We are about to start work on a kitchen extension and I have many questions...

[Themumsnot]

I have so many different things to sort out and put into place before the builders start next week.
I need to choose:
Cooker - I am keen on a dual fuel range cooker - has anyone got one and what are the good points and bad? Currently we have a built in fan oven and a gas hob - I find them both underpowered and would especially like a wok burner.
Worktop. Have my heart set on slate but it is £££ and have been told it damages easily. What about granite? Have had wood before and found it terrible for watermarks and staining.
Fridge-freezer. I would love an American ff but are they worth it? Do they give enough freezer space?
Flooring - I want wood - it is going to be quite a large space as it is open plan to the family room so 60sqm. Any tips gratefully received.
Lighting - I haven't even thought about lighting yet. Arghh.
There is so much to do, and I need to get on with it. Would love to hear how other people project managed their extension - what are the vital things to remember?
We have a great builder, carpenter and decorator so that is half the battle at least.

My twopenneth.

I had a dual fuel range and I hated it because I hated bending down to open the oven and look inside to see the food cooking. Also it was dangerous because the door was hot and it was at toddler level. The five ring burner with wok burner, however, was excellent. I shall be buying eye level stuff this time round.

I had granite and it was fantastic but I wouldn't choose black again because it was hard to keep looking clean. I'd go for a speckled grey or cream colour.

I deliberately didn't buy an American f/f because I thought both compartments lacked space. We had a massive Beko one the was recommended in Which magazine and it was great.

Wood floor sounds good unless it's under a velux window, in which case it will fade. Consider which way the sun comes in.

Downlighters can cause noise problems if they are under a bedroom (makes noise travel more). They are also very harsh - wanted mine on a dimmer and the builder talked me out of it but I was right.

I wish I had had a long pendant light over my dining room table but I thought I would move my furniture around more than I do- I think it makes it cosy

I to have spots which are not on a dimmer_ I wish they were

We have solid oak floor which i love, so easy to keep clean

I have an eye level grill which I love

Wish I had a 6 burner hob instead of a 4 burner

And a really deep sink

But now I'm just moaning about my kitchen

I had a Belfast sink in my last house and would like one again.
I take the point about eye-level - I don't much like my current oven, but I do like the fact that is eye-level - the grill however is more like forehead level which is not so good. Not so worried about the toddler thing, my youngest is nearly nine.
Hmm. DH has ceded control of the whole project to me and is refusing to have any opinions.
There will be a big lantern light in the centre of the extension ceiling - so fading could be an issue I suppose. Was thinking of oiled oak for the floor.
I think your point on dimmer switches is good, SixtiesQueen - I have been talked out of them before and always regretted it.

I have a range cooker and love it! Mine is gas on top (4 normal burners and a double wok burner), has a grill and 2 fan assisted electric ovens. It is so practical when cooking big meals and the grill not being eye level doesn't bother me at all. One of the ovens has a rack and baking tin attached to the inside of the door so whatever you are cooking swings out as you open it (if that makes sense )

I also have an american fridge freezer. It has plenty of room in both sides, although like many people I have another freezer in the garage which I use at Christmas etc. The filtered water and ice dispensers are great and a huge hit with young nephews and neices.

My floor and lighting are not good though as we just revamped our kitchen, didn't replace it fully. I also had to stick with laminate worktops as finances were limited and I have a large kitchen (the longest stretch of worktop is about 20 foot long) so granite, etc were too expensive for us and although they are parctical they are very uninspiring.

I have always had dual fuel ranges really recommend. Have a neff double oven and big hob atm and don't like as much! We have spots along the ceilings above the work surfaces but in the dining tv room bit I have a normal light over the table and lamps by the sofas.Grey slate floor which I like easy to look after

agree with other poster for speckled granite - plain black will rarely look clean.

We have amtico flooring which we are very pleased with. Hard wearing, easy to keep clean, not too cold.

We have dimmer switches on the ceiling down lights and also the under unit lights - I'm very pleased we put the dimemrs on and do use them, especially for entertaining.

We have two sinks rather than sink and drainer - works well for us.

I also love my eye level oven and would hate to have to bend down all the top (I have a small over on top and main oven underneath, fitted in) and four hobs with wok hob in the middle.

If possible, i will definitely have a walk in larder in my next kitchen

I wouldn't go for an american fridge-freezer - they are usually hideously energy inefficient and lacking space.

Oiled wood on the floor is lovely but will scuff - you have to like the whole shabby chic thing.

If you are having wall cabinets I would definitely recommend lighting under the cabinets - nicest by far.

Hi Themumsnot- i have been project managing mine since january.we have extended the kitchen 2 sides-one a utility and one a dining extension-both with lantern lights.i am having a mixture of spots on a dimmer and an antique rise and fall over the kitchen island plus a chandelier suspended from the lantern light.I am also having a butlers sink from franke[the biggest traditional one].I would have thought you would need laquered wood in a kitchen due to moisture and spills etc.I am having travertine tiles with underfloor heating for a neutral backdrop.We have worked out that a rangemaster 120 cms. will fit in the original range surround so are going for that.Our fridgefre. is large and functional but not an object of beauty so will stay in the utility .I have found project-managing really tough as my dh is overseas and i also have 4 dc's to look after.I have had several battles with builder and brickies etc.The only advice i would give you is stick to your guns,know what you want and make sure they do it, because most of these guys will take the easy way out.You will have to watch very carefully whats going on and question everything.I have felt that i really can't go out and leave them to it most of the time.I have spent a lot of time researching things so i can answer when they say they can't do it!Good luck.

Lots of good info here, thanks everyone. Teta, I totally trust my carpenter whom I have known for years and is brilliant and he will boss everyone else around for me, I hope! Although obv I will keep a close eye too.
Good point about the wood floor - I will investigate more closely. I prefer the finish of oiled to lacquer though.
Eco - American ff does feel like a bit of an indulgence - it is all about the ice dispenser really which is a bit frivolous - and our current fridge (Beko) is only three years old and perfectly alright apart from the fact the handle broke off. Freezer is on its last legs though.
Looks like a big split of opinions on range vs eye level - hmm! Glad Noddy and Aiming are recommending them.
Mckenzie - I have a walk in larder! It's pretty rubbish atm because full of knackered formica fittings from the 60s, but I am going to reshelve it and use it for all the food storage.
Noddy, I was thinking central pendant lamp plus floor lamps in the family room bit - do you find it gives enough light?
Aiming - what brand of range cooker do you have? I was looking at Leisure and Belling as they are less £££ than other brands but do you get what you pay for?

I think it is enough light .The light over the table is bright and then I have 2 side lamps plus in the day lots comes in the french doors.