Image credit: Amberth
Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s the heart of your home, where memories are made, conversations flow, and loved ones gather… or rather, it should be!
However, if your kitchen is small, awkwardly laid out, poorly lit, or inconveniently positioned for outdoor entertaining, you might be planning a kitchen relocation.
Relocating your kitchen presents an exciting opportunity to revitalise your living space. By embarking on this transformative project, you can create a new, modern room bathed in natural light that becomes the vibrant hub of your home.
In this blog, we run through the things to consider when relocating a kitchen from one part of your home to another. By addressing these factors in advance, you’ll avoid potential issues and ensure a smooth and successful project from start to finish.
1. Permits
It’s crucial to check whether you must apply for planning permission or building regulations before starting a kitchen relocation project. The process can feel challenging. However, it’s important to remember that these regulations are in place to ensure your home remains structurally sound, safe, and well-insulated.
Planning Permission
Whether you need planning permission or not will depend on the extent of the work involved. For example, planning permission will be required if your new kitchen is part of a new extension.
You may also need planning permission to replace walls with windows or change external doors. This is most likely to apply if you live in a listed building or conservation area.
Building regulations
A kitchen relocation usually requires changes to utility connections and may also involve structural changes. So, it’s almost certain you’ll need to apply for building regulations for some aspects of the work. For example:
Structural changes such as removing load-bearing walls or doors between rooms.
Moving a boiler to a different location or leaving it where it is but extending the flue.
Installing a new gas appliance
Relocating a sink if the work includes alterations or new connections to a drainage stack or underground drain.
Replacing or installing new windows or external doors.
Installing a new electrical circuit.
Installing a new extractor fan.
If you’re in doubt, check with your Local Authority building control team, who can offer advice and guidance.
2. Budget
Budget is one of the most crucial aspects to consider before relocating your kitchen. The project’s price will depend on the scope of work involved, and it’s essential to clearly understand costs from the outset.
When calculating your budget, remember that a kitchen relocation often goes hand in hand with remodelling other areas of your ground floor space. This might include adjusting adjoining rooms or repurposing the current kitchen area.
But remember, while the cost of relocating your kitchen may seem significant, it’s often more economical than moving to a new house. In addition, investing in your current space can create a kitchen that suits your needs and desires, ultimately adding value to your home.
3. Timeline
Relocating a kitchen is a significant undertaking that can take several months to complete, so you must be prepared for the disruption.
While it’s possible to remain in your home throughout the relocation, it’s sensible to create a plan to navigate the temporary inconvenience.
One practical solution is to set up a mini kitchen in another part of your home to maintain some semblance of normalcy. Essential items could include a mini fridge, gas stove, slow cooker, and microwave.
4. Plumbing and Electrics
Relocating your kitchen involves establishing new plumbing and electrical connections at your chosen location.
When it comes to plumbing, bringing fresh water to a new location is generally a straightforward process. However, relocating waste pipes can be more challenging, although not impossible. So, it’s best to position your new kitchen as close as possible to existing drainage pipes to minimise complications.
Electrical connections are another vital aspect to address. Depending on the existing wiring in the new location, rewiring may be necessary. This could involve moving or installing new electrical sockets, switches, and lighting fixtures. Alternatively, the new kitchen may warrant the setup of a whole new circuit to accommodate the increased electrical load.
5. Ventilation
A properly ventilated room plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean, comfortable, and healthy kitchen environment. So, it’s essential to consider how you’ll effectively remove steam, smoke, and odours from the room when cooking.
One option to consider is the installation of a cooker extractor hood. A recirculation hood filters and recirculates air back into the room. Alternatively, an extraction hood is more efficient as it involves the installation of ductwork that allows steam and cooking by-products to be expelled outside. Just bear in mind that, for the extraction method, the cooker or hob will need to be placed close to an outside wall.
Another option to consider is a vented hob. These hobs have built-in extraction fans that remove steam, smoke, oil, and odours as soon as they leave the pan. This method ensures immediate extraction that keeps the air in your kitchen clean and odour-free.
6. Space
Before you start any work on a kitchen relocation, it’s crucial to consider how you’ll use the space. The size and layout will directly impact its functionality and suitability for your needs.
First, determine how the size and layout will accommodate your cooking and workflow requirements. For example, consider the work triangle principle, which involves positioning the fridge, sink and cooker to allow seamless movement between them to optimise efficiency.
The placement of kitchen cabinetry also plays a significant role. You’ll want easy access to frequently used items and efficient storage solutions, like pull-out drawers, dividers, and shelving.
Beyond the functional aspects, think about any features you’d like. For example, would you like to incorporate a kitchen island for additional workspace and storage? Do you envision a breakfast bar where family and friends can gather? Or do you want room for a dining or cosy seating area?
7. Structural Changes
If the new location for your kitchen isn’t quite the size or shape you want, you may need to make some structural changes to your home.
One common change is removing walls to create a larger, more open kitchen layout. By eliminating barriers, you can enhance the flow of the space and have a seamless connection with adjoining rooms.
Another consideration is installing new windows or doors to bring in more natural light. Adding floor-to-ceiling windows will brighten the space and provide pleasant views and a connection to the outdoors.
Structural changes may also involve reinforcing floors or walls to accommodate the weight of new appliances, cabinetry, or a kitchen island.
Considering these things in advance allows you to customise your kitchen to your exact specifications.
8. Working with Professionals
When undertaking a kitchen relocation project, enlisting the expertise of professionals is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome.
Architects and designers play a fundamental role in planning the layout and design of your new kitchen. They have the expertise to optimise the space, consider functional requirements, and create a design that reflects your personal style. In addition, their attention to detail and understanding of building regulations ensures your kitchen meets safety standards while delivering a visually stunning result.
Craftspeople and installers bring the designs to life. They possess the skills and craftsmanship to construct and install the various elements of your kitchen, ensuring your dream kitchen comes together seamlessly.
Introducing Amberth: Your One-Stop Destination for a Kitchen Relocation
We understand that coordinating and bringing together all those different professionals can be daunting and time-consuming. That’s why, when it comes to a comprehensive kitchen relocation project, Amberth stands as a one-stop destination company, handling every aspect from start to finish.
With our team of architects, designers, craftspeople, and installers, we offer a hassle-free experience, premium-quality products, and a stunning flawless finish.
Contact us today to book a free consultation to discuss your kitchen relocation project.
