Where to even start? Bottom floor remodel of townhouse
We've lived in our town house for the past 15 years, apart from the kitchen we very rarely use the bottom floor and it just doesn't work for us, but we have no idea where to even start or how much it will cost to change it into a liveable and useful space. We're not interested in extending just reworking the space itself (kitchen, small WC, dining room, hallway, under stairs cupboard). Sketched out the layout as it is, think we'd like to just open it up really, but think the WC makes it awkward (think we need to keep it due to regulations).
Comments (11)
Rory Campion
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Full Refurb - Layout Issues (to start with!)
Comments (11)@Jonathan - Hmm the issue with splitting the bedroom above the kitchen (which is currently the master and the biggest) is that you have reduced head height all around the edge. Not sure it'd work to be honest, and I'd rather keep the master bedroom away from the adjoining property, despite thick, old walls. Definitely agree re taking advice from kitchen designers though - important we maximise the potential. @Minnie - Ha, funny you should post that kitchen - that's exactly the style we're looking at; hand painted with a dark blue / white contrast. Had even looked at the deVol ones but I don't think our budget will quite stretch to them, but a local supplier has quoted about a third / quarter of price for something similar but made of pine. Definitely going to add an island, and we had thought we might move those existing units to the utility space downstairs, but upcycling them to become the main kitchen is an interesting idea we might explore. We're also big fans of the existing panelling, so that will probably stay, even if we have to first remove it to damp proof that back wall (it's semi underground, build on a hill-side). We had also considered the idea of an ensuite jack and jill bathroom between bedrooms one and two but we were a little concerned about storage space - we're not big on freestanding wardrobes taking up space, so the existing built-in wardrobes we'd lose to do this wouldn't be ideal. I know where you're coming from regarding the Victorian Range, however, I actually don't think it's original and it's not very well done. The surround is not made of the same Yorkshire stone as the rest of the building is (it's actually quite ugly up-close and looks a bit like crazy paving), and it's freestanding from the surrounding walls - I think it might have been some kind of 60s attempt to recreate a period feature. We had also considered the idea of stove / fire in both the kitchen and the dining room, and if our budget allows, it could be a possibility. However, the dilemma as to where it would be positioned in the dining room still stands, with no existing chimney breasts in there, bedrooms above it (making a centrally positioned fire on the only available long wall difficult) and lack of particularly usable corners. Realistically, wherever the fire / stove goes, we'd probably want a TV to be somewhere nearby so we can relax and enjoy it, so even if we find a good spot for the fire, it's finding a complementary place for the TV and sofa to go too that makes life even harder. First world problems!...See MoreNew York Loft style open plan - where to start from?
Comments (14)Thank you all for your comments. kl55hp your project sounds equally exciting. One thing that I learned so far is the need for light, big windows, big doors!! We have exactly the same dilemma regarding living in the house during the building work; it will save a lot of money as well. You have definitely thought this further than us. Sounds like there is a consensus regarding using a professional to help us make some decisions! OnePlan, thank you for the pictures the colours are spot on. Were thinking of a slightly more modern look by incorporating some gloss cabinets to reflect light etc. Thank you all once more!...See MoreDouble Story Extension - any one else starting a project soon?
Comments (74)Wow that looks beautiful, I am jealous of the brick. We wanted a very similar colour brick but the council wouldn’t allow and I didn’t want the red brick so we went with blocks and hopefully crisp render. We started our build towards end of Jan. Double extension, the foundations laid and then had the structural engineer out and final final details drawn up. The ground floor blocks have been laid and the scaffold has gone up so don’t know how long that will take. Our builders seem on track and have said August finish but I think it will be September/October Tani how many bedrooms did you have built and how many rooms downstairs? Also from start date to now what has the time scale been? Xx...See MoreEnlighten my home extension/remodelling thoughts please!
Comments (17)Thanks Jonathan, your suggestions have absolutely given me plenty of ideas. Very happy with the group floor layouts. I can see this is going to work really well. I may not extend that much on the left into the garden though(may be a couple of meters). I guess, this will affect the room/bath sizes in the attic that you proposed? What size of extension (just the formal living room, no garage) as a minimum do we need on the left to allow us to have a decent size double room and a bath? I was thinking 30m-35m2? For upstairs back bedroom, what if we do not extend back into the garden rather extend over the right side existing single storey (would give us approx 9m2)? What could be the layout then? Still need to have at least 4 beds with a master ensuite/dresser etc . and a family bath. Thanks!...See MoreRory Campion
2 years agoRory Campion
2 years ago
rose1324
2 years agorose1324
2 years agoAlso, you may be able to fit a WC under the stairs. We managed to fit a WC and a shoe/coat cupboard beneath the stairs. The WC is 0.85m wide by 1.35m long and doesn’t feel small at all due to door opening outwards, cistern concealed behind stud wall, and tiny basin.
tab darcy
2 years agoVicky Pow
2 years ago
Sarah Robson
2 years agoThis is my v basic drawing. It keeps a WC/utility room and creates a porch area so kitchen isn't directly entered from front door so not drafty.
The Orange is where new wall goes
The Blue showing wall being removed.
Then perhaps look at how you make the space for a kitchen / diner. Obviously the plumbing will be a factor. Good luck
minnie101