The French spend more and more time in their kitchen, which has become (since the health crisis, among other things) a place of conviviality and relaxation for all. But this living room is not always big enough to accommodate the whole family. So why not opt for a kitchen extension? This renovation project can offer more space but also more light and therefore become even more pleasant to live in. Specialist in house renovation, Maisons SIC tells you more…
The kitchen: a central space in the daily life of the French
Since leaving confinement, 62,3% of French people say they “often” cook at home. Namely, 1h22 per day on average. No wonder, when we know that the French are the world champions in time spent at the table. According to OECD, we spend on average 2 hours 10 minutes a day eating and drinking, or 40 minutes more than the average for OECD countries and more than twice as long as Americans.
The kitchen has therefore become one of the most important rooms in the house, in France. Also a kitchen designer, Maisons SIC can help you build the kitchen of your dreams !
From functionality to conviviality: how the kitchen became a living space.
Traditionally considered as a space dedicated solely to the preparation of meals, the kitchen has greatly evolved to become a real place of life and sharing.
This transformation can be explained by a change in domestic habits and a growing appreciation for open and welcoming spaces. Today, the kitchen is no longer hidden behind closed doors; she is often located in the heart of the house, open to the living room or dining room.
This open space concept not only promotes conviviality and sharing between family members and friends, but also encourages a new approach to home life, where cooking becomes a social and enjoyable activity.
Impact of the health crisis on the use of the kitchen
The health crisis of 2020 has considerably changed our lifestyles, in particular our relationship with domestic space. With confinements and restrictions, cooking has taken on a new dimension, transforming into a versatile place where people come not only to cook, but also to work and relax.
Families began spending more time preparing meals together, rediscovering the joy of cooking. For example, a survey found that 60% of French people said they cooked more frequently during confinement.
Urban artist the need to telework often transformed kitchen tables into makeshift desks. This development has reinforced the role of the kitchen as nerve center of the house, emphasizing its increased importance and the need to adapt this space to meet multiple and daily functions.
Why consider a kitchen extension?
The kitchen is at the heart of the home, a place where culinary creativity, moments of sharing, and, increasingly, various activities ranging from work to leisure combine.
However, in many homes, this living space may prove insufficient to perform all these functions with ease. Considering a kitchen extension can then present itself as an ideal solution for several reasons, in particular to offer more space and more light, thus considerably improving the quality of life within the home (but also the value of your home, in the possibility of resale).
And that's good, Maisons SIC can help you in this area since Our company is also a kitchen designer and supports the design, sale of supplies, installation.
We also have our specialist advisor as well as a showroom that you can discover online or come visit.
More space: comfortably accommodate the whole family
One of the main advantages of a kitchen extension is the significant increase in available space. This expansion makes it possible to design a more airy and organized environment, ideal for large families or for those who like to entertain.
With more space, it is possible to integrate a central island, which serves as both an additional work surface and a friendly gathering point for quick meals or aperitifs.
This also allows add innovative storage solutions, reducing clutter and promoting a more relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Thus, the kitchen becomes a real living space, capable of welcoming family and friends in the greatest comfort.
More light: solutions for a kitchen bathed in light
A well-planned kitchen extension also offers the opportunity to increase the amount of natural light.
Opt for large bay windows or create a veranda can radically transform the atmosphere of the room, making it brighter and more energizing. Natural light is not only beneficial for well-being and health, but it can also make the task of cooking more enjoyable and less tiring for the eyes.
In addition, a bright kitchen is visually larger and more orgreen, which reinforces the illusion of space and contributes to a more attractive overall aesthetic.
The extension of a kitchen does not just meet functional needs; it also improves the overall home experience, making the kitchen a central space in which to live.
Et with a view to possible resale in the future, a large kitchen will inevitably increase the value of your entire house and could allow you to realize a capital gain.
What are the different types of extensions for a kitchen?
Choosing the right type of extension for your kitchen depends on several factors, including the style of the house, the available budget, and specific needs in terms of space and light.
Here are four popular options that can significantly transform the look and functionality of your kitchen.
Wooden kitchen extension: charm and warmth
The wooden extension is a popular option for its aesthetic appearance and its ability to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Wood, the natural material par excellence, brings a unique character to the house while integrating harmoniously into the exterior environment. Easy to work with and relatively quick to build, a wooden extension can be designed to match any style of architecture, from the most modern to the most traditional, while providing very effective natural insulation.
Veranda: maximum brightness
The veranda is the ideal solution for those who want to maximize natural light in their kitchen. Made up mainly of glass panels, it allows total immersion in the exterior landscape while protecting it from bad weather. Perfect for enjoying the sun and the view without leaving the comfort of your home, the veranda transforms the kitchen into a bright and airy space, ideal for family meals or simply relaxing.
Masonry extension: robustness and architectural harmony
For those looking for durability and strength, a bricked extension is often the way to go. Built with materials such as brick, concrete or stone, it ensures aesthetic continuity with the existing building. This option is particularly suitable for harsher climates and offers excellent insulation. It is also ideal for seamless integration into the existing architecture, reinforcing the character and value of the property.
Other possible options depending on specific needs
In addition to these more traditional options, other solutions can be considered depending on the specific needs of each project. For example, metal structures or combinations of materials can be used for more contemporary designs or for specific site constraints. Each extension choice can be tailored to meet personal preferences in terms of design, budget and functionality.
These various options offer great flexibility to improve the space and brightness of your kitchen, while increasing the value and enjoyment of your home.
Planning and realization of the kitchen extension
Extending your kitchen is a significant project that requires careful planning to ensure success.
Here are some tips to follow to expand this central space in your home.
The 6 key stages of your kitchen extension project
- Definition of the budget and quote : It is crucial to clearly define your budget from the start. Once this financial framework has been established, request quotes from kitchen designers for a precise estimate of costs involving both standard and custom furniture.
- Project design : The first step is to draw up a detailed plan of the kitchen, including the location of fixed and movable elements. This involves choosing a style and materials that integrate harmoniously with the existing architecture while meeting your functional and aesthetic needs.
- Order and preparation : After validating the quotes, proceed to order the kitchen units. At the same time, prepare the site for construction, which may include modifying a load-bearing wall for the junction between the old and new parts.
- Construction and development : The construction phase begins with the preparation of the floors and walls, insulation, then the installation of the coverings.
- Technical installation : Connect new spaces to existing plumbing, electrical and heating systems. Make sure all installations meet current standards to avoid any future problems.
- finishes : Finally, install the kitchen units and carry out the interior and exterior finishes to harmonize your new kitchen with the rest of the house.
- Read also: House extension: the 11 key steps
Obtaining the permits and administrative procedures necessary for your kitchen extension
Before starting work to extend your kitchen, it is essential to understand and respect the administrative procedures required by your municipality.
These procedures vary depending on the size of the planned kitchen extension and the zoning of your property:
For small extensions (less than 5 m²) : If you are planning a small extension, such as adding a dining area or installing a central island, and the total surface area of your house after work remains less than 150 m², you generally do not need to carry out administrative procedures. This rule simplifies small-scale projects that do not significantly change the structure or footprint of your home.
Prior declaration of work : For medium-sized extensions, i.e. those measuring between 5 m² and 40 m² in areas covered by a Local Urban Plan (PLU), or from 5 m² to 20 m² outside PLU areas , a prior declaration of works is required. This approach allows the town hall to verify that your project complies with local planning rules. The total surface area of the house after work must also remain less than 150 m² for this category.
Building permit : For larger or more complex extensions, in particular those of 20 m² to 40 m² outside PLU zones or those exceeding 40 m² in PLU zones, a building permit is required. In addition, if the total living space of your house exceeds 150 m² after the work, the intervention of an architect becomes mandatory to comply with regulatory requirements. The building permit ensures that your extension complies not only with town planning rules but also with applicable safety and environmental standards.
These steps are crucial to avoid any future legal problems and ensure that your kitchen extension is built in compliance with local laws and regulations. It is recommended to consult the town planning services of your town hall to obtain personalized advice specific to your project.
Estimated costs by extension size
Approximate cost for a 20 m² kitchen extension : The budget will vary depending on the materials chosen and the level of finish desired. On average, a 20 m² extension can cost between €20 and €000.
Approximate cost for a 30 m² kitchen extension : For a larger surface area, the cost can rise to around €30 to €000, depending on the specifics of the project.
The importance of choosing a professional for your kitchen extension project
Undertaking a kitchen extension project is a significant undertaking that can significantly improve the functionality and value of your home. This is all the more true if you are considering specific arrangements, such as building an outdoor kitchen, which requires careful planning and special know-how.
However, the complexity of the associated tasks, ranging from design to construction, requires specific expertise to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Call a professional such as Maisons SIC offers multiple advantages that justify this investment. Especially since our company offers you its kitchen designer services, with a kitchen consultant at your service to guide you towards the equipment of your dreams. Our teams can also help you design, purchase supplies and install the kitchen.
Expertise and personalized support
A specialist in construction and the renovation as Maisons SIC brings crucial expertise that transforms your vision into reality while respecting your budgetary and stylistic constraints.
Our professionals have in-depth knowledge of the most suitable materials and the latest trends in kitchen design. They can therefore guide you in choosing the most aesthetic and functional solutions for your kitchen extension.
In addition, personalized support throughout the project ensures that all your concerns are taken into account, from the design phase until completion of the work, with clear and regular communication to keep you informed of the progress of the project.
Guarantee of quality and compliance with current standards for your kitchen extension
Opt for a professional like Maisons SIC also means that your kitchen extension will be built to the highest building and safety standards.
These standards not only guarantee durability and security of the extension Kitchen, but also its energy efficiency, an increasingly important aspect in the current context of ecological awareness. In addition, professionals ensure the quality of their work with guarantees that protect you against construction defects and potential defects.
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Call on Maisons SIC for your kitchen extension: contact us!
