Do we need to extend? Thoughts
Comments (15)
PRO2 years agoHave you considered knocking out the two windows to create large bi-folds? This would give you the large door feel which you wanted and you can choose exactly how wide to go with them. For example you may not want to go the full width of the 2 windows and instead brick up the left hand side to allow for a tall oven/FF stack?
It also depends if you need a larger kitchen, this layout will give you more work surface and if you put wall units along that LH wall then you will gain more storage too.
May be something to consider if you don't want to go through the expense of extending but are willing to pay for minor building works.
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Do we need a cloakroom off the hall?
Comments (6)Yes I'm sure it would effect the resale value/saleability. But if you get 20 years of enjoyment (for example) out of a bigger hallway, does it matter? Just consider where you're guests will go to the loo when they pop in for a coffee...See MoreWhat do you think render or not to render and extend or not extend?
Comments (13)Hi Danny, currently looking at your photo I can see trees, Sky, and space which is nice. If you cram too much on the plot I feel it would look over developed. However having a large family you do need space indoors and converting the garage would be a good idea. Regarding the extra bedroom it's a shame to fill the space between you and your neighbour. However I do appreciate the families needs. Regarding a log cabin, I just felt a wooden form of carport with storage shed at back may be better on the eye. A softer look, less brick. I do think it's an attractive house as it is and would not waste money on render. I wasn't thinking of ceiling price....See MoreTo extend or not...Are we crazy?
Comments (17)Hi all, thank you so so much for all of your input. We think we have come up with a plan that could work for us, and have taken many of your into consideration. We see this house as at least a 10-15 year house so think it’s worth spending the cash on. We are working with an architect with whom we will discuss our plans in more detail. The important factors for us, having been on this journey are: Keeping the kitchen where it is Squaring off the kitchen to make it a more open space Make the house ‘ready’ for what we hope will be a growing family in the near future We also don’t want a vast open space (that’s our personal choice) and want to keep our options open. The house is pretty big and with great proportions as it is. This whole exercise isn’t about having extra space but making the existing space work as well for us as possible. As a result, we think we are only going to extend across the kitchen and not the living room, and will have a side door opening out of the new extension on to a decking area which bi-fold doors in the sitting room will also open out on to. Our hope and plan is to also knock through from the kitchen to the sitting room, not sure whether this will be entirely or only partially and to potentially incorporate a ‘sliding wall’ or pocket door set up to enable us to change the use of the space depending on kids, guests etc. This plan may not be what everyone would advise, but we are excited to see how feasible it is and how we can make the space work best for our plans!...See MoreArchitects plans for extending Gate House - are we missing something?
Comments (19)Hi DP, How are you getting on? I know it's been a while but wanted to add some notes on your points. I think the architect plans, whilst lovely, definitely take from the original character of the house and this looks like any other new build you can see with a google search. 1. I would definitely look whether board as I think this is a nice contrast to the lovely old brick and whilst showing it is 'the new part' it doesn't detract from the older areas. It is also easy to 'blend in' to the surroundings so not as to detract from the gorgeous grounds and greenery. 2. Great. It will be safer overall. Is this a feature you think you will miss? 3. Firstly, yes! I don't think you can have this house without one. I have used the corner ones before and they are great and save on keeping the breast. I think you just need to look aesthetically if this works with your overall style of the rooms. If you are having an interior designer they should work on it with you - if not, a good look through Pinterest and a board or two would help. I can take a look with you if you like. 4. Yes. I would say that is a great place for the WC. It is easily accessed from everywhere but far enough away from the kitchen and dining room to not be an issue when entertaining and so on. If I were space planning it I may change the size/layout of the WC slightly to give you a slightly more open hallway. 5. The boot room looks spacious and like a good entrance. Is this an issue for use with guests? The location is not right. If so I think it would be a case of changing the layout completely to get the front boot-room.. did you architect do you a few options or have you consulted a space planner to look at some options for you. We normally produce three option as a standard so you can see what is possible. 6.Again, when we are planning space this is what we look at to determine where windows can be to allow maximum light whilst not compromising how you use the space or the items needed within it. I may play around with the back set of doors/windows in the open-plan space ..and the living room but the rest look OK. It really depends on your overall style here (i.e country is much more furniture than contemporary styles and contemporary maybe more fitted whereas more traditional styles would be freestanding. Same goes for the style of windows.. I am not sure this fits with your aesthetic or the house as a character. 7. Do you mean the roof or the extension? I would always recommend seeing the items together to help you visualise both for texture and colouration. Maybe try ordering some samples of the different finishes (if you haven't already). 3D visuals may also help here - if you have a designer it's worth enquiring about (or if your architect does them) - my clients find the photo-realistic imagery helps much more that the 2D flat plans. I hope it's all going well. Best of luck - Gina...See More
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Does the second floor soil pipe (orange dot) go through the house (boxed in somewhere?) or external? Same with first floor (red dot), where are they located? And the heater, hot water?
And the washing machine, is it in the lounge-conservatory-corner of the garage? Any manhole(s) on the plot? (trying to get an image of what goes where, to prevent digging in garage or conservatory floors) 
2 years ago- PRO
- 2 years ago
Some ideas without extending (and keeping loadbearing walls intact, mostly):
On the left i moved the kitchen a bit forward, to create room for boots and wc. For the open feel a doorway could be made to the dining. Updating the conservatory allows for doors to be removed. The open space on the right can be used as snug/play. And the garage stays laundry and storage.
On the right the kitchen is moved to the updated conservatory, with a breakfast bar looking onto the garden. Wc and cupboard, garage is converted to laundry/study/storage. The former kitchen can be used as snug/play.
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katlucy