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So many decisions to make but in what order should they be made?
So you're planning a kitchen extension, how exciting!
But there are so many decisions to make, so in what order should they be done?
What size should your new kitchen extension be?
Under Permitted Development, you can extend several meters out the back of your house without full planning permission. It has changed recently so that you can expand your ground floor surface area up to 50% of the original size and up to two stories high, as long as you don't interfer with the roof line. Specifics can be found at the Planning Portal.
For simple designs, your builder can probably help you with everything from the design to complying with Building Regulations, however, architects can offer varying levels of help that can bring your extension to a new design level.
Window Placement & Moving Water
This is a good point to start thinking about your general kitchen layout. It is much cheaper to move windows on paper than it is once they are built. It will also start blocking out the main layout and deciding if there will be an island or not. This can then start informing details such as drainage (see my post about sinks). This is also the time to build in character into the walls such as nooks, fireplaces or built in seating; it doesn't have to be a white box with bi-folding doors! You can now send out to tender and start firming up your budget.
Planning & Building
As soon as you have the required planning, builders and plans in place, you can get building! You'll want to have finalised the kitchen by first fix so that you have all your sockets and power points perfectly positioned.
Lead Time
Kitchens take between 2-12 weeks to build and there may be additional delays so remember to place your order at the right time (although there is often a little wiggle room). Your kitchen fitter will want the room to be completely ready with flooring, painted walls and ready for second fix.
Kitchens take about a week to fit and stone tops will take a further week after templating. Your supplier will advise you when to bring back your electrician and plumber to connect to the appliances.
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