Which house, and how much for alterations?

[CocoNutter]

Sorry if this has been asked before - did a search but couldn't find anything!

DH and I are relocating, and have a choice between a bigger (4-bed), detached house in a nice area on the Wirral, but a little further away from nice restaurants and community, and nearest city (Liverpool), not as good transport links therefore longer commute, etc; and a smaller (3-bed) semi in a nicer area, near nice resturants and shops, and with good transport links. Both areas have good schools for when we start a family, but the first area is quieter and probably has less going on, though we do have friends there. There are a good few houses in either category.

If we go for what we think is the better location we can (of course!) afford less house. One thing we currently have that we really want again is a kitchen diner. Lots of the semis in the better area are pretty standard size 1950s 3-beds (occasionally 4 if they've converted the loft), with lounge at the front, dining room behind it, and kitchen next to that (both overlooking the garden).

Firstly, which area would you go for, and secondly, how much do you reckon it would cost to knock through to create a kitchen diner (inc about £7-8k for new kitchen and installation)? Trying to work out if it's more cost-effective to buy one where it's already been done, or do it ourselves!

Ah, we've just started looking to buy our first house, and think that we'd really like a kitchen / diner too (although we've never had one!). So I'd be interested to know the answer to this question too .

To the 2nd question I mean .

Good luck Coco.

To create the kitchen diner is it just a case of taking out an existing internal wall ie knocking through? We did something similar a few years ago and it cost approx £2k. You will need a competent builder as the wall is likely to be load bearing so an RSJ is required. It was a very straightforward job, the only considerations were moving electrical sockets and it was messy as both rooms had to have plastering.

Best thing we ever did - ours became a lovely kitchen diner with a sofa area and was a real selling point to the house.

Ooh how exciting Coco I live on the Wirral (West) If you want any tips or advice on areas, let me know. FWIW, I'd go for the best area and go ahead with your plan and knock through to make a kitchen diner. I'd expect your budget of 7-8k is doable.

Good luck!