New Construction (Cookie Cutter Builder) not sure how much we can do?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

see attached images

Our original plan was not to put money into the kitchen at start and redo later (aka put all money in infrastructure) with that being said I want to have a good layout to start even if not with the high end cabinets and counters at day one. thoughts? Also thoughts on if I should do the bump out (everything here is standards with base price except no fridge).

I do want to move the microwave for sure and put gas stove in with a vent above.

We are a family of 7 *12, 6, 5, 2, 8m and done ;-D

(why we went with this builder. "4 bedrooms upstairs with loft plus 2 rooms with doors downstairs for 2 offices) got alot of sq footage and in the area we want (exact lot we wanted). *not a custom builder but i do have some flexibility with moving cabinets counters around etc.

I was told on other forum when talking about if I should do a bump out that I should skip it and put money into the kitchen? ty for any advice

Featured Answer

sheloveslayouts

8 years ago

1. The "hobby room" would make a much better combo hobby/mudroom. See if you can add a sink and move the garage entrance down there as well as a door to the family room. It would be fantastic for family arts/crafts!

2. When folks post their Kitchens here for remodel, the first thing they do is rip out the monolithic corner pantry. My friends just did theirs last week. Skip the built in corner pantry and put a shallow reach in pantry across the hall from the fridge in the optional drop zone area.

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Comments (15)

heatheron40
8 years ago
I think bumpout. It's cheapest to do now! Kitchen will last 10 years.....how much will bumpout cost as an addition in 10 years? Some of your children will be up and out by then and then you'll look back. Wish we had done our addition 10 years sooner☹

I would really look at island, the diagonal would drive me nuts with all the rectangles.
my_four_sons
8 years ago
Definitely do the bump out. And square out that ridiculous island.
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Ryan Vallow
Original Author
8 years ago
Ryan Vallow
Original Author
8 years ago
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
will you really be "sitting" in that area at the end of the kitchen run?

ETA - what will you use the bump out for? If you are moving a nice big dining table to that area, what will you do with the then empty eating area spot?
wilson853
8 years ago
I have a friend with a very similar layout with the bump out. They have it set up as a sunroom /playspace with a sectional and ottoman. They do not have a formal living room, so when there is a crowd, the overflow of adults from the family room sit in there. With five children, you're certain to need more space as they get bigger and their friends start hanging out. I do not think you will regret having that bit of extra space to spread out.
Ryan Vallow
Original Author
8 years ago

upstairs has a game room for kids :-D
mama goose_gw zn6OH
8 years ago
You could go for broke and spread out the kitchen. In just a few
years you're going to have many potential cooks/helpers, so having
separate clean-up and cooking zones, and multiple prep areas will
provide space for everyone to work. Helpers could be loading or unloading the DW(s), or gathering dishes to set the table, without crossing your work space. Someone could be making lunches while you are cooking breakfast.
Even now, you should consider a bigger fridge, or two 30" refrigerators. You'd even have space for a bigger range. Without measurements I don't know if this will fit, or if you have this much latitude with the layout and cabinets.
User
8 years ago
User
8 years ago
To me there is no question...I would do the bumpout.
MotherOfGiants
8 years ago
When you talk about redoing the kitchen "later" -- when is later? Even a kitchen refresh is very disruptive, and IMO more disruptive with kids (aren't most things?). If "later" is less than ~5 years from now, do the changes now and save yourself some stress.
functionthenlook
8 years ago
Originally a family of 4. No problem with seating for a meal. Children married added two more to the table. Then they both had children , so now when we are all together for a meal which is about twice a month, there is now 10 of us. Yes, children grow up and leave, but multiply. When we were looking for our current house a deal breaker was a dinning room not big enough to seat us all.
blfenton
8 years ago
Definitely do a bump out. I don't see a dining room and with that many kids, plus all their friends when the little ones are older, there will be a lot of people in the area. Yes, they will play upstairs but be coming downstairs for snacks. It will be a great flex space and probably change in use as the years go by.
sheloveslayouts
8 years ago
What are the dimensions of the bump out?