Kitchen extension - north london

Comments (11)

min266
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the advice! I think the most important things to us will be the kitchen (shaker style with clever storage solutions) and the aesthetics of the extension (glass ceiling and style of back wall (bifolding doors etc) - which is why we weren't sure where to start, ideally the architect and kitchen designer would input into the whole design. The utility, bathroom and living area would likely be quite simple.
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Hi VC Design, We considered sky hooks with the structural engineer however the little fairies holding the floor above proved difficult to source in time for the project. Then we considered photoshopping the column away. The client insisted this was not an option since he would still see the column every morning when he came down to make breakfast. At the end we went back to the engineer who designed some cranked beams and cantilivers above the main kitchen area; spotlights and vent ducts are also accommodated in the bulkhead. The engineer also had to design some ground-beams since we reduced the original floor level to increase the headheight in the new kitchen; you might be able to see the step from inside-outside in some of the photos. It was worth it since we did not have the option to raise the ceiling any further and it was important that we could try to create as much internal space as possible within the budget restrictions of course. George
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As Man About The House has stated, you can make it a condition of the sale that the work is carried out before exchange/completion or arrange with the Seller for you to have a couple of builders specialising in structural repairs go to the property to give you quotes so you know how much the work will be. Only then can you negotiate a price reduction if you wish to continue. Without a builder/structural engineer seeing the work and what is involved they cannot give you an idea of cost. You could also arrange to speak with the neighbour to see if they are aware of the problem once you have spoken with the builders and decided whether it is worth moving forward. If the damage is to the whole of the party wall (shared wall) then the cost should be shared between the two owners. If damage is only to one side then that owners will bear the cost. A Party Wall Notice is served on the the adjacent homeowner/Landlord to start the process but this can only be done by the owners of the adjacent properties or by their appointed representatives (eg Surveyor or builder if this is part of their remit). Note though that there is also the possibility that the work can be carried out under a buildings insurance claim by the current owner. If that's the case then the insurance company will investigate why the wall started to lean (was it subsidence or whatever), deal with any party wall notices and agreements and carry out the work. Any insurance work would have to be declared to your insurers when you arrange for your buildings insurance cover to be put in place. I have had subsidence work carried out to my rear extension which was causing cracks to the internal brickwork and causing the whole extension to lean. Everything was covered by insurance including tying my wall to the neighbours and replacement of the drain which was causing the subsidence. Hopefully that all makes sense.
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a good plumber can change the taps over fairly eaisly if the original installation is done correctly even then there are ways of getting around problems that may arise. like I tell my friends it's not always good to go with the cheapest quote or get someone who has a good reviews and is well established within the trade. Good tradesman have the knowledge to deal with any issues and problems that may arise as well as the experience.
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min266
Original Author
7 years ago
I should add that I'm not sure where we would put the bathroom and utility given we want to bring as much light in as possible from the garden, so placement would also be important.
PRO
Burchdaume
7 years ago
min266 yes it sounds like an architect & kitchen design and install might best work for you...when you are using bi-folds etc think about window treatments too, are the tracks to be recessed etc
min266 thanked Burchdaume
PRO
The Myers Touch
7 years ago
Min266, here at the Myers Touch we offer architectural and interior design services that move hand in hand with your architectural programme. We highly recommend that you involve the kitchen specialist early on in the process, for best results. It is essential for a kitchen specialist to have the ability to collaborate with your selected architect and consider the aesthetic and functionality of your project all along. Ideally for us, we would want to meet with our clients right after they have selected their architect and are getting ready to shape the space. This will allow your kitchen specialist to incorporate and design details with the rest of the architecture of the house without sacrificing any of your wants and needs. Involving a kitchen specialist late in the project, usually results to restrictions and eventually complications.

We hope this helps

The Myers Touch Team
PRO
Kitchenpod - Temporary Kitchen Hire (Home use)
7 years ago
Hello. please put up a floor plan if you have one. To wet the appetite I would suggest searching under 'side return extension' in both Photos and Stories here on Houzz. It is a common project so a one stop shop with both kitchen and architectural skillsets will probably be the best solution. It will be worthwhile trying to keep a toilet on the ground floor. Knowing your budget will be key to what compromises (if any) you will need to make during this process. Best of luck, Ed
PRO
McCann Moore Architects
7 years ago
hi min266
seek out an architect who specialises in residential design, quite often they will have strong views on where the kitchen should go, it's layout and relationship with the rest of the house. Dont treat the kitchen in isolation, it needs to blend seamlessly with the rest of the house. once you have a strong idea/concept then seek out a good kitchen designer. this isn't a snub in any way to kitchen designers as I also own a kitchen business, but sometimes it's important to see the big picture before focusing on the details
PRO
OnePlan
7 years ago
If you need a good freelance kitchen designer book early ! ( we are now booking projects for October !)

Getting the kitchen design drawn up with 'one to one' time with your designer, ( we work remotely, but can design with you in on each stage via email ) so you get the kitchen just how it works best for you - then you can shop around and compare like for like when buying your kitchen.

We often are brought on board at a very early stage so that the overall design can achieved with any slight changes to window /door placement in the Architects drawings, if needed, for a very cohesive look.
min266
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks everyone this is all super helpful! I will upload a floor plan asap.
PRO
Absolute Project Management
7 years ago
Dear Min266. When starting your project the first stage would be to set a budget and consult a professional in regards to how this will affect your design choices, finishes and how the extension is built. We advise speaking either to a local Project Management firm who specialise in house extensions or a local Architect who has lots of experience working on small residential projects and will be able to tell you the likely costs and choices you need to make to fit in your budget. Whilst hiring a professional can be costly; they will invariably save you money through good advice, excellent design and helping you avoid costly delays or problems.

We also advise you consider- the level of finish you require. This can vastly affect the budget as kitchens can cost anywhere from 5k to 70k; we suggest £20k as a rough budget based on a mid/ high end kitchen with good quality new appliances and fittings.

Finally you should also think about whether or not you will live at the property through the works. Living through building work can be stressful and very dusty, however if you get a good building firm this can be manageable and you will save lots in not having to rent elsewhere.

See this blog post we wrote for other helpful tips- Build an extension – getting started…

If you want further help/ advice please get in touch; we help organise extension and renovation projects from start to finish and can advise on budgeting, suggesting and appointing professionals such as Architects, Structural Engineers and Building Control. See one of our recent extension projects for reference-W3, railway cottage extension

Hope this helps!
ianthy
7 years ago
We have just completed a similar project on our home in North London. Personally, I started with our local council - are you in a conservation area? this will impact the permissions that you need etc., You can also carry out searches of past planning applications to see what neighbouring properties had approved or not. A chat with your local planning officer normally costs nothing plus he/she will def know of other properties in the road/area that have had a similar project completed. I would try and do this before you commit fully to the house. You might be surprised, there are some roads/areas that will not allow side returns. You could also book an architect for a short session say 1 hour - more to discuss ideas and approach.

Your research will tell you about permitted development, so you might not need full planning permission. In our case, due to the fact we are in a conservation area we needed full planning permission for a side return, party wall, structural calcs, building control etc., We viewed a number of projects completed by architects and turnkey co's specialising in side returns and decided that we could achieve the same if not better for a lower price. We used a builder that had done work for us before and we are very happy with the results. We paid for a couple of visits from our structural engineer at key stages of the project, which saved money and helped to manage risk. You could consider this route but it depends on your level of building experience.

The best advice is not to be in too much of a hurry - take your time and really get the planning stages of your project right - especially the budget and end result you want to achieve before engaging any professionals.

United Kingdom

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Kitchen extension - north london

Burchdaume

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min266
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Burchdaume

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Kitchen extension - north london

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