Homeowners who are planning a kitchen extension can quickly become confused if they aren't working to a well thought out plan. There are questions about whether there is a need for an architect or is advice from a builder enough? Will the builder be certain as to whether your extension requires a building permit? Extending your kitchen doesn't have to be as overwhelming as it might first seem. Here are a few things to consider when planning your perfect kitchen extension.
Size Up the Job
If you feel your kitchen extension is major then you could find the works falling under the category of needing a building permit. For example, if you need to knock down a wall or if you want to create new space on top of your garage, you will have to submit detailed kitchen extension plans to the relevant authorities. In a case such as this you would have to have architectural drawings completed.
The only way to be sure of the rules and regulations you are bound by in your area is to contact your local council. You should most definitely do this to avoid problems in the future. You could be selling your home in five or ten years’ time, and if there is no record of the kitchen extension or any extension you may have done in your home, you could face serious consequences from the authorities.
If you really doubt you'll need a permit then you might
be averse to hiring an architect to do the drawings, however, to avoid complications you should submit as much detail to council as possible to avoid unnecessary red tape. Basic drawings and even photos can assist council in making their determination on your planned works.
Don't Cut Corners
Although it's tempting to cut corners wherever you can to save money and even speed up your kitchen extension it can spell trouble over the long term. Even if you don't require architectural drawings for council, that doesn't mean they wouldn't be useful in planning your perfect kitchen extension. Yes, architects do not come cheap, but they are experts at creating space that works like a dream and making the most efficient use of the available space within your home. Investing in proper plans will mean your kitchen will bring you years of optimum function and enjoyment.
The other huge benefit of hiring an architect or an interior decorator is that they take all the worry out of the situation for you. You will know you can trust them to bring your dream kitchen to life and they will even handle council issues and sometimes deal directly with builders, helping the project stay on track and things to be built exactly as per the plan.
At the end of the day, professional advice will ensure your kitchen extension moves along with very few hiccups so it's worth investing both time and money to get your project off on the right foot. And before you know it you'll be enjoying your fabulous kitchen extension and be happy in the knowledge that you invested where it mattered most - the long term value of your home and your everyday enjoyment of it too.
BathroomsNews has offered these tips, which can be incorporated at the time doing a kitchen extension. You can read more about tips and décor ideas on bathrooms news.