Undertaking a kitchen extension is a substantial Endeavour that, when executed correctly, has the potential to completely transform your living space, enhance your lifestyle, and increase your property’s value.
However, if you lack prior experience with extensions, it’s crucial to carefully consider various aspects. By conducting thorough research and gathering as much information as possible, you’ll be better prepared to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
If you’re contemplating a kitchen extension, don’t hesitate to reach out to Happinest today. Drawing upon their expertise, they’ve compiled a list of the top tips to help you plan your kitchen extension effectively.
Budget Wisely
Setting a budget is your initial step in kitchen extension planning. It should cover labor, materials, permits, and a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Obtain multiple contractor quotes to create a realistic budget, ensuring you allocate funds thoughtfully for both essential and non-essential elements, keeping your project within budget while achieving your desired outcome.
Dream Kitchen Wish list
Crafting your kitchen wish list is an exciting part of the process. List your desired features, like a kitchen island or a double oven, while considering storage, layout, and style. Reflect on your goals, whether it’s for added space or more natural light. Priorities your wish list to guide your planning and make your dream kitchen a reality.
Check Planning Rules
Larger kitchen extensions, such as those extending over 3 meters from the rear wall of attached houses, may require planning permission. Smaller ones or those under permitted development rights may not. Always verify with your local council before commencing your kitchen extension.
Detailed Project Schedule
Once you’ve chosen a builder and set a start date, coordinate with your kitchen designer to order materials and plan deliveries. Kitchen extension timelines can vary from 12 to 14 weeks for standard projects to several months or even a year for larger ones. Cabinetry orders may have lead times of up to 12 weeks. Ensure meticulous planning, including flooring, plumbing, and electrical work, to meet manufacturer requirements.
Engage an Expert Designer
Collaborate with a skilled kitchen designer early in the process, offering two significant benefits. They bring expertise to create unique kitchens, taking into account elements like socket placement and ideal island positioning. Additionally, they can provide precise plans and 3D CAD drawings, enabling you to visualize your project and make early adjustments.
Efficient Layout Design
Don’t feel constrained by the working triangle concept. Priorities efficient layouts by minimizing walking distances between practical elements. For example, if you have a hob on the island and a range cooker, consider placing them side by side. Ensure adequate space between the island and cabinets or cooker for an open and multi-cook-friendly workspace.
Careful Plumbing and Electrics Planning
Collaborate with your designer, architect, and builder for meticulous planning of appliance, basin, waste, drainage, and ducting locations. This precision ensures accurate construction, preventing costly late adjustments.
Lighting Matters
Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating an inviting and functional kitchen extension. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting thoughtfully for ideal illumination. Consider dimmer switches and energy-efficient LED bulbs to control brightness levels and save on long-term energy costs.
Durable Flooring Choices
Flooring selection is crucial. Opt for durability, slip resistance, and easy maintenance, particularly considering heavy traffic and potential spills. Popular flooring options include tiles, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. Ensure seamless transitions with adjacent rooms and contemplate under floor heating for added comfort. Align your flooring choice with your kitchen extension’s overall design and style.
Partner with Happiest
Happiest is a team of expert architectural practice technicians and planning consultants that boasts over 20 years of experience in providing homeowners with professional architectural practice and building regulation drawings for extensions, alterations, and value-enhancing projects. They aim to streamline the entire planning process, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Whether you’re planning a loft conversion, need building regulation drawings, or have a kitchen extension in mind, don’t hesitate to contact Happinest today to discuss your project.