesting table lamp would already brighten it. Think: what do YOU need/want/expect from this corner? Then it will be easy....See MoreHow to configure integrated ovens & a microwave at the same height
Comments (7)The advice above is right because very few manufacturers make a double oven now so there is not much choice and they don’t seem to have controls or handles that line up. I think that you have a few options- you could stack the microwave and the double oven in a tower which is likely to be the cheapest- again the double oven may not match the compact appliance. You could have your microwave built under the counter somewhere else in the kitchen so that they don’t have to match. You could have a standard single oven and by the side a 45cm appliance with a warming drawer. Or you could have two side by side 60cm ovens with two 45cm appliances. Don’t forget that your appliances both 45cm and 60cm can be conventional or steam ovens or microwaves or grills or do more than one function. Or they could be sous vide ovens or coffee machines. Look at the Siemens website for inspiration and have a think about how often you need the various functions- for example you might decide you use a microwave so rarely that a cheap counter top model in the utility room would do and you fill the kitchen space with another full sized oven that gets used more. Alternatively you might add a single oven in a less convenient position for the rare occasions it is used- again this could be the utility room....See MoreHow to secure the right builders for large home renovation
Comments (12)I'm not a professional at all but just stating my experience from recent renovations - others will have their own. Obviously a recommendation from someone you know is best option. Only use different sub contractors if you have time to manage them, plan who does what when, conflict resolution, talking to suppliers, etc...oh and also choose all the material and items you need and deliver just in time! We tried a recommended builder on a small project (bathroom) before giving them two big projects. Wasn't the cheapest but they managed and brought in all the different skills at the right times. Delays are inevitable and not always the main contractor at fault e.g window supplier delivers windows but not doors! Not much you can do. Finally, future proofing a build does require getting your ideas on paper first and what budget you have. E.g running CAT6 cables is great but what devices will you connect and where? I recall drawing everything on paper from light switches and usb socket positions through to external cameras and weather sensor! Also I remember my insurance company oddly wouldn't accept a signed joint contract from our builder so do check any contract disputes are covered. I had a week's worth of sleepless nights before we ended up moving insurers for peace of mind. Good luck and this forum has a lot of great advice....See MoreOptimise existing footprint to achieve dream configuration!
Comments (3)You have a good-sized overall footprint, so I would agree that you don't necessarily need to extend. When you say 'everything' needs doing - from the pictures you've posted, I can't agree. Obviously the decor and look is dated, but it seems liveable. The thing with doing up a house top to bottom - it is hard to think of everything. It's obviously up to you whether you want to do so or not, but it could be a good idea to do a paint job as a 'pep' up, and then live in it for a while to give yourself time to work out what you really want and need. I would say, in terms of the plan, you have a utility 'block' at the front left. It seems apparent this space can accommodate a downstairs bathroom, cloakroom and utility. The hall is absolutely massive, at the expense of several other rooms. You could either reconfigure to take space from the hall back into kitchen / dining on right, or flip the kitchen over into the current living room. Depends on what you prioritise....See MoreOur first rennovation
3 years agoJonathan
3 years agoIf you find that the wall between the current dining room and garage is load bearing and the steels will be intrusive have this alternative as a back up.
PROGvega Cerámica
3 years ago
PRONest Estimating Ltd
3 years ago
annabellaamy