Considerations When Building A Kitchen Extension

However, if you are really struggling for space, you may consider building an extension to give you and your family the space you need. There are a number of benefits to having extra space in your kitchen. For example, more space to cook, dine, relax and entertain. You may even want to create a garden room, bringing the outdoors in. Or perhaps just a new flexible space for you and your family to enjoy. However, before you have finalised your design and begin thinking about worktop styles, make sure that you have considered everything carefully. As any errors or last-minute changes are costly, once production has begun. In this article, we outline a number of considerations when planning and building a kitchen extension.

Knocking through

There are a number of options to achieve more space in a kitchen before considering an extension. A simple and cheap option is to remove a partition wall between an existing room. Which can create a kitchen diner or kitchen living room. It is important to make sure that the wall you are removing isn’t load bearing. Resultantly, you should consult the services of a structural engineer. If the wall is load bearing, an RSJ will need to be installed. Which will support the wall.

Expanding

If you own a Victorian property, you may only have a small, narrow galley kitchen. This can be extended into a wider area. Which can be used as a living or dining space. Extra light can be brought into the space by installing sky lights. Allowing more natural light to enter.

Expanding outwards

If you have extra space around your home, and you have money available, adding an extension is the perfect way to add extra space to your property. You can also add features such as bi-fold doors which help bring the garden into the kitchen. As well as provide an alfresco dining experience. If you own a period property, make sure that you keep any alterations in keeping with the existing design of your house. Although certain extensions can complement period properties well, it is much easier to get planning permission on an extension which is in keeping with the original property.

Customisation

As already mentioned, the type of extension to be built will depend on the budget available. As well as the type of space you are hoping to create. A new kitchen extension provides the perfect opportunity to start from the beginning. Everything can be customised from underfloor heating to location of sockets, switches and cooker extractor hoods. When starting from scratch, you are not restricted by plumbing or electricals. Meaning complete flexibility in placement of appliances. Make sure to make use of this when planning your extension.

Planning Permission

No matter what type of kitchen extension you are planning, it is vitally important to always run your plans past a local planning officer before commencing work. Planning rules can vary between different neighbourhoods in the same town. So just because an extension at your previous address was acceptable, do not assume that it will be at your new one. If your property falls within a conservation area or national park, special consideration will need to be made.

Practical Points

When planning a kitchen extension, it is essential to make sure that you first have the budget for it. It is also important to make sure that you have a contingency fund for cases when you need to spend extra money on un-anticipated events. For example, will you need to change the location or layout of utility services? Is this affordable, based on your original budget? Make sure to learn from your existing kitchen about what works, and what doesn’t. And ensure that such irritations are not carried over into your new design.

Would you benefit from an island?

Islands are really useful because they offer more food preparation space for avid cooks. They can also integrate a number of amenities or appliances such as sinks, hobs, ovens, dishwashers, wine cabinets or even fridge draws. They are also good for casual dining and you can even cook while your guests sit around the island.

Lighting

Lighting has a huge effect on ambience in a kitchen. It is important to look at the amount of natural light coming into the area. And see how this varies at different times of the day. This will allow you to work out where extra lighting will be required. And will also assist you in the way you plan the layout. For example, you may wish to position the dining area or food preparation areas where there is the most light.

Long term view

Investing in a kitchen extension is not something to think about lightly. It is a significant investment and can be expensive. Which is why you should ask yourself a number of questions. E.g. When will you use your kitchen? How often? What will it be used for? Although it is important to consider the design of your kitchen to suit the needs of your family in the here and now, will your requirements change in the future? It is good to have an element of adaptability in your extension to meet future changes. If you are a family, it may be great to have a space for your children to play at the moment. However, when your kids get older, will they have space to do their homework or have friends round?

Summary

A kitchen is considered the hub of a family home. Yet for many families, their existing kitchen may be too small or may simply not meet their needs. Particularly for older period properties where kitchens were often smaller and ‘galley’ in style. A kitchen extension gives families more space to cook, dine, relax and entertain. In this post, we have outlined a number of key considerations when designing your dream kitchen extension.

• Knocking through. A cheap way to gain more space in your existing kitchen

• Expanding. An effective way to enlarge an existing narrow galley style kitchen typically found in period properties

• Expanding outwards. A good way to add extra space to your kitchen if you have room outside your house

• Customisation. When building a kitchen extension, you can completely design it the way you want. So, learn from what you don’t like from your old kitchen and make sure not to carry this over into your new one

• Planning permission. Make sure that any proposed extension is ran past planning permission before building commences

• Practical points. Always have a contingency fund for any un-anticipated considerations

• Kitchen islands. A good way to add extra space for food preparation, casual dining or for the kids to do homework

• Lighting. Is there enough natural lighting in the room? Where does extra lighting need to be considered?

• Long term view. Is your kitchen extension flexible? Can it accommodate future changes in your lifestyle?

Do you need help building your new kitchen extension?

Contact Phoenix Design Management today by filling in the contact form. We will be in touch as soon as possible.