Downstairs remodeling

3 years ago

I wonder if I could ask for advice regarding a house project.
We are about to move house and I have plans to remodel the downstairs. This will hopefully involve removing an internal wall to extend the kitchen and portioning off an area for a study. I'm just struggling to understand what order to do things in. I know I'll need a builder to come and have a look to discuss the work. But at what point do I choose the kitchen? I want a hob on the island which will need an extractor above and lighting positioned appropriately for this. So the builder will need to know this stuff but I won't know the details until the kitchen is chosen. I'm confused as to where I need to start! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm losing sleep!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Daisy England
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Is the builder also fitting the kitchen? Who is buying the kitchen? I presume you have a plan in mind?

You need the sizes. Definite sizes. Choose a fascia, carcases will probably be white as this is what most people go for, choose the worktop, appliances and flooring. You can choose it all. There’s nothing to stop you choosing.

The builder should then be able to tell you when he estimates the main building work will be complete and when the kitchen will be started. You will need to ensure that the kitchen items are ready for him to fit.

Do be aware that worktops and doors for some items are still on a waiting list. It’s been like this since last year so don’t delay in getting them.
rgarfoot
3 years ago
Hi. I would talk to your builder first and let him know what your vision is. He will give you feedback on any potential issues/things to consider, You can ask him if he is able to co-ordinate other trades people. If you get the right builder they will work alongside you to project manage it.

You may need a structural engineer to provide advice if your removing any internal walls, depending whats the walls are and what is above that might need supporting. So i would get this advice early as it could impact on your layout kitchen design. If they are stud walls and not supporting anything your builder will let you know and be able to take these down.

I would then chose my kitchen and get a design drawn up - most kitchen companies do this as part of their quote process. You can see then if the layout you would like works is the space you have. Lots do the installation also which can be helpful. Lots have a lead in time of around 12 weeks from order - some builders merchants have a small range in their stores if you wanted it quicker.

If its an older house you might have some asbestos containing materials - sometimes in old floor tiles, that you need to be careful how these are dealt with/removed. The HSE has helpful info. Check this before your start any strip out/demolition.

Once thats done, there might be some ceilings to make good where you have removed walls, which would be best done before your kitchen goes in.

With your new island you will need an electrician, who will probably need to move socket points in the existing kitchen area depending on your new kitchen layout and to then wire in appliances. They might need to be in several times doing a first and then 2nd fix.

Once the kitchen is part way in i then organise my tiles as i can see exactly what area i need to tile. If your using floor tiles, you can tile to just underneath the units and your plinth then hides the join. You could tile right the way under but that costs more and no one see it!.

Decoration usually comes last.

I find its best to keep talking to the builder and if you have the right one they will help you through the process.

Good luck with your project.
Related Discussions
Kitchen - Dining Room Design
Q
Comments (1)
I would definitely go for a larger kitchen therefore a swap. Also if structure allows to remove this little bit of unnecessary wall by current kitchen entrance would make the space more open.( I think in the other plan I see it is happening?) the outside door swap for a window is a very good idea in my mind.
...See More
I need both a comfortable seating and eating area in this one space, h
Q
Comments (17)
I understand what you want to do, so here's my suggestion, if it fits.....I'd move the couch under the mirror. Move table to the center of the kitchen, like an island. Sounds like it's two adults and two toddlers, so I'd definitely remove two of those chairs. Are your kids in high-chairs, if so move the other two chairs out too. Basically you want four chairs not six. Move them to a garage, basement or another room. Put the chairs around two or three sides of the table. I'd leave the side near the stove and washing machine(?) open. TV would mount to the right of the back door. See if that would work. Either way, it's going to be a tight space. Post pics please.
...See More
Tub be or not tub be...
Q
Comments (73)
I think it looks great so far. Many of the ads for claw foot tubs, and magazines, show them with encaustic/cement tile and plain white surround. Also, you did something creative and attractive with the tile layout. I love the nickel shine of your clawfoot legs too. If you can maybe get a corner shelf on one side of the wall, you'll have a place for soap, candle or bubble bath. And maybe hotel towel holder on another wall to get the height up. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
...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
E H
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the feedback, I think my main concern is that until I have the builder /structural engineer in, I won't know exactly what space I am looking at which makes it difficult to plan the kitchen. I obviously have an idea but I won't know exact dimensions. So I think I might have to hold off choosing the kitchen until then? I know there's a huge wait for things at the moment but I can't see a way I can order the kitchen until I meet the builder. As I say, we haven't moved in yet so I'm not even in the space, I'm just trying to get my head in the right place so when we move in I can hit the ground running!
rgarfoot
3 years ago
You can always go back to your kitchen designer/supplier to tweak the design once you know your exact dimensions. Yes your right not to order the kitchen until you know your exact dimensions - you might find once you move in and get a better feel for it you might have different ideas. We are designing our kitchen now alongside working with our architects so we make sure we get window dimension/ceiling heights right with our refurb. Our kitchen probably wont get installed until the end of this year, so dont worry about starting early - its good not to rush and give yourself time to think it through.
Andrew Morren
3 years ago
As a kitchen designer I have been to so many houses where the rooms have been formed and they are a few inches too big or too small for what would be a great design. In my option it is great to be in at the concept but you have to work with a structural engineer to keep safe.

Downstairs remodeling

Comments (5)

Daisy England

rgarfoot

Related Discussions

E H
Original Author

rgarfoot

Andrew Morren

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Downstairs remodeling

Comments (5)

Daisy England

rgarfoot

Related Discussions

E HOriginal Author

rgarfoot

Andrew Morren

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

E H
Original Author