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Renovating Before & After Design Dilemma

Should I extend my kitchen or use my existing footprint? Advice wanted

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hi all, I am reposting again as finally got round to including my floor plans. I'm in 2 minds whether I should reconfigure kitchen within footprint by, taking away kitchen breakfast bar, extending bench to the back door (which will be closed off), having a new server window on the kitchen wall out to the deck. The oven and sink will be swapped over. I want to install french doors from the dining room. I had thought of going through to use the laundry as part of the kitchen but have decided to keep the laundry as is . However, now I am investigating if I can extend the kitchen area out towards the backyard (as far as where the deck shows - which isn't a whole lot. I have included the plan of how my home is positioned on the land and fence lines so it's not square. Of course I still need to find out how much this would cost me. But at the moment, I don't really want to go over $100k and that includes new kitchen, installation of new windows, french doors, new bathroom, and new flooring and carpet for the house. I know, it doesn't sound like a lot of budget. That also has to cover off my new floor plans I would need done up and building consenting. Keen to see what other readers think...

Comments (2)

User
3 years ago
I'd take a totally different route .

It looks like there is that narrowish window in the lounge or dining area -- I'd look at whether you could make that into a ranch-slider ( yes , I am in NZ too -- if you say ranch-slider it confuses the Aussies haha ) . You'd need a structural engineer to make sure that wall isn't load bearing , and also electrical cables are able to be moved , but I'd suspect the load bearing bits would be the corners , and you'd be able to 'open up' that wall onto the deck .

While it initially may seem counter-intuitive , you could then take out the door and that other taller window -- close it in and add a couple of small windows , or how about doubling down , and seeing if you can 'open up' between what you call the 2 windows above the stove -- have 1 long flat window along there , OR even do another bay window -- that will add more light , but also by taking out the opening door , you will get an extra metre of space ,

That way , you can do a different kitchen design -- maybe a wall mount oven , or a pantry , a breakfast bar in a different spot -- basically , plan the kitchen and the window placement at the same time .

The advantages would be more usable space , more light , an indoor/outdoor flow but through the other room , not the kitchen . But with more glass actually in the kitchen , it will feel lighter and airier , plumbing won't be as much of a hassle , it will look better . The only possible downside would be the wall you put the ranchslider in will need to be kept clear , as you may lose a bit of space there , but the breeze and openness will make up for that IMO .
Italia thanked User
Italia
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for your feedback @User. Actually what you have said endorsed what I have been thinking for a while now. It's taken me a while to get my head around taking out the back door, but actually that's the only way I can get extra space without doing major work. I will have to declutter, and I def. prefer french doors to a ranchslider but opening up that wall which is load bearing (it's a 2 story house) which has its pluses but in this case minuses given cost involved to extend. Apprciate you taking the time.
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