Completely clueless wanting a remodel for downstairs

10 months ago

last modified: 10 months ago

I live in a recent new build house however the layout that we have is not working for us. There are only three rooms, kitchen, downstairs toilet and living room. The kitchen is at the front of the house rather than looking out over the garden which is difficult with a toddler running about and so we are considering trying to flip the kitchen and the living room. Completely open to ideas.

My main question is who can I approach regarding this and what the process would be? Do we instruct architects? Do we need some kind of survey? I do have the plans that I will look out as we only moved in in 2017.

Any help or pointers in the right direction would be really appreciated.

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Comments (5)

katlucy
10 months ago
Could you extend your sitting room into the rear of the garage and move the kitchen in along the right wall to give an open plan living area?

The current kitchen could then be a utility and snug/study
tamp75
10 months ago
I wonder if swapping the kitchen & dining part would help so that the actual kitchen units look over the front & then either having the kitchen/diner open through to the lounge or double doors through. An architect or concept planner might be a starting point.
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Thanks to all those persevering with me, or even just stopping by to see what's happening. I should probably confess that I don't intend to start anything until the New Year, except maybe some wallpaper stripping during the Christmas holiday, so that still leaves me 4 full months to 'perfect' any ideas that come my way. I'm also finding Floorplanner a little addictive. Far more entertaining for me than any of these premium computer games. If only enthusiasm and creativity came in equal measures. Thank you for those layout images Carolina. They have helped a little, if negatively. Seeing the vestibule size & shape, along with the way it changes the living room make me inclined to leave it as it currently is. Not only smaller, but it has, at least to me, a better look & feel. Another thought I had is that I'm unlikely to put any shelving in the larger alcove. I don't really have anything I could use shelves that size for. The small alcove would be ideal for some books & DVDs, but for the few I still have it would be enough. Plants wouldn't be an option either as the corner doesn't really get enough natural light. I'm still toying with the idea of having my computer desk in the smaller alcove. the main problem here is the gas & electric meters in the cupboard below. So far I'm working on two possible solutions, but if anyone has any thoughts on how, or even if I should do it, feel free to share them. My first idea was to have a desk (style to be decided) with the monitors on. I could have a pull out shelf underneath for the keyboard, similar to the one I have now. The meters would be housed in a small cupboard, though not much smaller than the current one, with the computer accessories on top of it. The second idea, which started from the earlier suggestion from Jenny, would be to just have a larger cupboard hiding most of it when not in use, and I just open the cupboard doors when using it. The second option is much better for legroom as, apart from the meters, there's plenty of space between them.
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Hi. I would talk to your builder first and let him know what your vision is. He will give you feedback on any potential issues/things to consider, You can ask him if he is able to co-ordinate other trades people. If you get the right builder they will work alongside you to project manage it. You may need a structural engineer to provide advice if your removing any internal walls, depending whats the walls are and what is above that might need supporting. So i would get this advice early as it could impact on your layout kitchen design. If they are stud walls and not supporting anything your builder will let you know and be able to take these down. I would then chose my kitchen and get a design drawn up - most kitchen companies do this as part of their quote process. You can see then if the layout you would like works is the space you have. Lots do the installation also which can be helpful. Lots have a lead in time of around 12 weeks from order - some builders merchants have a small range in their stores if you wanted it quicker. If its an older house you might have some asbestos containing materials - sometimes in old floor tiles, that you need to be careful how these are dealt with/removed. The HSE has helpful info. Check this before your start any strip out/demolition. Once thats done, there might be some ceilings to make good where you have removed walls, which would be best done before your kitchen goes in. With your new island you will need an electrician, who will probably need to move socket points in the existing kitchen area depending on your new kitchen layout and to then wire in appliances. They might need to be in several times doing a first and then 2nd fix. Once the kitchen is part way in i then organise my tiles as i can see exactly what area i need to tile. If your using floor tiles, you can tile to just underneath the units and your plinth then hides the join. You could tile right the way under but that costs more and no one see it!. Decoration usually comes last. I find its best to keep talking to the builder and if you have the right one they will help you through the process. Good luck with your project.
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Raffaella Mischiati
10 months ago
i agree with Katlucy. alternatively, the most cost effective way to do this without touching the garage, would be to move the kitchen to the living room, with the current kitchen becoming a utility and the dining becoming a study/front room.
PRO
Creative Abodes
10 months ago
Hi Kara

If you would like any help with your project please feel free to email us at hello@creativeabodes.co.uk and we’d be more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have.
PRO
i-architect
10 months ago
Hi Kara,

Yes this house hasn't been designed with a thought about supervising kids playing in the garden while you're trying to cook dinner!

There are definitely changes you can make to this floor plan. One of the main factors will be your budget. You can do many things to alter this flooplan but some options will cost a lot more than others.

Probably the quickest and lowest cost option would be (if the wall is not load bearing) to make a large opening between the kitchen and the living room so you can see through. You could then fill this back in pretty quickly and easily in future if you wanted to. If it is a structural wall then there would be more costs associated with changes to it.

You will find my free Design Your Home Vision Checklist useful. You can get that here: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/dyhvchecklist.html

Best wishes with your home redesign!

Jane

chartered architect, eco-home and conservation area specialist

www.i-architect.co.uk

For helpful videos watch my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@iarchitect

Completely clueless wanting a remodel for downstairs

Comments (5)

katlucy

tamp75

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