Thank you for your comments. Ash - I agree this would be the low cost option and if cost becomes a deal-breaker then this is something we would consider. I don't think there is room to move the boiler there so I think I would end up having to put a cupboard in to cover them up.

On the higher cost end - I am trying to persuade my husband a good idea would be to level out the back of the house and (so a small extension) and then knock through from current kitchen to the lounge and taking some of the lounge to make the back room go all the way across. Putting the kitchen far left as you see it going as far up into the garage as where the boiler is, having the rest of garage as a dining area, and a sitting area going across the back of the house with bifold doors onto the garden (going from right hand side). The main patio is to the right of the garden and we have two sets of doors currently onto the garden through the breakfast room and lounge, which I don't think is necessary. My other point is the room referred to on this plan as 'lounge/diner' is a bit small to be the two rooms so we are just using as one lounge. As you can see the actual square footage isn't massive so making the most of the space is key.

Hubby's concerns are about the open plan nature, also the cost for what we potentially would gain. Also the old 'lounge/diner' being a bit small for a lounge - to which I said make it the playroom with the main sitting area being the new on at the back.

Thoughts?

Hi. That does seem to be the dearest option and effectively you're gaining a Play room but unless the lounge is open plan to the kitchen (?) you won't really gain a family space as the kitchen/dining will be of a similar size as will the lounge unless I've misunderstood! Personally I would go with One Plans idea as you gain a nice big family room. It really depends on your criteria though, do you want a play room and a family room in which case a bigger extension may be the answer.

Relocating the kitchen would make the big difference. At the moment its position interferes with the flow of the spaces. The current position of the staircase would make it possible to not need a complete open plan. Send me a message if you would like more help.

Hi. There are some great ideas already.

Your suggestion of squaring of the back of the house and opening up the ground floor could really give you a good space which flows, making it work more effectively for the family, which in turn would make if feel larger. Some well considered kitchen layout and design would enhance the feel, making the most of the space.

Leaving the garage as a separate space would allow storage of items out of sight, especially if you have some storage units fitted. As garages are usually not insulated they can be great for this, especially at times like Christmas where they can almost double as a larder.

If you do decide to convert the garage spend some time optimizing the insulation to avoid converting a cold room you can't use or introducing a damp problem.

Will look forward to seeing the finished photos.