Thanks for these. Im not sure if we can do the extra corner bit for number five, but I do like the layout, it will depend on cost, also don't need two tv areas, as we have a front lounge in the house anyway. the office was supposed to be a mixed use room, as a playroom with kids storage and also an occasional bedroom, so sofa bed In there. I know many people have hobs and sinks on islands, but I just think i'll end up dumping things on there.. I have four in the family, two adults, two kids, but we have a lot of people round for entertaining and parties, so space is what I'm after, but was also looking for somewhere the kids can go out of the way from adults if need be. As for kitchen, the reason for having large larder is to put not only food/drink spare fridge in there, but also things we don't use all that often in the kitchen, equipment etc.. I like everything clean and hidden away. The office on number 5 would be separate anyway as this concept includes sliding doors, which fold into the wall, so only entrance would be from outside, not sure if I can afford these yet though. Please keep suggestions coming, or alternatives, all welcome as I can't visualise.. thanks

Hi, no probs. The thing is with upstairs you are governed by the stairs and the drainage. You can't move either without great expense. To gain more room, better bathroom etc, you would have to sacrifice a bedroom on the right of the plan. Is this an option? The simplest solution is just change the bathroom / toilet and add a shower:- If you need further changes for whatever reason, after all 1 bathroom for four bedrooms isn't a lot, then all I can think of is to split the master in to 2 rooms as it has windows front and back. Then remove the bathroom and make it smaller, giving the bedroom top right a little more room. Make that the master with En-suite and use the bedroom bottom right as the family bathroom. The three smaller bedrooms are an ok size so, in theory could work.

Hi Shelly, There's a good chance your extension falls under the permitted development, especially if your current existing rear wall is original, and not from and older extension. In any case it's always advised that you check this with your local authorities. Producing planning applications is a very tiny percentage of what architects do. On wether you will need an architect or not, that depends a lot on your contractor. In your case, they will have to carry out the design, that includes making necessary drawings to build from, liaising with multiple suppliers (kitchen, glazing etc.), structural engineers, building control to provide necessary design, layouts, specifications and building details. Of course the cost for the above will be additional to the building cost in your contract/deal with the builder. If your needs for the projects are simple, you have the time to manage the project yourself and you know exactly what you want from it, that includes all finishes, extension design, kitchen layout etc. then going for the above might be a good option. I'd encourage you to message us directly, we are happy to give a consultation, free of cost of course, but still hope the above helps. Good luck and make sure you enjoy your building project! Cristina, Kay Moden

Hi, If i may I would like to ask about the extension first: Why are you not building over the boundary with your neighbour. This would allow you to build the extension in line with the existing party wall. As you are building within 3M of the neighbours property you still need a party wall agreement. Judging by the single roof light can I assume the roof is pitched from existing rear wall to new rear extension wall. If the side wall moved over then it would help to make the shape of the room more uniformed. The return nib could also be removed with the inclusion of a post of approx size 90mm x 90mm. Will the extension roof be vaulted or will the existing ceiling run through into the extension? Will the new support beams be inserted into the ceiling void or will they sit down under the ceiling? It looks to me as though the brushes steel cooker hood does not suit either of the kitchen styles. The separation of the hood also breaks up the flow of the wall units which I find a bit distracting. The island seating seems to be facing the wrong direction especially as you have removed the posts now. If I was designing the kitchen I would want the space to work for me. Currently there seems to be a lot of circulation space which could be better managed with a smarter kitchen layout. I would look at the island and write down what I want it to bring to the kitchen. Is is a focal point, where will my guests be looking from the stools, will I be cooking or prepping food on the island, how does the kitchen triangle rule work with this layout. It may be worth considering removing all of the kitchen units on the wall adjacent to the lounge and moving the island up by 600mm. Then I would looking at the position of the kitchen units on the other wall and consider only having only wall and floor units to stylise the design. The american fridge would need to be found a space. Not much help but something to chew on.