Fran’s game-changing, contemporary kitchen diner extension

The brief: To create a lighter and more functional kitchen and living space with a bright and modern rear extension

Fran explains: “With two children, and a pokey kitchen that felt cramped and dark, I’d dreamed about doing an extension for a long time.

The old kitchen had a large window and should’ve felt quite light, but it never did. It also felt really small, and we couldn’t use the space as we wanted to. 

I wanted a lighter and brighter kitchen that offered more space for me and the children to grow into and better support how we wanted to enjoy our home. For example, having the option to eat in the kitchen, a desk area for studying, or space for friends to come over.”

“I’d gathered loads of ideas for the look and feel I was after from Pinterest and the Checkatrade Advice Centre. I also used Checkatrade’s Cost Guides to start planning my budget to get broad estimates before gathering accurate quotes from tradespeople. 

In terms of my vision for the space, initially, I wanted to extend within permitted development rights to avoid the additional cost and complexity of applying for planning permission.

However, due to the positioning of sewer lines, it soon became clear that I wouldn’t be able to achieve the plans I had hoped for unless I opted for a bigger rear extension and put in for full planning.

This is where things started to get complicated. I was suddenly navigating a world that the average homeowner would struggle to understand unless they were in the industry. I was facing questions about the diameter and composition of sewer pipes and the direction of travel.”

“I’d previously searched on Checkatrade for a builder when I needed some work done upstairs in my house, and I’d hired Eddie of E C Builders for that job. His Checkatrade profile gave me reassurance to reach out, with lots of photos of his work, positive customer reviews, and the fact he was an approved tradesperson.

When Eddie worked on my home the first time, his work was top quality; he was tidy, trustworthy, and experienced. I had no reservations about enlisting his services again for my kitchen diner extension.”

Who are E C Builders?

E C Builders pride themselves on all aspects of building works; from full house renovations to extensions, plastering, driveways, re-roofing, and wet rooms in and around Bognor Regis, West Sussex.

“Because of the complications with the sewer lines, I’d had some plans drawn up by a local builder who specialises in technical drawings for planning. 

Working between two builders can be challenging, but Eddie worked with these plans and took full control, just getting on with things. 

He knew I worked full time and needed to live in my home throughout the building work, so we’d catch up before I started work if Eddie had any questions. Otherwise, he’d send me a message in the evening if he needed my input. 

He was great at working around me and the kids to make everything really easy for us. The kids loved coming home each day to see the progress that’d been made!

I noticed how thoughtful and considerate he was to our needs. Eddie kept the place as clean and tidy as possible to minimise building dust and boxed things off from a safety point of view, knowing the children were around. 

When the back of the house was opened up for the major works, Eddie and his team built a fake wall to ensure the security of us and our home. 

He completed the project within the timescale he’d originally advised and kept me up to date as we approached various markers, e.g. when the skip was arriving or when the old kitchen needed to be emptied, which helped me to plan ahead.”

A bright, spacious new kitchen diner

Eddie transformed the rear of Fran’s property, opening up the kitchen to create a light, spacious area for cooking, dining, socialising, and studying. It has given the family so many options for how they’ll enjoy their home, both now and into the future.

“It’s a big investment having building work done on your home, but knowing Eddie came with Checkatrade’s trusted tick of approval gave me a huge amount of reassurance that I was making the right decision.

When I met Eddie, I knew I’d made the right decision. We built rapport straight away, and he instantly put me at ease.

My advice to other homeowners looking for tradespeople would be to trust your instincts. This person will be in and out of your home for the duration of the project, so you need to feel confident in your decision to hire. 

The decision to hire Eddie and E C Builders has paid off. The investment we’ve made in our home will pay dividends for many years to come. We love it!”

Do you have an exciting vision to extend your home?

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