Need new kitchen - where do I start?

cerce123

We have a galley kitchen and are thinking or knocking through into our dining room to have a large kitchen with an island.

We're in the same boat. I'd recommend the IKEA software, even if its just to play around with ideas. I found it a lot easier to visualise with a 3D image. They are launching a new range in early Feb, apparently, so who knows what the quality of that will be like, but I know a few people who have had the current Ikea kitchens in for a good 10 years with no problems.

Our redesign is part of a larger project so we've been talking to architects, but if it is just a wall removal then I would think a decent builder would be happy to take that on. If the wall is supporting, you might need an architect or structural engineer, but the builder should be able to tell you that.

ryder72

You dont need an architect to knock a wall through. A good builder will be able to tell you about its feasibility and estimate a cost for you.

I would suggest speaking to some good kitchen designers to see how they can help you make the opened up space work best for you. If you are opening this space up, its important that you get the best possible kitchen design for this space to make the most of your investment.

In terms of kitchen quality - I always recommend German. They are excellent value for you and will always give you details and features are difficult, if not impossible to find on similarly priced English kitchens.

martin.cat

Knocking the wall down will depend on if it's load bearing. A studded wall which has a timber frame with plaster boards either side can easily be removed. Anything brick / block which doesn't sound hollow will be load bearing and a steel beam will be needed to support weight.

Get some quotes to suss out what's needed