Not so long ago, the concept of connecting three separate areas of the home was unheard of. Food was prepared in the kitchen, eaten in the dining area, and then everybody relaxed in the living room (or lounge, if that’s what it was called in your home). Things were simpler… or so it seemed. But when you think about it, this also means three different styles of decor and furniture, so wouldn’t it be easier if they were all just one and the same? If you’re thinking of making the switch, here’s what you need to know.
It’s unavoidably expensive
First things first, the most pertinent reason that puts people off is the cost. Unless you’re in the trade yourself, you’re normally going to be forking out for an extensive rebuild, potentially involving significant structural work. Planning consent isn’t likely to be an issue, as everything’s already yours to alter or demolish, but there will inevitably be some issues, particularly when it comes to load bearing walls. There’s no one-size-fits-all estimate, but a builder offering a free, no-obligation quote could be a good place to start.
It’s not going to make everything cold
Older generations will remember homes without central heating, and many homeowners with central heating will still be living in a property that was designed to keep heat in enclosed spaces. And while an open plan home can cost a little more to heat, they also let more light into the property throughout the day, leading to a potential reduction in lighting costs. The insulation in your doors, windows, walls and roof will also play a big part in heating bills, so contact a reliable company to give yours the once over before commencing any restructuring of the home. Findley, Sunderland roofing contractors who share their work across the entire North East, are experts in a variety of building work.
It’s a more social way to live
As the average person in the UK now spends more than one day every week online, it’s fair to say that we all live a personally tailored existence. One of the biggest benefits of open-plan living is that you can spend more time at least in the same room as everyone else, and the way you furnish your new space could be crucial. With a ‘less is more’ layout, you can create focal points all over the open plan kitchen/living-room/dining-room, and spend more time close to the family. Hopefully you’ll each prove to be more entertaining and fun to be with than endless cat videos and news feeds.
You could end up with extra living space
Without a couple of walls and doors, and a good declutter of your rooms, you could easily find yourself with far more space than you envisaged. However, if your budget allows for it, and there is sufficient space on your property, you could add an enormous amount of space with a super-stylish home extension, while altering the layout already inside. Planning permission may be required for this more extensive work, and you need to be sure that you’re dealing with a reputable builder.
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