What to do first? Find builder or have kitchen plan?

[Oncemoreuntothebreachagain]

I would like to knock through from my dining room into a small kitchen to make one large area and have a lovely new kitchen fitted.
Seems straightforward but I’m paralysed with indecision as I have no one to advise me on the steps and what order! Do I find a builder first and then plan the kitchen with his advice on what should go where or plan the kitchen and then get a builder? Would the builder fit the kitchen? Would they do everything including getting walls painted etc? I’ve never had building work done before so I’m quite nervous of being taken for a ride! And do I need planning permission to knock through?
Any advice or resources That would be useful would be much appreciated.

You would probably just need a building warrant to knock through.

Best place to start is an architect who can do the necessary drawings and submission for building warrant.

We did a bigger downstairs job and if you can get a recommendation, a builder early can be great, they can suggest a good kitchen company. But if you know the dimensions of the kitchen space go to wren or someone to plan a kitchen layout even if you go with someone else too. The builder will likely recommend a decorator and hopefully have a plasterer.

Our builder did our extension (bringing in a brickie, plasterer, roofer etc), fitted the kitchen and recommended a decorator.

you don't need an architect just for a kitchen plan + knocking a wall down.

when we did this, I spent time drawing up lots of plans myself & thinking out the different options before settling on one and then getting the builders in. The builder won't know what you want/need. Do go to Wren etc for plans, but be aware that they often want to sell you as many gadgets as possible instead of making the space work for you.

also post a floor plan here - many people will make suggestions.

Get some personal recommendations for builders, people you know, or can see the work. Ask around for who has had work done recently. You’ll probably have to wait for someone good which will give you time to measure up and get some kitchen plans done. A good designer will work out what is practical in terms of drainage and doors etc. But have your own ideas too.

I know a company called one plan are often Recommended on here to do kitchen plans.

Have a look round a couple of kitchen showrooms but don’t get sucked into buying anything yet.

This is my advice. Get contact details and recommendations for local builders. Ask around and trust your instinct too. Look at a few show rooms but do not get anything yet.