Room to Improve

Homeowners Martin and Sarah discuss how their new kitchen renovation has made a massive improvement to their new home.

When Sarah and Martin recently bought a new property, they knew their work would be cut out for them. After all, the house and garden hadn’t been updated for some years. However, this meant that they would be able to put their own personal stamp on every aspect of their home. So, it was with this in mind that they started searching for local builders who could transform their ground floor into an area where an open-plan Shaker-style kitchen would be key. Sarah explains, ‘We knew we wanted to have plenty of space in which to relax and unwind after a busy day. However, we also wanted ample room in which to entertain. So, we soon realised we would need to knock down some walls to achieve just what we were looking for.’

Building Works

The couple received three quotes from property developers, before making their final choice. Sarah is a journalist and blogger who runs her own business Christchurch Creative from a studio at the bottom of the garden. However, one issue would be to ensure she and members of her team could come and go each day to use facilities in the house, without too much disruption. Then, once they had received planning permission, the builders got to work.

‘I remember the first few weeks so well – watching new foundations being built was a new thing for me and I couldn’t wait for the build to take shape. However, this project would take some time as renovations also included a new utility room and cloakroom. I’d already got my heart set on a Caple Shaker-style kitchen – their Harptree had caught my attention for some time, so I couldn’t wait to get to the kitchen design process!’ Sarah adds.