Are you dreaming of a spacious kitchen that seamlessly blends functionality with style? If you’re a homeowner in Fulham or anywhere else in London, you’re not alone! As urban living continues to rise, the need for extra space — particularly in the heart of your home — is becoming more essential than ever. Whether you envision hosting vibrant dinner parties, enjoying cozy family breakfasts, or simply having room to breathe while cooking up culinary masterpieces, a kitchen extension could be your ticket to unlocking potential and enhancing your lifestyle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about maximizing space through expertly designed kitchen extensions tailored specifically for Fulham’s unique charm and London’s diverse architectural landscape. Ready to transform your galley into an open haven? Let’s dive in!
In this article:
Varieties of kitchen expansions
There is a wide range of kitchen extensions, each with its own unique design. To determine the ideal one for your home, various considerations need to be taken into account. These include the type of property you have, any planning limitations, your budget, and the amount of outdoor space you are willing to give up. In case you are unsure about the available options, here are some styles to consider.
Extended kitchen area with a sloping roof
Pitched roof kitchen extensions are a great option for expanding your space, typically towards the back of your property. They preserve the original charm of older homes and complement traditional properties superbly. In addition, they offer higher ceilings, resulting in a more spacious feel compared to flat roofs. Furthermore, pitched roof extensions boast better weather resistance and employ sturdy materials, thus requiring less maintenance over time. However, due to the complexity of the build and use of more durable materials, these extensions may come at a higher cost and are more suitable for larger projects.
Extended kitchen with a flat roof
Kitchen extensions with flat roofs are highly sought-after, particularly for single-story or smaller projects. When executed correctly, they add a sleek touch to your property’s exterior without breaking the bank. Unlike pitched roofs, they involve less structural work and therefore require a lower budget to achieve the same amount of space. For a more contemporary look, many opt for trendy industrial materials like zinc or aluminium. Just make sure to account for potential maintenance expenses and note that ceiling heights may be lower than other types of roofs.
A kitchen extension with a skylight.
A skylight can be a great addition to your home, whether it is combined with a traditional extension or used on its own to create the illusion of more space. Not only are skylights cost-effective in flooding your kitchen with natural light, but they can also make your kitchen seem larger. If you want to make an even bigger impact, consider combining a kitchen and dining room into an open plan design or adding another type of extension. Most homes do not require planning permission for skylights, unless you live in a flat, maisonette, or listed building. By incorporating skylights into your kitchen, you can improve ventilation and reduce the need for artificial lighting, saving on utility bills. Strategic placement of skylights in key areas such as dining spaces and cooking stations will greatly enhance the level of natural light in your kit
An extension for the kitchen, with a conservatory design.
Both orangeries and conservatories offer a cost-effective way to extend your home. While an orangery boasts a glass lantern roof, a conservatory has a pitched glass roof, glazed structural walls, and a brick base. These structures can be built off-site in a modular fashion. However, it’s important to note that while they may make for great open-plan dining spaces or snugs, conservatories are not typically used to house appliances. The materials chosen for your extension will impact the overall cost and value added to your property. Though uPVC is one of the more affordable options, it has fallen out of fashion and may not add as much value. Higher quality materials like sustainably sourced timber or aluminium can not only provide a stylish look but also offer potential returns on investment when selling your home.
Extension of the kitchen garden room
A kitchen extension in your garden room can be achieved with an orangery or conservatory. Many homeowners utilise this idea to add a closed-off area to their house. If you like the idea of having your dining space near, but still separate from, your kitchen, this could be a perfect option for you. To fully make use of the natural light provided by these glassy extensions, consider installing internal glazed doors to allow the light to flow continuously into your home. French doors are a popular choice for a classic look, while bi-fold doors add a touch of modern style.
An expansion to the kitchen”
The addition of the orangery kitchen to our home.
Orangeries are unique brick structures featuring large windows and a glass lantern roof, offering an economical solution for expanding your kitchen space. Thanks to their abundant glazing, these structures invite ample natural light into your home, enhancing the feeling of connectivity with your garden even during the winter season. While they are not typically designed to accommodate appliances due to their glass walls, orangeries make for a delightful dining area with stunning views of the surrounding garden. If you decide on an orangery extension for your kitchen, it’s essential to prioritise proper ventilation to prevent excessive condensation and avoid creating a greenhouse effect that could potentially cause discomfort in both summer and winter months
An extension for the kitchen, with a conservatory design.
Both orangeries and conservatories offer a cost-effective way to extend your home. While an orangery boasts a glass lantern roof, a conservatory has a pitched glass roof, glazed structural walls, and a brick base. These structures can be built off-site in a modular fashion. However, it’s important to note that while they may make for great open-plan dining spaces or snugs, conservatories are not typically used to house appliances. The materials chosen for your extension will impact the overall cost and value added to your property. Though uPVC is one of the more affordable options, it has fallen out of fashion and may not add as much value. Higher quality materials like sustainably sourced timber or aluminium can not only provide a stylish look but also offer potential returns on investment when selling your home.
Extension of the kitchen garden room
A kitchen extension in your garden room can be achieved with an orangery or conservatory. Many homeowners utilise this idea to add a closed-off area to their house. If you like the idea of having your dining space near, but still separate from, your kitchen, this could be a perfect option for you. To fully make use of the natural light provided by these glassy extensions, consider installing internal glazed doors to allow the light to flow continuously into your home. French doors are a popular choice for a classic look, while bi-fold doors add a touch of modern style.
What is the correct way to design your kitchen extension?
After becoming familiar with your available choices, it’s important to consider the overall look and feel of the room. To assist with this, we consulted our interior design partners at My Bespoke Room for their expert advice on creating the perfect open plan kitchen.
In order to begin, it is necessary to consider the layout. Utilise your architect’s blueprints to create a preliminary diagram of your existing area. Be sure to include any features that are permanent or will remain unaltered, such as windows and doors.
Consider the purpose of the room. While this may seem obvious, compiling a list of your desires will showcase its significance. Will you be hosting numerous gatherings and require a spacious dining area? Or do you envision a comfortable nook for watching TV or working? With this wish list in mind, refer back to your floor plan to determine the layout.
Concerned about limited space for all your necessities?
As experts in interior design, we thrive on the opportunity to work with smaller spaces! Consider incorporating clever solutions like built-in bench seating in your dining area, allowing for easy table movement. This versatile feature can also serve as extra storage, a crucial element in compact living areas.
Additionally, it is important to take into account the source of natural light when determining the layout. For instance, if you desire to have pendant lights above your island, avoid placing it directly below a skylight. Similarly, if you plan on having a television in the space, ensure that it is not in direct sunlight to avoid any glare that may impede visibility.
Having trouble envisioning your upcoming kitchen extension?
Let the skilled designers at My Bespoke Room provide you with the ideal layout for it, ensuring that you make the most out of its capabilities. Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your project now.
The price of a kitchen extension can greatly fluctuate depending on the specific type of extension you choose, your geographical location, and the level of intricacy in your project.
To illustrate, the cost of a ground floor side extension for your kitchen can vary greatly, ranging from £37,000 to £195,000 depending on factors such as location in the UK (with London being more expensive), project size, materials used, and contractor quality. While smaller independent builders may offer lower prices, their lack of transparency and labor resources may pose a higher risk compared to reputable larger construction companies.
In addition to the construction costs, there are various other fees and services that must be considered. As a result, the budget for a typical kitchen extension is typically divided in this way…
The breakdown of fees for Resi’s services are as follows: 4% for architects, 1% for administration, 3% for structural engineers, 2% for surveyors, 30% for contractors, 20% for materials, 5% for fittings, 15% for glazing, and a further 20% for VAT.
The extension in the kitchen of Warrington now serves as a diner area.
The duration of your project will vary based on the specific kitchen extension you choose. For instance, if you opt for a traditional rear extension, it will likely take around 8-16 weeks to finish construction.
In addition to construction, there are other time factors to consider. These include obtaining planning permission, fulfilling building regulations, and addressing potential party wall issues. Overall, the entire process of a kitchen extension can take up to 12 months or possibly longer to complete.
Are you wondering if planning permission is necessary for a kitchen extension?
Fortunately, there is a government program called ‘permitted development rights’ that may exempt certain extensions from requiring a full planning application. As long as your design adheres to specific guidelines, such as its placement, size, materials, height, and eaves and ridges placement, you may be able to bypass the traditional application process.
Given the complexity of these regulations, we highly suggest partnering with a seasoned architect to guarantee compliance and navigate the necessary steps. Although traditional planning methods may not be necessary, it is still necessary for your kitchen extension to be approved by the local government. Obtaining a lawful development certificate is also recommended as proof of the legality of your kitchen extension during its construction.
Some kitchen extensions may not be eligible for permitted development rights, as rules can differ throughout the UK. Certain types of properties, such as flats and maisonettes, listed buildings, and those in conservation areas, may not qualify or have limited options. Additionally, certain new builds may also have their own specific restrictions in place.
Find out additional information about obtaining planning permission for extensions at this location.
In order to adhere to the building regulations for kitchen extensions, certain statutory requirements must be met. These cover a range of aspects such as fire safety, ventilation, and structural integrity. As these regulations are in place for the well-being of homes, they hold significant importance in your project.
While a structural engineer is necessary for providing important calculations to your contractor, we strongly suggest taking it a step further and obtaining a complete building regulations package. This will equip your contractor with detailed technical drawings that cover every aspect of building regulations and guarantee compliance with these standards. Without this comprehensive package, you would essentially be relying on your contractor to fill in any missing information, which can be quite risky, especially if you are working with a smaller building firm!
The cost of a kitchen extension varies based on the type of extension, location, and project complexity. Typically, costs range from £40,000 to £200,000.
Building a standard kitchen extension usually takes between 8 and 16 weeks.
The cost of a kitchen extension can be influenced by several factors, including property location, as construction costs tend to be higher in areas like London and the South East. Other cost drivers include the type and size of the extension, the materials used, and the level of interior finishes you choose. Additionally, accessibility to the property, site conditions, and any unique design features or customisations can impact the final price.
To ensure your extension complies with local regulations, start by consulting with a professional architect or planner familiar with your area. They can help determine if your project requires planning permission or if it falls under permitted development rights. They’ll also guide you through building regulations for structural safety, insulation, fire safety, and energy efficiency, helping you obtain any necessary approvals before construction begins.
The process begins with initial consultations and concept designs, followed by detailed planning and securing necessary approvals. Once designs are finalised, the project moves to the construction phase, which typically includes demolition, foundation work, structural build, and interior finishes. Managing timelines effectively involves regular check-ins with your project team, setting clear milestones, and preparing for potential delays due to weather, material availability, or unexpected site conditions. Working with experienced professionals can help keep your project on track from start to finish.
The ideal kitchen extension for you depends on several factors, including your property type, budget, any planning restrictions, and how much of your garden space you’re willing to use.
Kitchen extensions come in different styles, each suited to particular needs and spaces. Common types include rear extensions, side-return extensions, wraparound extensions, and conservatories. A rear extension is often ideal if you have garden space to spare, while a side-return extension utilises space along the side of the house. Wraparound extensions offer extra space on multiple sides but are more complex and costly. Consider your space, lifestyle needs, and budget to decide which type fits your goals best.
Office Refurbishment WE PROVIDE CREATIVE, ORIGINAL IDEAS AND PROJECTS DESIGNS TO HELP YOU INSPIRE YOUR STAFF, ENGAGE YOUR CLIENTS AND TRANSFORM YOUR GROWING BUSINESS. Home » Office Refurbishment MAXIMISING ROI ON YOUR PROPERTY It’s an exciting time when you decide to
If you are considering a basement conversion London or the construction of a new floor beneath your home, Design & Build London is a one-stop-shop, specialising in design, high-end build and fit-out services for residential properties located within London and the surrounding
©2024 Design & Build London All Rights Reserved| Terms & Conditions| VAT:289326069| Company Registration:11156395
