Changing/moving windows in kitchen

KnittingAmy

Good morning and Happy Easter! 
We're remodelling our kitchen to try and make better use of the space and I was hoping someone may be able to offer advice/experience. We're completely new to all this, so have lots to learn about how to optimise! 
We plan to get rid of the door but aren't sure how to deal with the windows. In an ideal world, we would probably get one long window installed (the old ones will need work/replacement anyway). However, on the outside, pipes come down from the bathroom and we don't know how much of a practical issue rerouting those would be (we suspect a significant one). I've been wondering whether just blocking up the door and keeping the two windows where they are would be a good option - much simpler on the building front and would give some extra space for shelves. But then we would lose some light. Thanks in advance for any suggestions 🙂

grumbler

Personally, for a small kitchen I'd prefer extra storage to a long window, especially as the latter can be on its own a much bigger (structural) issue than re-routing the pipe. Anyway, if you go for bigger windows it's better to keep the pipe and the corresponding part of the wall.

KnittingAmy

Thanks, @grumbler That's a good point re. the structural considerations of a longer window. It's a lot of work for some extra light (and a bit less wall space inside!)

Section62

KnittingAmy said:

We plan to get rid of the door but aren't sure how to deal with the windows. In an ideal world, we would probably get one long window installed (the old ones will need work/replacement anyway). However, on the outside, pipes come down from the bathroom and we don't know how much of a practical issue rerouting those would be (we suspect a significant one).

Is there another door from the house to the back garden?  If not, you'll need to consider means of escape from the house if you would be reliant on only one (front?) door.

The soil pipe could be moved, but will probably involve digging up the path and redoing some of the underground drainage as well.  Not a massive job, but one that won't be cheap and you'd need to look at what benefits you'd get for the expense.

theoretica

The easiest option for lots of light would be to keep the two windows you have and replace the door with a third window. 

KnittingAmy

Thanks, @Section62 We have a rear extension with patio doors and are also replacing the dining room window with a door (it's the window to the left in the external photo), so plenty of ways out! 
Thanks for flagging up the drainage issue too - we'd not really thought about the potential for that sort of disruption too. It's really helpful to be aware of all that too before weighing up what to do. Have a good Sunday!