Which extension plan would you choose?

[Rhica]

Massively struggling with which to do. Please.. all opinions welcome 😊

Some background information. Image 1 and 2 will require building into the utility. Which means we won't have a utility room. Also likely to cost an additional £10k and will need planning permission. On the plus side will use less garden space and should be more spacious.

Option 3 will take up an extra metre from the garden. However likely to be £10k cheaper and won't need planning permission.

My husband and I are torn. I have shown colleagues and friends and it seems to be split also.

Also add. Option 3 we get to keep utility room.

All options are within budget

Are these your only reception spaces? If so, I’d choose one. If not, I’d choose 3

I really like option 3.

I would want to keep a utility room, especially with an open plan living area.

The £10k saving and not needing planning permission would also persuade me in that direction.

Also, if you’re going open plan then I definitely wouldn’t want to lose the utility - so much noise! The third one has a nice layout and is cheaper. The second is probably my favourite but it’s not worth the extra money and losing the utility. And if you’ve got no other reception space then it might all get a bit loud

2 or 3, don't understand 1

Oh,haven't no read your full post, def 3.

Option 1 and 2 from the other side to help make it clearer. I didn't realise how poor quality the pictures are.

Yes we have another lounge

The fireply in option 2 is double sided so will be in the lounge and dining area

Have you got the 2d floor plans to help compare?

I don’t mind option 3. I think keeping a utility is also a bonus, as you can keep the washing machine etc separate and enjoy the space without the background noise. I do think the living space is compromised in this plan, but if you have a separate lounge this wouldn’t be an issue (for me).

I don’t like the chimney breast in either of the other two options, I think you would regret have the view distorted through the interior.

Silly question, but why are the two larger / more expensive options loosing the utility? Could you have a fourth design which allows for extra space and a utility?

As for planning permission being required? Is this because the extension will be more than the permitted development rights allow? Could you not have a “larger home extension” application, rather than a full householder application?

Option 2 is way better than option 1. However the 10k saving, keeping of the utility and the no need for planning means opt 3 is the clear winner.

No good having open plan if you can't hear the tv for the washing machine going off.

In general I do like a bit of segregation between areas in an open plan space, and number 2 looks the most natural/best flow to me. I'm not sure about these big square rooms containing living, kitchen, dining room that are so popular.

That said, I would choose number 3 to retain the utility room and also save the £10k. I'm assuming the washing machine and tumble dryer would be in a utility room? I think that is crucial in keeping noise and mess down in the main area.

Option 2 or 3, although keeping the utility would swing in 3's favour

2d plans of option 1 and 3 (I thought I did 2 but took option 1 twice 🙈)

This is the floorplan as it is. For option 3 we are going out 3m and knocking the wall down between kitchen and dining area.

For option ls 1 and 2 were only going out 2m plus knocking inonand extending the utility (sideways and outward)

The utility seems to be really important. Everyone has told me I will regret getting rid of it. We only put washing machine on when we go out and at night. So not really worried about the noise. Plus my husband had music blaring when he cooks so I would probably go in the lounge then anyway 🤣

Thank you all so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it 🙂

Dontbiteyoursister- I've really struggled with the square shape. Only now am I coming round to it.

For me number 2 is my fave. The argument for me is more garden and living space Vs utility and £10k 🤷

What about the noise from the dishwasher. I like I think it is option 1 where the doors are separate by the sofas but I’d want to check the measurements to see it is possible to fit the sofas I had in mind into that space or it could look very cluttered at one end.

Extra costs and issues for option 1 and 2:

Extra steels. As it's a utility/ garage the foundations are unlikely to be adequate. Concrete roof of utility difficult to knock down-to-earth will potentially have to re- roof the garage as well. Different floor and ceiling heights.

I'm happy to spend the extra £10k and overcome the difficulties to get it right but my architect and builder have really tried to steer me towards option 3.

There has to be a pillar in option 1 and 2 as it is the corner of the house and because of the soil pipe.

I admit that option 1/2 offers a lot more space than option 3. Option 2 being my preference of the two.

Personally I wouldn’t want a plan without a utility so 3 would be my preference. Unless a utility could be formed in either of the other two options.

But you need to consider;

• can you justify the requirement for that additional space for £10k? Will these mean you have to compromise on kitchen? Stretch your finances? Will it add that value on your property?
• will this be the main space in your home? What’s your existing lounge like?

How far are you extending out to the rear of your property?

Now that you given some justification for the pier, I think the double sided fire place works, not so sure about it intercepting with the island though.

Think from a utility point of view, it’s not just the washing machine. It’s the storage for the household bits, you don’t want in the kitchen. Drying of clothes. Messy area for paint brushes, children’s football boots, pet food etc.

I like option 2 best and option 3 is my second choice. Option 1 is weird with the dining area plonked in the middle ofthe lounge behind the pillar.

Initially I thought option 2 but I don't like the large bit of wall splitting the kitchen units up. I'd go with three, keep utility as it's somewhere to store all the crap and save £10k

I like option 3 the best. It doesn't look as big but I really dislike the pillar splitting everything up in the other two. It would be hard to chat across the space. I think you might end up with all the downsides of open plan (noise travelling, disturbing each other) without the benefit of actually being able to see each other and communicate. I'd find it irritating, I think, to have the kids watching something on the telly that I can't see. If we can't see each other you might as well have separate rooms, then at least I can put something on the radio without us disturbing each other.