Ideas on Flat Renovation

wannabe_a_saver

akashkuk said:

wannabe_a_saver said:

Beware of having your kitchen in your living room if you are going to have a washing machine in there! 
What is the issue with using the small bedroom as an office?  You seem to be looking at options that will just complicate the space.  

small bedroom is too narrow to have all three: a bed, cupboard and a desk. 

I have explored some quieter washing machines

No such thing as a quiet washing machine

Do you need a bed in the small bedroom?  How often would it get slept in?  Would a foldaway z bed type do or a sofabed in the living room work?

hazyjo

Why does it have to be in a bedroom? If you're both wfh, set up a working space in the lounge. I much preferred working from the dining area when I was wfh.

Alternatively, look at something like a "Murphy bed" / study bed. For example, www.studybed.co.uk

getmore4less

How often do you need a second bed in any room

Kit the small room out with 13ft desk on the window wall for 2 people max out the storage options above and on the other wall.

Or a fold up desk so you can convert to bed space

Sofa bed in the living space.

wannabe_a_saver

getmore4less said:

How often do you need a second bed in any room

Kit the small room out with 13ft desk on the window wall for 2 people max out the storage options above and on the other wall.

Or a fold up desk so you can convert to bed space

Sofa bed in the living space.

I'd do this, depending on whether I wanted to share a work space with my partner!

Owleyes00

hazyjo said:

Why does it have to be in a bedroom? If you're both wfh, set up a working space in the lounge. I much preferred working from the dining area when I was wfh.

Alternatively, look at something like a "Murphy bed" / study bed. For example, www.studybed.co.uk

That’s a good idea. Bit of an odd suggestion I know but depending on why you need the bed could you not put a high sleeper intended for older children/tweens in the spare room? They tend to either have space underneath for a desk or a built in desk space.

Nikkilou86

Do you need a permanent extra bed?

If you are clever with the floor space you could make the smaller second bedroom do everything you needed. If not would it be an option to turn the larger bedroom into a bedroom/dressing room/study and use the smaller bedroom as your bedroom only needing bed, bedside cabinets and maybe chest of drawers?

I think turning the second bedroom into the only living space would have implications on future value/saleability as you’d either have very little living space or a one bed with a generous kitchen diner. Putting the kitchen in the living room may also limit your future market.

If I was going to do anything I’d look at swapping the kitchen and bathroom for a more flowing layout, but don’t think it would add/decrease value by doing so, just personal preference.

The hallway also looks big, could the second office space be an l-shape desk in the corner between the bathroom and living room doors meaning only one of you needed to fit a desk into the second bedroom. 

Or a wall of built in storage in the living room that concealed a desk and removed the need for so much storage in the smaller second bedroom?

MovingForwards

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6249703/removing-a-wall-in-ex-council-flat#latest

Would the freeholder (council) give permission for the changes?

akashkuk

MovingForwards said:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6249703/removing-a-wall-in-ex-council-flat#latest

Would the freeholder (council) give permission for the changes?

Yes I checked with the seller and apparently it used to be a 1 bed flat with a huge kitchen. The wall between kitchen and bedroom is a stud wall, kinda poorly done as well. So I am positive the permissions should come through

akashkuk

Nikkilou86 said:

Do you need a permanent extra bed?

If you are clever with the floor space you could make the smaller second bedroom do everything you needed. If not would it be an option to turn the larger bedroom into a bedroom/dressing room/study and use the smaller bedroom as your bedroom only needing bed, bedside cabinets and maybe chest of drawers?

I think turning the second bedroom into the only living space would have implications on future value/saleability as you’d either have very little living space or a one bed with a generous kitchen diner. Putting the kitchen in the living room may also limit your future market.

If I was going to do anything I’d look at swapping the kitchen and bathroom for a more flowing layout, but don’t think it would add/decrease value by doing so, just personal preference.

The hallway also looks big, could the second office space be an l-shape desk in the corner between the bathroom and living room doors meaning only one of you needed to fit a desk into the second bedroom. 

Or a wall of built in storage in the living room that concealed a desk and removed the need for so much storage in the smaller second bedroom?

getmore4less said:

How often do you need a second bed in any room

Kit the small room out with 13ft desk on the window wall for 2 people max out the storage options above and on the other wall.

Or a fold up desk so you can convert to bed space

Sofa bed in the living space.

wannabe_a_saver said:

getmore4less said:

How often do you need a second bed in any room

Kit the small room out with 13ft desk on the window wall for 2 people max out the storage options above and on the other wall.

Or a fold up desk so you can convert to bed space

Sofa bed in the living space.

I'd do this, depending on whether I wanted to share a work space with my partner!

I just think that the hallway between kitchen and smaller bedroom is a waste of very valuable space. If I enlarge that bedroom, I could use that space for an exercise bike or additional storage. That's how I am thinking

hazyjo

MovingForwards said:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6249703/removing-a-wall-in-ex-council-flat#latest

Would the freeholder (council) give permission for the changes?

Oh, it's that one. Thought that lounge size was familiar. Said it was a bloody tight squeeze to put everything in the lounge, let alone take that small kitchen and single bedroom and put it all there instead 🙈

It's just not a 2 double bed size flat, whichever way you look at it! Just about works as a double and a single.