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Do you want to transform your home by adding more space and, at the same time, add to its value? You can consider building a kitchen extension. Adding a well-planned kitchen extension in Essex can be a great idea in a county where property styles range from the traditional to modern homes. This is because such a project can add the perfect blend of practicality and design.
Photo by Dmitry Zvolskiy

Below are some things you need to consider when starting your kitchen extension in Essex to have a smooth and successful project:

Understand your goals and budget

Before embarking on any construction project, it’s crucial to exactly define what you want to achieve with your kitchen extension. You may be looking to increase your property’s value, create an open-plan kitchen-dining space, or add more natural light.

Having identified your goals, you need to come up with a realistic budget that factors in the costs of the design, construction, fittings and also a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. The costs of implementing a kitchen extension in Essex can vary based on the size of your project and local labour rates. Therefore, it would be better to obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors and compare them.

Understand planning permission requirements and building regulations

In many cases, kitchen extensions can be classified as falling within permitted development rights; so, you might not need to obtain planning permission, especially for smaller, single-storey designs. There are some cases, however, when you will need to obtain planning permission through your local council in Essex. Some of these cases include if your property is situated in a conservation area or the extension goes beyond specific limits.

It is also mandatory for all Essex home extensions, including kitchen extensions, to comply with building regulations. The regulations cover aspects like structural integrity, drainage, fire safety, energy efficiency and ventilation. It would be advisable to consult an architectural designer or a chartered architect who is well versed in Essex planning requirements. These professionals can help navigate these legal aspects successfully and hassle-free.

Select the right design and layout

When thinking about building a kitchen extension in Essex, you need to consider something that complements your lifestyle and the existing architecture of your home. You need to weigh up how you use your kitchen space every day, and see if you need more storage, a room for entertaining guests or a breakfast bar.

It would be a great idea to think about how you can incorporate plenty of natural light when designing your kitchen extension.  You can achieve this through skylights or bi-fold doors, more so if you’re expanding towards the garden.

The key to achieving a well-designed layout is designing one that goes beyond improving aesthetics by enhancing flow and functionality. You should collaborate with a designer who has a good grasp of modern Essex home styles to guarantee you a cohesive and timeless result.

Hire experienced local professionals

The success of your kitchen extension depends on the team you choose. This explains why it’s crucial to contract the services of experienced architects, builders, and project managers who have a solid track record with house extensions in Essex.

As you choose who to hire, check online reviews, ask for references, and ensure the experts are fully insured. Local professionals are not only well-versed in planning laws in the locality, but they can also offer valuable insights on managing deadlines and sourcing quality materials.

Conclusion

Building a kitchen extension in Essex is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can undertake. Some crucial things to consider as you plan for this project are to identify your goals, consider your budget, get the right design and ensure compliance with local regulations.