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allisonrbower

Open up the space?

6 years ago

I am considering buying a house with a terrible layout but phenomenal backyard! The issue is how closed off

and compartmentalized the space is. We want to feel like it is open to the back when we walk in. Has anyone ever knocked down walls and reoriented a kitchen like this? How hard is it to move the duct work and reinforce the structure (as I’m sure the wall is load bearing)? Any advice/feedback is welcome.





any advice is welcome!

Comments (12)

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    It would be very difficult if it is a load bearing wall. Costly. It could mean that you will need to redo your kitchen as well. Please call a local designer and contractor. HOUZZ has many designers. This is a hands and eyes on type of project. Please see if one of the designers can come to see your house. It looks like a beautiful home. Best wishes in your new home. Marcie

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Bearing wall and has an HVAC duct running through the soffit. All those homes that were built in the 90's with angles are very difficult to remodel in an inexpensive manner. Also, you need the storage and pantry on the other side of the wall.

  • 6 years ago

    I have no clue but I'd love to see the backyard.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Please bring the professionals into the house; contractors. Honestly they will be the only way you can get an honest answer. Folks on this site are wonderful but being on your property and seeing your kitchen and entry up close and personal is the only way you can get the answers you really need.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    You need to post an actual to scale floor plan here if you want any help from us showing every window, door way and plumbing if not able to be moved. You need to get a structural engineer to tell you which walls are load bearing and how to open them up properly and to code. Maybe a floor plan showing all the spaces that are connected on that level.

  • 6 years ago

    Unfortunately the kitchen is the most difficult and expensive room to remove walls..too much space is lost..important appliances have to be moved...and that doesn’t even count the unknown needed supports to keep the ceiling from falling down.....measure that against a huge landscaping re- do ...to ADD a beautiful garden ....to another home that you love as is....i would love to see the garden,too...admitting that it could change my mind ....as i am hugely appreciative of a beautiful garden,too

  • 6 years ago

    If you have formal gatherings, no.


    If, however, your preferences is for a more informal dining experience, see a pro. Then if it is determined to be a structurally sound option -- you might consider adding only a pas thru window over the countertop beneath the overhead cabinets -- one centered between the fridge (on the left) and the side wall on the right.


    You could then move the furnishings against the dining room side of the wall to the right. That could give you the option to create a bar with seats -- wood ... (unless you can match/extend your existing countertop) or


    You could move the cabinet to another wall and have the option to create a built buffet/butler's pantry/china cabinet against most or the entire dining room wall that backs to the kitchen.


    https://missmustardseed.com/butlers-pantry-plans/


  • 6 years ago

    too much $$. I bet you could spend a lot less making an awesome yard elsewhere...

  • 6 years ago

    Wow where is this? It looks like palm springs where we spend our winters...

  • 6 years ago

    it's not a layout for that open into kitchen....we have very similar homes in our community built in 2014-2018.
    What will you get if you opened the wall? One long kitchen starting in long/narrow entry?
    You would want to open it into the sitting area but not into a hall.
    I understand its inconvenient to go with the dishes around that wall. But it is what its!

    Would be way too expensive to reconstruct it!

  • 6 years ago

    Beautiful oasis outside!