Source
r/Renovations•
wizardflake

UK, changing the floor layout for best cost to value

I'm about to complete on a mid terrace house. It's in good condition, but it's basically a time warp from the 70's, so needs updating. I also have issues with the downstairs layout in that I don't think it utilizes the space in the best way.

I've had some idea's of how to change it, but I am wondering what other peoples thoughts are? I'm planning on living in this house for several years, but I would like to know that any changes I make would add the best resale value on.

I'm moving the front door from the Porch to the Hall, as I prefer this layout over a side Porch. This also creates space so I can build a study, which my household needs. I've had a few ideas of how to change it, and I can see all of them being useful for our household. Can I ask what other peoples thoughts are please? Bigger kitchen, bigger study, utility or other?

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Some practical issues:

The Store currently does not have any water pipes or drains near it that can be easily linked. This can be done, but it would require some creative pipe work to hide them. The central heating in the house is about 10 years old and in good condition, so I do not plan on re-plumbing the house.

The kitchen will have space for approx 20 units, as well as space for a washer, tumble dryer, fridge freezer and dishwasher on top. So a utility is not strictly needed but I can see the benefits.

The wall between the Store and Passage/Kitchen is a supporting wall and would require a lintel.

The wall between the Store and Porch is a supporting wall but has a lintel already.

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Any advise would be great please. Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/ijcrl9033mh81.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f78dae94e0621adca08a82f2bfa62640df554699

https://preview.redd.it/3dcf0m033mh81.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cee20ed817bef58e4cbab0a966b00cd96e0d93d5

https://preview.redd.it/27bt3e033mh81.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74742b282b028c701240d0306fb4354eafa99da7

https://preview.redd.it/uxb7wp033mh81.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74a0fe9eb3766940ed10171fca2daf6fc9fcbd3d

Posted Feb 13, 2022, 2:34 PM UTC · edited

31
WishIWasThatClever•

I see what you mean about the passageway being wasted space.

My immediate thoughts are:

  1. On the top floor, move the bedroom door toward the stairs to reclaim a bit of usable space on the landing and have the bedroom closet open into the room. Then add a linen closet in front of the existing bedroom closet that opens onto the landing.
  2. Unless the back entry door shifts toward the kitchen window, you’ll lose a lot of wall space in your kitchen plus lose the heating/cooling benefits of the entry space.
  3. The storage space provides for bike, garden, hobby, and bulk storage without entering the living space. As long as you’ve owned a home before and know you don’t need any “dirty” storage, then being that inside the house would work. Carefully consider where the utility door should go. Laundry comes from bedrooms and the kitchen. Your groceries may enter from either front or back door. Plan accordingly for the most use of the space.
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