skip to main content

Renovating Design Dilemma Before & After

Help with plan 1930's semi

3 years ago

So, after having back quotes we realise, we can't afford to do all the work we want to, so having a re think. We are hoping to make a better open plan space by removing the utility and WC that are currently in the middle of the house (the original kitchen and outhouse), and then knock down the supporting walls between the dining room and those rooms and then the old exterior wall between the kitchen and current utility space.

Our original plan was to change the window in the kitchen to a french door, moving slightly so it allows a full run of units (700mm rather than the current 400mm) then add a corner window with seating and storage underneath, where there is currently the very small window in the WC. The structural work needed for this is we think too much for our budget, so I'm looking at a new solution, but can't quite get my head around what to do now. (Note the corner window isn't shown on this plan at all) The reason for the corner window is that the corner juts out in front of the bay window which isn't great.

Additionally, we would want to create a new WC. I keep going backwards and forwards on access for this, currently I am thinking a pocket door and access from playroom (which I think could be built wet room ready for use as bedroom?) My concern with this, it's a long way from the garden for a quick dash for kids, mud etc, but possibly preferable in terms of space for kitchen and having a loo directly off the kitchen. We had drawn up a utility room accesssed via a pocket door from kitchen and then into WC, but I feel it is a bit big for my needs and takes too much from kitchen and playroom spaces. Note : We can't really use the understairs as access as the height is quite low and all the meters, under floor heating and other plant is in that space.

Suggested change from utility/WC - obviously not too scale!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

sarh123
3 years ago
Were any of the builders giving quotes particularly helpful/friendly? I would ask them which are the expensive aspects of the build and if there are simpler ways to achieve what you want. We saved a lot of money by knocking 1m off our upstairs extension - it allowed the builder to take new steels off an existing steel rather than having to start from scratch. We also positioned a new wc to use existing pipework.
PRO
Kingfisher Designs
3 years ago
Its unfortunate you've got so many load bearing walls to go through, that will always be expensive I'm afraid. There are some things you could do to trim costs (some I think you've already worked out which is good) Changing the wc so the toilet is on the outside wall will make it much cheaper then trying to go inside. keeping the french window the size the window currently is will be cheaper as widening a window is arguable harder then putting a new one in. I'd back what Sarh123 said, if any were helpfull / friendly ask them if they can work out a way to trim the costs, it could be as simple as knocking a foot or two or the length of one of theose major beams.
Related Discussions
Help.... with contemporary Kitchen colour and tiles!
Q
Comments (1)
We are thinking maybe a terazzo tile of some sort- one that integrates the red, black and white, and beige (from the wood floors adjacent). This could pull it all together, for one cohesive room! See images.
...See More
to allow my twin visualise a new home...can you help
Q
Comments (4)
Hello Annken, What about buying a very long Bungalow style home 1930's style.. If you treat it like two wings of a stately home.. With one side each for both of you that meets in the middle for kitchen/dining etc.. Or would you both want completely separate living quarters?.. If the height wasn't too low you may be able to create some split level rooms with ramp style stairs.. Or if it's not a bungalow if it was big enough you could have split level flooring with low spiral stairs.. Think Guggenheim or the Berthold Lubetkin beautifully designed Penguin house at the zoo that also had "slides" for the penguins to enter the pool in style.. These two both have a similar "feel" aesthetically to them and very beautiful... They are both favourites of mine... but it seems to me to be a way of adapting the home to the use of your wheelchairs in a nice stylish and modern way.. Possibly even more affordable than having stairs and chair lifts.. : ))
...See More
Win a design consultation at The permanent tsb Ideal Home Show!
Q
Comments (74)
Hello Houzz Ireland, We are currently renovating a 1960's build - so as you know, there is a lot of decisions to be made!! So it would be nice to get some gems of advice from the experts to help us through this daunting task. Areas where we would really like some inspiration for - small bathroom downstairs. I would really like to do something fun with this room and although small, I think it could work really well with some funky wallpaper or possibly tiles?! I'm just not sure what to do with it. Also - pulling a whole house together?! Where do we start? We have the bigger pieces of furniture but how do I know what nest of tables goes best with a suite? Or what accessories will bring a room together? I'm due a second baby in 2 weeks time so any help at this stage would be so amazing - to guide me on the right interior design path for our new house. Thanks, Laurie
...See More
Narrow living space
Q
Comments (1)
can that wall be remover between kitchen and table? if so could you put a narrow island in kitchen with a table/counter running off of it into current dining area. this would be alot narrower and allow for more storage unser the window plus open up ypur living space more. also furniture is very dark for a small space and table and chairs seem very big. could you paint ceiling white and light fixture a brighter colour.. all these things should make it seem bigger. the picture i have attached would be quitw narrow and just an idea i saw on houzz.
...See More

Sponsored

Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore

More Discussions

Panelling hallway & cupboard

0

bathroom renovation advice

0

Interior Material Clash?

0

Interior Design Classes April to June 2024

0

Single story extension

1

Ireland

Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.