A large majority of building projects will incorporate some elements of a kitchen. Whether this is replacing an old kitchen, resiting it within an existing part of the property or adding a new kitchen extension, here we explore the different options.
Replacing the old kitchen
If the current kitchen is out of date or the configuration not quite right for modern-day living, this is generally a straight forward job. With pipework and wiring existing within the space it either means these remain as they are, or a slight alteration is required.
Care and consideration need to be taken when removing the existing kitchen:
- During the ripping out phase be careful to minimise damage to walls, pipework, and wiring as this will only mean more time and cost afterward.
- There may be some items worth salvaging and if you are on a budget, reusing the existing unit carcasses, just updating appliances or changing the worktops could be an option.
- A new kitchen layout may require alterations to the lighting and electrical sockets and even new flooring. All these elements would need to be added to the overall project budget.
Kitchen extension
A larger or open plan kitchen is often the main driver for many home extensions, with the side return extension or rear single-story extension both offering great ways of gaining this new space. With this option not only does the kitchen layout require consideration but also the build itself. Depending on the extension it may fall within permitted development or it may require planning permission. Either way, building regulations approval will need to be sought. If you live in a terraced or semi-detached property, you may also require approval under the Party Wall Act.
Key considerations for the kitchen extension:
- Unless your extension falls within Permitted Development, you will need to submit plans and wait for approval before you can begin work.
- Open-plan spaces need careful planning if they are to work well, especially within a kitchen area to minimise kitchen smells across the whole of the property.
- A structural engineer will probably be required if you are opening up spaces and removing load-bearing walls.
Kitchen relocation
Resighting a kitchen into an existing part of the house could provide the perfect layout solution.
The main expense with this option is bringing the utilities – water, waste, and potentially gas to a different area of the house where there has been none before.
Drainage location plays a large part in the success of this option as waste is often the main hurdle to eliminate. The design of the kitchen can aid this by placing items requiring drainage, e.g. sink, dishwasher as close to the drain location as possible so it is worth bearing this in mind when looking at the kitchen layout.
Should gas supply be required it is likely that floorboards will need to be lifted or channels made into concrete floors. It is unlikely that these options are deemed impossible; however, it would need to be considered if the gain outweighs the cost of work.
Key considerations for this option:
- This option usually causes the most disruption to those living in the property as work will not be contained in just one area.
- Utilities will have to be brought into the kitchen.
- Getting the waste out to the drains from an area where it was previously not can be tricky and expensive.
If you are looking for inspiration, take a look at our case study section. Here we have a portfolio of properties we have extended and renovated. Should you require a kitchen specialist we would be happy to recommend a number of local businesses of whom we have worked with.