After choosing our favourite extension design with our architect (she presented four designs to us, initially), we had a survey done to assess the structural integrity of the property in case there might be any issues with extending. Luckily, the report didn’t highlight any problems (so I was told - I found the report full of maths and trigonometry that calculated weight-bearing loads impossible to read!)
Our architect then moved on to our internal kitchen elevation plans; after a few discussions and alterations, the final layout and design can be found below:
The area where we currently all sit squashed around the dining table will be halved to create a designated utility space that will lead onto the kitchen, separated by pocket doors. The centre of the kitchen will be widened with a side extension to create enough space for a compact pantry (that will be hosted under the existing hallway stairs), plus a small preparation island (as we desperately need more counter space). The extension out the back will relocate the dining table and supply us with a large banquette seating area.
This is the area that will be halved to create a utility area, seperated from the kitchen with pocket doors.
I never thought - even with extending - that we would be able to obtain a utility room, a pantry or banquette seating, so I am absolutely over the moon that my architect was able to factor them all in. In terms of the style of the kitchen, I was very set on the idea that our new kitchen had to be sympathetic to the age of the Georgian property, so the plan is to go for traditional shaker-style units and lots of wall panelling.
In terms of budgeting, since the last renovation post, we’ve spent another 2k on a structural survey and an extra 4k in architects’ fees, so the total spent so far is just shy of £15k. The next step is to submit a pre-planning report to Essex Council before fully submitting our plans and crossing all our fingers and toes!