Create More Space in a Small Kitchen

Would you like to incorporate additional space, storage, a new seating area and light in to one of your rooms for less than the price of a family holiday?

Would you benefit from an additional family / seating area in your kitchen if it could be achieved without the cost and disruption of a full extension?

How about creating a bay window that will give you all of the above and more?

Image courtesy of pinterest

Creating more space in a small kitchen. Read on to find out the benefits of this new feature to your home, costs, implications, and any planning permission required.

Bay windows were a feature of Victorian architecture and have been used by builders ever since. Although their decline was evident in properties built from 1960 onwards, they have been making a major comeback over the last 20 years because of the benefits they bring

In fact, as far back as the 15^th century, bay windows were incorporated in to building designs to make a room appear larger, provide more natural light in to a room and give a better view of the outdoors. 600 years later and we still want these things! 

Although we may dress the wording up a little, and talk about the health and energy benefits, our needs are not so different

Benefits

• Bay windows allow additional natural light due to their shape, size, and design. Natural light is crucial for the well-being of your home, as well as being important to support our mental health wellbeing.
• They can help you save money and energy. (More light and heat from the winter sun)
• They can provide extra seating or space (including storage)
• They can improve room ventilation
• They can add a feature or ‘nook’ to the room
• They can add kerb appeal to your home, which may not add value but could make the difference between a sale or no-sale.
• They can be much cheaper to install than a conservatory
• In most cases, planning permission will not be required unless you live in a conservation area or in a listed building. The bay should also be not too large or out of context with the external of your home. Most bay windows can be built under permitted development, but we always recommend you check before you proceed The Planning portal gives more info and guidance
• And if your new bay window is double glazed, you will benefit from reduced energy bills, as they keep the heat in your home. And how about reduced noise and considerably less condensation which can lead to mould, as well as damage to wooden window frames and sills.

Things to consider

• Planning permission if you live in a conservation area or listed building
• Planning permission if you want to add a large bay or bow window which significantly alters and changes the outside of your home
• Always check if planning permission is required. Some bay windows are classed as permitted development
• Bay windows are subject to building regulations, our link to the planning portal provides more information and how to apply
• Installing bay windows in some areas of your home will have an increased cost, for example if you want to make a first-floor window in to a bay. (eg scaffolding costs and other equipment)
• Whilst you have created a brand-new space inside your home, you have reduced the area outside. So, make sure where you are creating a bay is not going to affect a walkway or entrance to the garden
• Dropping the sill level should not cause any structural issues but if you are extending the windows upwards or width ways, you may have to replace the lintel which could be an additional cost and need an engineer’s calculation.
• Consider the materials you use and make sure they are in keeping with the rest of your property. Timber windows may suit traditional properties, whereas as newer properties can use timber internally but a powder coated aluminium frame externally, for visual appeasement.
• And you may have to alter or increase drainage which will have a cost implication
• Photo courtesy of Anglian Home Improvements

Costs

And finally, the cost can be anything from £2750 up to £10,000 depending on the size, materials used, structural implications, and any need for planning permission..

Example : 

Installing a full bay window in a property with no major structural defects built in the last 70 years and replacing an existing window with a flat roofed, square bay (including a lead roof and UPVC windows), based on a bay window size of 2500 x 1500 3 panel. 

£2950-£3500 (including installation, materials and any rubbish removal)

Potential additional costs

Adding a pitched tiled roof approx £400

Creating a semi-circular bay or slightly angled bay approx £300

Creating a bay window where no window exists (including structural engineer costs) approx £1200

Additional drainage (gulley and soakaway) £500 - £700

When you are looking for the cost of a bay window, you need to ask your contractor whether you are getting just the window, or window plus installation. That will vastly affect the overall price you pay for your windows.

(And there is such a thing as a boxed bay window (usually seen in kitchens) where it may be possible to include storage but not additional seating areas. These are considerably cheaper and are usually for visual enhancement rather than practicality.)

And finally, we always recommend you get 3 quotes before you choose your installer and make sure they are competent, qualified and you have a contract showing exactly what is included in the price before you pay any money, including any deposit.

We also are a big advocate of using surveyors and engineers to project manage larger structural repairs or renovations. Their costs are minimal and they can make sure your project stays on track, on time and within cost.

Don't forget:

Planning permission if bay is not covered under permitted development

Building regulations will always be required

Conservation areas and listed buildings will always require planning permission

Get 3 quotes from reputable, regulated and qualified tradesman

Make sure you understand exactly what is included in the quote

Consider using a surveyor or structural engineer to manage the project or at least carry out a condition survey before any work is started and to check the works when completed

Additional costs

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