Ilford Project

A full home refurbishment project, converting a 3-bedroom house into a 5-bedroom residence with a rear kitchen extension in Ilford, Essex IG1, typically involves several key stages and design improvements. Here’s a detailed summary of how such a project is likely to unfold:

• Client Consultation: The process begins with understanding the client’s requirements, including adding two more bedrooms and expanding the kitchen.
• Architectural Design and Drawings: An architect will create detailed plans and drawings, focusing on optimizing space usage while ensuring compliance with local planning regulations. This often includes loft conversion and rear extension designs.
• Planning Permission: Planning permission is usually required from the local council for significant alterations like rear extensions and loft conversions.

• Demolition and Strip-Out: The internal layout is often reconfigured, which might involve removing non-structural walls, old fittings, and flooring.
• Foundation Work for Rear Extension: If a rear kitchen extension is planned, foundation work is the first step. This includes excavation, pouring concrete foundations, and setting up a damp-proof course.
• Building the Extension: The structure for the rear extension is built, typically consisting of brick or block walls, insulation, and roof construction. Large bi-fold doors or sliding doors might be installed to connect the kitchen to the garden.

• Loft Conversion: To increase the number of bedrooms from three to five, a loft conversion is a common solution. This involves adding dormer windows for more headroom and creating a staircase leading to the new rooms.
• Internal Layout Changes: The first-floor layout may be reconfigured to accommodate additional bedrooms, often achieved by reducing the size of existing rooms or shifting walls.

• Plumbing and Electrical Work: New plumbing and electrical systems are installed throughout the home, catering to the additional rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms.
• Insulation and Drywall: Walls and ceilings are insulated and drywalled, followed by plastering.
• Flooring: New flooring is laid throughout the house, including hardwood, carpet, or tiles, depending on room usage.

• Extended Kitchen Design: The rear extension allows for a spacious, open-plan kitchen with modern fittings, integrated appliances, and a central island or breakfast bar.
• Bathroom Installation: Additional bathrooms or en-suites are added, often in the loft or converted bedrooms, featuring modern fixtures and high-quality tiling.

• Painting and Decorating: The entire home is painted and decorated according to the client’s style preferences, with attention to details like skirting boards, coving, and door finishes.
• Lighting and Fixtures: Modern lighting fixtures, including recessed lighting, pendant lights, and under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, are installed.

• Exterior Finishing: The exterior walls of the extension are finished to blend seamlessly with the existing structure. Roof work, including new tiling, guttering, and fascias, is completed.
• Garden and Driveway: Landscaping, paving, and fencing work are often done to enhance the outdoor space, particularly around the new rear extension.

• Building Regulations Compliance: A final inspection is conducted to ensure all works comply with building regulations, followed by certification.
• Client Handover: The project concludes with a handover, where the client reviews the completed work and receives all necessary documentation, including warranties and maintenance instructions.

• Such a project can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months, depending on the complexity of the work, weather conditions, and planning approval processes.
• The budget varies widely based on the quality of materials, finishes, and any additional bespoke elements, typically ranging from £175,000 to £250,000 depending on the finish required.

Transforming a 3-bedroom house into a 5-bedroom home with a rear kitchen extension in Ilford IG1 involves strategic space planning, extensive construction work, and a full interior refurbishment. The result is a more spacious and modern living environment, with enhanced functionality and increased property value.