Need a bigger kitchen! Anyone know an architect?

[zeetha]

Hi all,

Our kitchen is quite small, especially for a 3-bed house, so we'd like to make it bigger. Its at the front of the house and so far the three options we've come up with are:

• Move the downstairs loo and expand into that space (would require putting the loo elsewhere on the ground floor).
• Convert the integrated garage
• Extend the front of the house to level with the garage and create a porch inbetween.

We're a bit unsure which is the best option, how much each option is going to cost (if feasible of course), and whether losing a garage will come back to haunt us in the future if/when we come to sell (although even our smallish car you can't open the doors once you've got it in!) so think we need to get in a professional!

Can anyone recommend an architect for an initial consultation, with a view to getting plans etc drawn up in the future?

Thanks in advance!

Z

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

Hi all,

Our kitchen is quite small, especially for a 3-bed house, so we'd like to make it bigger. Its at the front of the house and so far the three options we've come up with are:

• Move the downstairs loo and expand into that space (would require putting the loo elsewhere on the ground floor).
• Convert the integrated garage
• Extend the front of the house to level with the garage and create a porch inbetween.

We're a bit unsure which is the best option, how much each option is going to cost (if feasible of course), and whether losing a garage will come back to haunt us in the future if/when we come to sell (although even our smallish car you can't open the doors once you've got it in!) so think we need to get in a professional!

Can anyone recommend an architect for an initial consultation, with a view to getting plans etc drawn up in the future?

Thanks in advance!

Z

I would suggest Belmont Designs (James Minett) http://www.belmont-designs.co.uk/contact_belmont_designs.php

 

[Brighton TID]

I would defo convert the integrated garage, as there will be no structural work, assuming the inside door is already there, therefore it will be by far the cheapest option. Remember, kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, not garages (I assume parking is not a problem).

 

[rmc_15]

Glenn Hughes http://www.glennhughes.co.uk/#!__hometake3 lives in Shoreham. I'm sure that he would be pleased to help you.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

[MENTION=16159]Bold Seagull[/MENTION] is an architect.

 

[Ⓩ-Ⓐ-Ⓜ-Ⓞ-Ⓡ-Ⓐ]

I am an architect. but no longer live in the UK

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Convert the garage , hardly anyone uses it to park their car inside unless the garage door is wide enough to actually get a car in and then open either the passenger or driver's door.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

I am an architect. but no longer live in the UK

There was an episode of Grand Designs Australia where a couple built their new house on the Sunshine Coast and the architect was based in Christchurch NZ , they liaised the plans online and through Skype conversations.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

As long as parking is not an issue, convert the garage.

 

[zeetha]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

We do have parking as well so whilst there isn't an internal door to the garage already, but I'm definitely getting the hint that converting the garage would be the way to go!

 

[Bozza]

[MENTION=16159]Bold Seagull[/MENTION] is currently doing some work for us on a house we are buying.

We were looking at some upstairs work, but his (first) proposal includes a re-working of some downstairs space to give a large kitchen/dining/family room. Give him a shout.

 

[zeetha]

Cheers - I shall send him a PM

 

[Triggaaar]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property...rs-top-20-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home.html

Number 4 = "Get rid of the garage
And turn it into living space. The fact is, 90 per cent of British garages don’t contain a car. They are a wasted asset"

So unless parking is difficult, get rid of it regardless of whether you use it for the kitchen.

Consider how expensive your location is, how much your house could be worth, and therefore how much it's wise to spend on it.

 

[Whitley Bayster]

I'm also an Architect and would gladly help if I was tad more local. I do have a old mate who has his own architectural practice in Lewes. PM me if you want his contact details

 

[OzMike]

Architects cannot design kitchens, they haven't a clue.
Go to a proper kitchen designer who has experience in the building game.
Believe you me, I have spent many a time putting right architects f**k ups.
They are ok on the big scale, but lack the finesse required.

 

[zeetha]

I'm also an Architect and would gladly help if I was tad more local. I do have a old mate who has his own architectural practice in Lewes. PM me if you want his contact details

I'm just in communication with Bold Seagull, but if that doesn't work out I may well be in touch - thank you!

 

[zeetha]

Architects cannot design kitchens, they haven't a clue.
Go to a proper kitchen designer who has experience in the building game.
Believe you me, I have spent many a time putting right architects f**k ups.
They are ok on the big scale, but lack the finesse required.

Oh dear - that doesn't sound good! We're probably going to get the actual kitchen from Ikea, its more the interior/exterior changes that we need the architect for.