Small projects

Allie Mackinnon, project runner for Hutch House, Nimtim Architects

PART 1. KITCHEN EXTENSIONS

• Design ideas

• Rules & regs

• Build costs

• Practical solutions

Adding value to a house is often a phrase used to express how much an extension could add in monetary terms. However, there’s also much to be said about the value an extension can add in terms of quality of life - how you live and function in your home.

Often we look to move because we’ve outgrown our homes and we’re needing (and wanting) something with a bit more square footage. But adding to or remodelling the existing space in your home can add value in more ways than one.

In this new series we’re going to look at projects you could consider undertaking to reimagine your home. From adding a porch and planning an en suite to converting a loft, we’ll be covering projects that will add space and value upstairs, downstairs, round the back and down the side.

In Part 1 we turn our attention to the most popular extension project - the kitchen extension. Turning a kitchen into a multifunctional space that can act as the beating heart of a home is a tall order but can be achieved masterfully.

Over the next few pages we’ve pulled together advice from architects, design ideas for inspiration and the all-important knowledge that any savvy kitchen extender should take on board before embarking on such a build project, including Building Regs advice; Permitted Development rights; insurance and the costs.

THE DESIGN

One of the biggest things to avoid when kicking out the footprint of your home is adding a ‘bolt-on’ extension that ends up being a bit of a damp squib.

In other words, as an addition to an existing building, you’ve got to consider how it’ll work with what’s already there and what’s around you. You don’t want it to be out of proportion with the existing house or the neighbouring properties. The new space should feel like an integral part of the house, and it shouldn’t make existing rooms redundant.

This is where the input of an experienced designer will really help stitch the old with the new. They will ideally consider how the new space flows and connects with the existing house, whether to opt for a contemporary extension or something that blends with the existing house, and the size and scale of the extension - often referred to as ‘massing’. Another key area they’ll look at is light ingress, which is the way light will penetrate the new space and rooms at the centre of the floorplan (see the ‘Introducing natural light’ section on page 91). The roofline will be a further consideration. For instance, a flat roof might allow you to maximise ceiling heights, without ‘hitting’ first floor windows. You’ll want to think about how much garden you want to keep as well and ensure you maintain a balance.