Renovations · Christchurch
Kitchen knock-throughs and renovations in Christchurch
Opening up a kitchen in Christchurch means finding out which walls are load-bearing, sizing the steel if one has to come out, and getting Building Control sign-off. We survey it, draw it, engineer it and build it.
- ★ 5.0 on Google (15 reviews)
- Checkatrade 10/10 (20 reviews)
- We reply the same working day.
Houses in Christchurch and what they need
Christchurch offers a mix of period properties near the Priory and harbour, 1930s bungalows in Highcliffe and Mudeford, and post-war family homes in Somerford and Burton. Open-plan kitchen-diners are popular across all these property types, and especially effective in bungalows, where removing a single wall can more than double the usable living area.
Bungalows in Highcliffe and Mudeford
Christchurch has a high number of 1930s to 1960s bungalows, particularly along Highcliffe and into Mudeford. These single-storey properties respond well to open-plan conversion. Removing the wall between the kitchen and living room creates a bright, open space. In some bungalows the wall between the kitchen and living room does not hold anything up, and in others it does. We check this in the survey. The survey drawings show the room before and after.
Period properties near the Priory and harbour
Older homes around Christchurch Priory, the Quay and the historic town centre have solid-wall construction with thick internal walls that may be load-bearing. Open-plan conversions here need careful structural assessment, but can open up views of the harbour and create kitchen-diners that blend old and new. Our designs respect the period fabric while modernising the ground-floor layout.
Family homes in Somerford and Burton
The estates of Somerford, Purewell and Burton have post-war three-bedroom homes with the classic separate kitchen and living room layout. Removing the dividing wall is one of the most cost-effective home improvements available. We design layouts that make the most of the combined space, including kitchen island positioning and natural light flow.
Planning permission for wall removal in Christchurch
Internal wall removal in Christchurch generally does not need planning permission. Building Regulations apply when load-bearing walls are removed. Listed properties near the Priory and harbour need Listed Building Consent from BCP Council for any internal alteration.
Building Regulations for wall removal in Christchurch
When a load-bearing wall is removed in a Christchurch property, Building Regulations require structural engineer calculations, a Building Control application, and inspections at key stages by Building Control, an independent inspector. We arrange the structural engineer, prepare the application, and manage the inspections, giving you a single point of contact for the whole process.
Listed Building Consent for wall removal in central Christchurch
Several properties around the Priory, High Street and harbour are listed buildings. Internal alterations to listed buildings, including wall removal, need Listed Building Consent from BCP Council regardless of whether the wall is structural. Our surveys for listed properties include heritage notes and recommended approaches that show respect for the building's historic significance.
Why homeowners choose us
We combine design and construction experience, so the early layout discussion considers how a home could be altered as well as how it could look. Detailed scope, pricing and programme are agreed separately for each project.
Free
Free project review
Tell us what you want to do. We call you back the same working day to tell you what your project needs and whether it is worth doing. There is no cost and no obligation.
Clearer scope before work begins
We use the available drawings and project information to discuss the proposed work before a quote and contract are agreed.
One firm and one contract
You don't have to find and manage separate designers, engineers and builders.
You can stop after any step
The drawings are yours to use with any builder.
How it works
There are five steps. You can stop after any of them.
You can stop after any step. The drawings are yours, and you can use them with another builder.
We build in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and about 20 miles around them. For homes further away, our remote layout service works anywhere in the UK, and we can price the work, prepare tender documents and vet local builders.
Step 1
Free project review
Send us a few details or call. We look at what you want to do and tell you what it will need and whether it is worth taking further.
Free
Step 2
Layout Ideas Pack
We draw your home as it is now and up to three ways it could work, then fine-tune your favourite with you on a video call. Done remotely from your Rightmove link, floor plan or sketch, or in person with a measured site survey and a 3D point cloud scan.
Remote or in person
Step 3
Cost estimate
Once you have a layout you like, we can explain the further work needed and quote any separately agreed service.
Quoted separately
Step 4
Drawings, approvals and engineering
Full drawings, structural calculations, and the planning and Building Regulations applications. The house is measured at this stage if it hasn't been already.
Priced after the estimate
Step 5
The build
Near Poole, we can prepare a quote and contract using the information available for the agreed scope. Changes, site conditions and client decisions can affect scope, cost or programme. Further away, we can prepare tender information and support the selection of local builders.
Quoted for the agreed scope
What our customers say
- ★ 5.0 on Google (15 reviews)
- Checkatrade 10/10 (20 reviews)
- We reply the same working day.
“…they can do everything from start to finish for you.”
“…carried out layout drawings for a very reasonable amount. Josh also gave us a budget price to carry out the works.”
“I couldn't recommend Josh enough! He has been absolutely fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, he was happy to bounce lots of ideas back and forth until we were happy. He is polite, friendly and professional in every aspect. I would definitely be using his services again in the future when needed.”
“Josh got the plans for our extension completed and submitted very quickly. We had a number of amendments and obstacles to overcome but nothing was too much trouble for him. A very professional and efficient service.”
Services in Christchurch
Questions
How much does an open-plan kitchen conversion cost in Christchurch?
Start with a free project review. If it makes sense to go ahead, the next step is the Layout Ideas Pack, done remotely or in person. If structural steel is needed, engineer calculations are quoted after the survey. Many Christchurch bungalows have non-structural partition walls that can be removed without steel, keeping the build cost down.
Can I create an open-plan kitchen in a Christchurch bungalow?
Often, yes. Whether the wall needs a steel beam depends on what it holds up. We check this in the survey, and the drawings show how the room would look opened up.
Do I need Listed Building Consent for wall removal in Christchurch?
Only if your property is listed. This applies to some homes near the Priory, harbour and historic town centre. Internal alterations to listed buildings need consent regardless of whether the wall is structural. We check your property's listing status as part of our service.
How quickly do you deliver open-plan kitchen designs for Christchurch?
We reply the same working day to agree a time. We agree the visit and expected timing with you before booking.
Tell us what you want to change
Send a few details and we will call you back the same working day to tell you what your project needs. There is no cost and no obligation.
We build in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and about 20 miles around them.
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