PLANNING AND DESIGNING THE PERFECT KITCHEN EXTENSION

A kitchen extension is an ideal way to increase the value of your home and redefine the interior space. Engage the services of an architect and they can manage all the building processes from start to finish, including all planning permissions, and make sure you get the best results from the design stage. Here at Brightman Clarke Architects, we have extensive experience in the plan and design of kitchen extensions and recommend you consider the following when you are planning this type of home improvement work. 

How Will The Room Function To Make Your Life Better? 

Adding an extension to the existing property will create all the space you need for your new kitchen but how are you going to make use of this? Plan how the room is going to function after the work is completed and consider just what you are going to do with the environment. Will this simply be a space for food preparation or do you envisage this is going to be the social hub of the house as a combined kitchen/dining area?  

Discuss the options available with your architect and be honest in what you are trying to achieve. This is your opportunity to add an extension that seamlessly flows with your existing structure, breaking down the barriers between the inside and outside of the home. 

What Direction Do You Want The Design To Take?

Do you know the style and design you want to achieve with your new kitchen extension? Possibly you already know the direction you want the design to take, or maybe you are open to suggestions, and this is where a detailed discussion with your architect can be critical. When you add an extension to your property you can be as bold as you like (subject to planning permissions) and tailor the design to suit your personal tastes.  

For example, you might want the building extension to blend in with the existing design of the home or act as a total contrast to become a unique and stylish statement. Look around for inspiration and consider other projects already finished on other properties. Find samples, and you can then go through the design brief with your architect and discuss the direction you want it to take.  

How About Internal Finishes? 

With all your attention on the physical design structure, you’d be forgiven for not thinking about the internal finishes until the later stages of the project. This could be a mistake though, as early attention to important factors such as lighting, flooring and kitchen fittings can actually help and will certainly give you a clearer idea of the budget you have to work with. 

Speaking of budget, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your architect as early as possible so they can assess what is feasible with the finances you available, and work with you to save money where possible. The cost of internal finishes can escalate out of control if you let, it but there will always be less expensive alternatives for you to consider if you want to keep a tighter grip on the purse strings.    

Is The Timescale Realistic?

It’s only natural you’ll want your new kitchen extension to be completed as quickly as possible, but you still have to be realistic with the time it will take to complete the work. Quality can be compromised if you rush a building project, so be pragmatic and give the scheme plenty of time to develop. It’s much better to give the build additional time where possible to achieve a high-end result. 

Remember, there will be a certain amount of upheaval when you have a house extension, and planning permission and building regulations can take a while to be approved.  However, if you set a level-headed timescale and plan ahead as much as possible, the finished work will be more than worth it. 

Here at Brightman Clarke Architects, we have a friendly, professional team waiting to discuss your home extension with you. If you would like more information, please call us today on 0114 321 1869 or simply get in touch with us online instead.