This self-build design staple can be tailored to your unique needs – from open living/dining spaces to multipurpose rooms. But is it right for you? Read on as we outline the pros and cons...
Thinking of going open plan? Here are just a few benefits of opening out your living spaces...
When your kids are watching TV in the living room, your partner’s on the computer in the study, and you’re in the kitchen making lunch, it’s hard to feel connected to your family. With open plan living, you’re all within the same space. That means more opportunities for interaction – and it helps you to keep an eye on the little ones too.
An open plan home means more room for entertaining. If your dining room is extended and merged with your kitchen and living room, there’s plenty of space for friends and family to wine, dine and enjoy each other’s company. And with an open plan kitchen, you’ll be able to join in the fun even as you cook up a storm.
Aside from the practical benefits, there’s also the aesthetics to consider. Open plan rooms have fewer walls, creating more space, as well as letting in more light. Not only does this mean more restful, flowing spaces, but natural lighting helps us to feel rejuvinated too. You’ll find it much easier to get from A to B around your home as well.
Before you get stuck in, there are some disadvantages to bear in mind...
Open plan living spaces naturally have much larger, open rooms. That means more room for cold air to spread – and more room for your radiators to heat up. In some cases, that can lead to higher energy bills and a colder home. However, this can be mitigated with a suitable heating system for open plan spaces in new-builds or major renovations.
Being connected is the strength of open plan living – but sometimes, it can also be a weakness. If you value your alone time, then open plan living might not be for you. Whilst spending time with family is important, it’s also vital to have your own space. For example, trying to work in an open plan space is often easier said than done.
As well as people, noises and sounds can often spread more widely through open plan homes. That means there’s no getting away from the smell of last night’s pizza, or the noise from the family playroom. And if one room is messy in an open plan home, that often means all the rooms feel cluttered.
If the pros of open plan living outweigh the cons in your opinion, then it might be just the right choice for you. With over 40 years combined experience, CODA Bespoke is on hand to make your self-build dreams a reality.
Take a look at our projects portfolio to get a feel for what we create. Or if you’d like to know more about our services, get in touch with our friendly team today.
If you want to create your dream home but don’t want to move, extending and remodelling are the two main avenues available. So, which is best for you? In this post, we’ll discuss what both options entail and how to choose between them.
It goes without saying that extensions are an extra section added to your home, typically at the rear – though they can also be at the side and front in certain circumstances. They’re the go-to option for people who want a little more from their home, whether that’s down to space alone or function.
But what exactly does a remodel involve? While some think it’s just a renovation, a remodel goes further, changing the entire layout of your home to suit your requirements. That can include altering a room’s shape, changing different rooms’ purposes, or combining rooms for an open-plan design, for example.
When choosing between an extension and remodel, the first factor to consider is the space available outside your home and how important it is to you. If you have a large garden and you’re happy to sacrifice some of it for the benefit of your interiors, then great – an extension could be ideal.
However, houses with smaller outdoor spaces are typically better suited to remodelling. Eating away at a garden that’s already small could impact how much value your improvements add to your home – not to mention your own enjoyment of it. In contrast, remodels don’t affect your exterior space at all.
Next on the list are the costs involved. This one is simple – extending is almost always more expensive than remodelling. That’s because it requires a roof and external walls, not to mention new foundations – and that’s before you even get started on everything inside.
Of course, that’s for good reason. It provides additional space inside your home, which is always highly sought-after. However, if you’re happy with the actual amount of space and just want to make the most of it, a remodel is the better option.
Let’s not forget planning permission. Unless you’re living in a listed building, you don’t need any permission to remodel your home – though you may want to double-check with your local authority for your property’s permitted development rights.
On the flipside, it can be tricky to keep an extension within the conditions of a permitted development – with requirements for roof height, boundaries, position and materials used. In many cases, you’ll need to apply for a planning permission, which makes the process lengthier and more expensive.
Above all else, the decision comes down to your limitations and driving factors – what exactly do you want or need from your home improvement? And is it possible with the space and budget available?
If you know full-well that your house is too small for your needs, an extension might be the only option. That could be due to a new arrival, or just the desire for a bigger kitchen. But always consider whether there’s any unused or underused space within your home. If so, a remodel could pave the way for that bigger kitchen or extra bedroom without the need to extend.
When choosing between an extension or remodel, the most important thing to remember is that it’s you that will be living in your dream home. Don’t rush the decision or make it simply because of one factor, like avoiding planning permission. Instead, it’s best to get expert advice to figure out what’s possible with both avenues.
As an award-winning team of UK architects, CODA Bespoke can provide that expert insight to make your decision easier – and help you with your remodel and extension to make sure you get exactly what you want from the process. To find out more, give our team a call on 0114 279 4931 or email hello@codabespoke.co.uk.
