Kitchen redesign.

[Norwegianwooded]

I would like to knock through from the kitchen into another room to make a large kitchen diner. I have no idea how to go about this. Do I need an architect? A builder? A kitchen designer?

A decent builder and a kitchen designer. We were unsure whether to do it or not and had a builder here doing other stuff so discussed it with him.

He gave us a few ideas and the measurements it was with the wall in situ and with it knocked out. We went to Magnet who drew up designs with both variations so we could decide what to do.

Ultimately we didn't go ahead for a few reasons but we are pleased with our decision.

If it’s just a knock through a builder will be fine. Obviously check if it’s a load bearing wall. You’ll then need to design the kitchen, any company will do this for you or use DIY kitchens online design tool which is great for playing around with designs on your own. You’ll need to put in accurate measurements but it’s very user friendly and not hard to navigate.

You’ll need a kitchen fitter but the builder who knocks through could do the whole project - electrics, plumbing, fitting, tiling, flooring. Or you could get separate trades in.

1. Structural engineer first, to determine whether the wall is load-bearing and what support (such as a steel beam) is needed.
2. Architect or architectural designer (optional) if you're changing the layout significantly or need drawings for planning/building regulations.
3. Builder to carry out the knock-through and structural work.
4. Kitchen designer to design the kitchen around the finished layout.

If it's a straightforward knock-through, many builders can recommend a structural engineer and coordinate the process.

A good builder who has experience of redesigning spaces. We were lucky and got a great one from looking at local websites and reviews. Our builder was an approved Howdens fitter so we went to Howdens with his measurements to design our kitchen and the builder fitted it. My advice - do not pay an architect - unnecessary extra cost!

I spoke to a builder who said it was easily done but I would need architect drawings . Not sure why as it's fairly obvious what needs to be done.