Your home renovation project is incomplete if you don’t transform the kitchen. For Essex homeowners, designing the best kitchen extension requires a thorough understanding of planning regulations in the city, managing costs, and collaborating with experienced local building professionals. A kitchen is essentially the hub of every residential space, so it’s one frequently sought-after area that is worth upgrading yearly. Unfortunately, many homeowners, including beginners, often wonder where to start when considering adding a kitchen extension. This post will explore some simple yet powerful ideas to make your Essex kitchen extension project a massive success.
How to Create a Powerful Kitchen Extension Project in Essex
Although you may already have a ton of kitchen extension ideas in mind, bringing those thoughts to life requires careful planning. Many Essex home improvement trends include developing highly practical kitchen extensions that balance functionality with aesthetics. Here are some great tips to build the perfect kitchen extension to revolutionise your Essex home this year and beyond.
1. Hire an Experienced Local Building Professional
Collaborating with experienced professionals, like architects and designers, can help you complete a successful kitchen extension in Essex. Local residential architecture firms can offer great assistance concerning design, planning applications, and entire project management. It’s advisable to look for accredited building professionals through the RIBA’s website. Another great idea to find the right contractor to add an extension to your kitchen is to request recommendation from neighbours and consider their portfolios of previous projects.
2. Think about the Budgeting and Financing in Advance
Kitchen extension costs vary across the UK, with Essex recording relatively higher prices. On the average, a single-storey extension cost ranges between £1,700-2,000 per square metre, excluding the new kitchen furnishings. You must remember to budget for costs like architect fees, structural engineer charges, and planning application costs (when required). Experts recommend setting aside a contingency plan (10-15% of your total budget) to cover unexpected expenses like utilities and potential problems with the foundation. Preparing your funding method early can help you avoid financial issues that may delay the project.
3. Consider Planning and Permission
Prioritising planning and permissions is essential for implementing a compliant kitchen extension in Essex. Many kitchen upgrades fall under “permitted development,” meaning you may not require planning permission for minor updates. Regardless of planning permissions, all residential developments in Essex must comply with local building regulations. A great way to seamlessly manage planning and permission processes is to hire knowledgeable and trusted architects and builders. It is worth noting that restrictions may apply for proposed buildings located close to conservation areas and listed buildings. You may need full planning and expert advice to navigate tighter restrictions and party wall agreements if your kitchen extension shares a boundary with a neighbor. Failing to follow the Party Wall Act may cause legal issues with your neighbour, resulting in costly delays.
Planning a kitchen extension is an exciting time for any Essex homeowner. However, you need to understand your budget, where to start from, and collaborate with local professionals to build your dream home stress-free. If you feel that your kitchen is not in the perfect shape and requires a complete makeover to accommodate your growing family needs, please consult home renovation companies like HumphreysandSons, and they will help you extend your kitchen to suit your modern life.
