Five top tips for building perfect kitchen extensions

Do you want the perfect kitchen extension? Here’s Apropos’ five top tips for building perfect kitchen extensions:

1) WHAT PURPOSE WILL THE KITCHEN EXTENSION SERVE?

Kitchen extensions can be more than just a place to cook. Kitchen extensions can also be used as dining rooms, areas for entertaining guests or as additional living rooms. Therefore, kitchen extensions must be planned accordingly. For instance, if kitchen extensions are to be used as areas for entertaining guests then sets of folding sliding doors will make the most of warm nights. Furthermore, kitchen extensions are expensive and should be future-proofed. Consider what your requirements may be in four or five years time and plan accordingly for your kitchen extension.

2) PLAN THE LAYOUT BEFORE APPEARANCE

The layout of kitchen extensions should be planned before their aesthetic appearance. Kitchen extensions are fabulous, but incorporating bi-folding doors and big areas of glazing may compromise a kitchen’s layout if this isn’t thought through fully before construction. For instance, major appliances need to be kept away from folding sliding doors in kitchen extensions. Once the layout is agreed, homeowners can then plan spectacular appearances.

3) VENTILATION IS A MUST

Kitchen extensions need good ventilation, especially in the colder months when condensation can possibly be an issue. In all kitchen extensions rooflights and windows should have adequate vents, and an effective extractor fan should be installed.

4) CONSIDER PRIVACY

Kitchen extensions include extra glazing, which can reduce privacy. However, great kitchen extensions are able to overcome this problem with clever designs that maintain privacy but maximise light. The use of rooflights and strategically-placed glass inserts will counter any privacy issues.

5) EMPLOY THE EXPERTS

Extension work, particularly work on kitchen extensions, can involve reconfiguring a property’s connection to utilities, such as the water mains. It is therefore important that all work of this nature, as with all the construction work, should only ever be undertaken by professionally-qualified engineers, and not left in the hands of amateurs.”