Architect advice on small kitchen extension

pete4pool

Hi All,

I live in a 3 bed semi-detached house, with a kitchen about 20m sq. I am looking to extend the kitchen, likely to double it in size. My budget even for a small project is tight (and I like everyone want to keep costs down). As I don't need planning and the builder I will get won't require plans I don't think that I need to invest in the full services of an architect. But I would love to be able to have a consult with one of them to get the layout of the kitchen correct (lighting, tables, cooker, utility room, etc).

Does anyone know for such a consultation service.
Do architects offer this without having to agree to continue the service to drawings etc.
I found the simon opendoor project (which I think would suit), but they look to only happen once a year in the summer, I don't want to wait that long.

Maybe I need a interior design expert? As the design of the kitchen units will be a major part of what I'm looking for.
I am of course willing to pay for the service, but only for the 1-2 hours consultation that I require.

I live in cork if anyone has contacts.

Thanks,
Pete

Gumbo

Pete,

You've got to ask yourself what you want out of this.
Do you simply want a payout plan so you get an idea what the builder will construct? Kitchen layout will be the kitchen designers job, he/she will be a separate job and will be included in the cost of the kitch you buy.

1-2 hours would barely cover the initial survey and they you have to draw up the plan and loads with you.

I know people that have done this many times but depending on location, can cost around €250ish

I can PM recommendations of you so wish.

pete4pool

Hi Kceire,

Thanks for your response.

I am fairly into house design and have done research on what I would like myself. I have drawn up a few plans.
So basically what I am looking for is to go to someones office, show them pictures of my house, the plans I have, my budget and ask them to look them over. Just that I am afraid that I am over looking something (as I am not trained in design) and it will only show as a problem after completion. They might look at my plans and say everything is good, which is fine.
I am not looking for them to draw up plans or anything other than to share their initial idea's. So basic basic work.

So do architects do this service, or would it be beneath them.(I don't mean that in a bad way)

As for the kitchen layout, what I meant is that, the kitchen will be a 40m sq room (hopefully) and we will be ripping out what is there now, so I could move the kitchen units to anywhere in the room (with dinning table and sofa also in the room), so I am looking for advice on what would look the best afterwards. Would a L shape be best, an island with hob on it, right side of room, left side (depending on sun). I would just like an expert view of it. Maybe I need a design specialist. The kitchen supplier would give me the kitchen but I would have to give them the space and measurements first. Thats the part I'd like help with.

If you have contacts that you could think would help (in around the cork area, please send them)

Regards
Pete

Gumbo

pete4pool wrote: »

Hi Kceire,

Thanks for your response.

I am fairly into house design and have done research on what I would like myself. I have drawn up a few plans.
So basically what I am looking for is to go to someones office, show them pictures of my house, the plans I have, my budget and ask them to look them over. Just that I am afraid that I am over looking something (as I am not trained in design) and it will only show as a problem after completion. They might look at my plans and say everything is good, which is fine.
I am not looking for them to draw up plans or anything other than to share their initial idea's. So basic basic work.

So do architects do this service, or would it be beneath them.(I don't mean that in a bad way)

As for the kitchen layout, what I meant is that, the kitchen will be a 40m sq room (hopefully) and we will be ripping out what is there now, so I could move the kitchen units to anywhere in the room (with dinning table and sofa also in the room), so I am looking for advice on what would look the best afterwards. Would a L shape be best, an island with hob on it, right side of room, left side (depending on sun). I would just like an expert view of it. Maybe I need a design specialist. The kitchen supplier would give me the kitchen but I would have to give them the space and measurements first. Thats the part I'd like help with.

If you have contacts that you could think would help (in around the cork area, please send them)

Regards
Pete

Who is doing the structural design?
I don't know if architects offer this service, no harm calling a few I suppose and get their opinion maybe.

bemak

Hi Pete,

I'm curious, did you find an architect to look over your extension in the end?

DublinDilbert

If your looking for ideas as to what is possible for your house look at the Dublin Simon Open door (http://www.simonopendoor.ie/), for €50 donation you can talk to an architect, show them the plans of your house and discuss what the best options would be. You will actually get good impartial advice from this and great idea for the planning stages of any project.

pete4pool

bemak wrote: »

Hi Pete,

I'm curious, did you find an architect to look over your extension in the end?

No, I had the builder call around and he was able to tell me what I could and couldn't do. Due to the Windows upstairs I am restricted with what I can do, so it's not too difficult to decide what to do.

bemak

very good. a competent builder would have no problem with that. make sure they are registered with the HRI (housing renovation incentive) - great savings to be had.

best of luck with it