If done right, a kitchen extension can become one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make for your home. Aside from transforming the look of your living space, this project can also increase the value of your property.
If you have never done an extension before, this project can be somewhat overwhelming. But if you go into it with eyes wide open and arm yourself with as much information as you can, then you’ll surely achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Here are some tips to think about when it comes to your kitchen extension.
1. Employ the Right Architect
A good architect can offer great insight when undergoing a kitchen extension. But hiring the right architect these days can be quite tricky. The key is to do your research. Make sure you hire a local architect who has handled similar projects in your area in the past. If you live in Sunderland, it’s best to hire an architect in Sunderland and not Newcastle. An architect from another area may not be that knowledgeable on the availability and costs of the materials needed, and this can make the project even more expensive.
The best thing about hiring an architect is that you will have someone who will handle the most difficult aspects of the project. All you will do is write a brief then the architect will come up with plans and drawings that you will use to acquire planning permission. The architect will be responsible for the design and planning stage of the kitchen extension, which is actually very important.
For instance, if you’ve got a close-off kitchen but you wanted it to open towards the living room, the architect can come up with a plan to open the space between your kitchen and living room.
Aside from helping you to come up with plans for the interior design of your kitchen extension, the architect will also make sure that the exterior aspects of the building are done right. Your architect can also help you in acquiring the necessary planning permission to carry out the kitchen extension.
2. Speak to the Neighbours
You must keep your neighbours informed of your kitchen renovation plans. Building work can be noisy and disruptive, especially if you live in a small village. But if your neighbours are fully informed, they will be more understanding and supportive, which avoids future conflicts.
So before you get started, inform your neighbours about the kitchen extension plan. If you will send them a letter, make sure to include the start date and expected date of completion. Give them your contact details and ask them to call you if they have any concerns. During the construction, make sure that the building permit is visible to them.
If you can, try to visit your neighbours so you can personally inform them about the project. Ask advice from those who have undertaken the same project in the past. They may be able to recommend a good architect and contractor to you. See if you can get a closer look at their kitchens to gather ideas for your kitchen extension. Talking to your neighbours who have undergone a kitchen makeover in the past will also allow you to learn from their blunders, which helps to avoid costly mistakes.
3. Think Carefully about Space
When creating the kitchen extension plans, consider the available space that you are working with. Will it go well with your plans to extend your kitchen? Remember, your plans can go out of hand if you don’t have the space to accommodate the new extension.
If you want more space in your kitchen, think of ways to steal some square footage from the smaller rooms in the surrounding. You can also combine unused rooms and convert them into a fully functional kitchen space. Discuss these plans with your architect and see if he can materialize these plans for you. A good architect should be able to reconfigure the walls, including the ceilings and windows, to come up with a bigger and more functional kitchen space. Be open to suggestions and recommendations because architects are expert in this field.
The storage space is another aspect to consider for your kitchen extension. While eliminating storage space is one way to visually open your kitchen, it is still possible to have some storage spaces without compromising the open look of the space. Your architect should be able to come up with clever storage solutions that can make your kitchen look less cluttered, while still maintaining its open feel.
4. Do Your Research
Before you start talking to architects and other professionals, do a bit of research so you will be in a good position to make informed decisions. Figure out what you want by researching different options for your kitchen storage, appliances, and flooring. You also need to review your finances so you will know how much budget to allocate for the project. Find out how much will it cost to get a kitchen extension these days. It would help if you do a little planning on your own before you start talking with a professional.
If you don’t want your kitchen to be the same as everyone else, why don’t you consider a bespoke kitchen? This kitchen will be built around your taste and preferences, so you don’t have to settle with what’s available in the market. It’s important to still factor in resale value, so you will need to do a bit of research of what people’s tastes are around your price bracket and around your area. For example, if you live in north Wales it’s a good idea to think about the tastes of the northern welsh and you can kill two birds with one stone by investing in a local company that do bespoke kitchens and know the market, helping you to maintain to increase the value of your property. Going with a North Wales bespoke kitchen company, you can infuse your personality into the design and come up with something unique and be safe in the knowledge other people in the area will likely like it as well. It does not matter what size or shape your kitchen is, because the architect will work around it. The architect will make the most of the available space in your home so you will have the best kitchen possible and the kitchen company will fit the kitchen in however works best for you.
Think about the resale value of your property when coming up with a bespoke kitchen. Make sure you will be able to get your money’s worth if you ever decide to sell your home in the future. Homebuyers are easily attracted to a newly remodelled kitchen, but they also want something that will be desirable to them. So try to design your bespoke kitchen in such a way that it will appeal to a wide range of homebuyers.