Your Guide to Planning the Ultimate Kitchen Bump Out

If your kitchen feels cramped or dated, a kitchen bump out can be the perfect solution. Adding a small extension to your existing kitchen allows you to gain valuable square footage and create the kitchen of your dreams without the disruption and expense of a full addition.

Follow our tips to maximize usable space, include gorgeous design details, and complete a smooth, successful construction process. With some thoughtful planning and expert help, you can create a superb new kitchen that improves the functionality of your home.

Planning Your Kitchen Bump Out

The key to successfully transforming your kitchen lies in the planning stages. Don't rush into knocking down walls until you have determined your needs, chosen a location, developed a layout, and set a realistic budget. Careful planning ensures you end up with a cohesive, efficient kitchen design tailored to your family.

Determine Your Needs

Start by analyzing how you currently use your kitchen, and make a wish list of dream features you'd love to incorporate. Do you constantly run out of storage space or find yourself squeezed around a tiny island? Would a spacious pantry help you organize provisions more efficiently? Do you envision hosting dinner parties in a kitchen with roomy seating?

By thoughtfully considering how you want to utilize the new bump out space, you can come up with features that best suit your cooking and entertaining lifestyle. Your contractor can then help translate your goals into a practical floor plan. Focus on big-picture concepts rather than specific products at this stage.

Choose the Location

The next step is deciding where to locate the bump out. An architect can help you evaluate your existing kitchen layout to determine the ideal spot. If you have an exterior wall with windows, building out below the windows creates visual balance. Avoid blocking windows or sight lines with the addition.

Consider existing traffic flow through doorways and hallways so the new layout enhances instead of disrupts natural movement. Place appliances conveniently near plumbing to minimize expensive system updates. Finding the optimal position takes some forethought but prevents wasted time and money later.

Decide on Size

Standard kitchen bump outs are often 10x10 or 12x12 feet, but size depends on your space. Measure your existing kitchen footprint and think critically about how much room you need. Resist the urge to go too big--a massive bump out could throw off home symmetry. An experienced contractor can recommend the most appropriate dimensions.

Remember to account for potential furniture layouts and room to circulate. While gaining extra room sounds appealing, an outsized bump out might mean wasted, unusable space. Thoughtful measurements ensure every inch serves a purpose in your new kitchen.

Develop a Layout

Now it's time to rough out a floorplan showing where cabinets, appliances, and workstations will go. Start by sketching ideas on grid paper, keeping sightlines and traffic flow in mind. Play around with different configurations to optimize efficiency.

Later, refine your rough draft into a detailed layout with precise measurements. Often, it's wise to consult a kitchen designer or architect. An expert can create a cohesive, ergonomic floorplan tailored to your cooking habits. They understand spacing needs for traffic lanes and can suggest clever ways to maximize storage.

Set Your Budget

Typical kitchen bump outs cost $15,000-$35,000, significantly less than full-scale additions. The small footprint uses your existing roofline and utilities, keeping structural changes minimal. Still, any remodel requires a healthy budget.

Meet with contractors to get itemized quotes. Include all anticipated expenses like demolition, construction, HVAC, plumbing, electric, finishes, appliances and more. Setting a clear budget prevents scope creep down the line, keeping your project affordable.

Design Elements to Include

With a solid plan in place, it's time for the fun part--choosing eye-catching design details! Custom touches turn your bump out into an inviting, on-trend kitchen extension. Consider including features like these:

More Windows and Natural Light

Strategically placed windows infuse any space with brightness and ventilation. Adding a row of windows or skylights to your new bump out bathes the kitchen in sunshine. Abundant natural light creates an airy, uplifting ambiance. For a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, opt for sliding glass doors onto an adjacent patio.

Luxury Appliances

A kitchen update provides the perfect opportunity to upgrade appliances to match your cooking lifestyle. Splurge on your dream stove with all the bells and whistles, like a built-in sous vide function or infrared broiler. Choose an intelligent refrigerator equipped with cameras and WiFi connectivity so you can peek inside remotely.

Don't forget about the sink, an often overlooked focal point. Pick a gorgeous hammered copper apron-front sink or sleek industrial stainless model to anchor your new workstation.

Custom Storage Solutions

You can never have too much storage in a kitchen. Utilize the bump out area to maximize cabinets, pantries and organizational systems. Install pull-out shelves in corner cabinets and under appliances to access every inch. Opt for custom built-in drawers under a kitchen window bench.

An accessible pantry with floor-to-ceiling racks adds plenty of space for provisions. Clever storage transforms a cramped kitchen into an uncluttered workspace.

Cozy Sitting Area

Incorporating comfortable seating cultivates connection in your kitchen. Tuck a cushioned banquette into the bump out for casual family meals and game nights. Include a stacked stone fireplace and mantle to create an inviting sitting area. Imagine sipping your morning coffee nestled next to the warmth of a fire.

The bump out square footage provides room to get creative with seating options. Add a place to lounge and your kitchen becomes a beloved hangout space.

Preparing for Construction

Once your kitchen addition is designed, it's time to dive into the construction process. While experienced contractors handle the heavy lifting, you play an important role in pulling permits, hiring your team, and overseeing the work. Here's what to expect.

Get Required Permits

Most residential construction requires permits from your city or county building department. Your contractor will likely submit the actual permit applications, but you should understand what's needed. Standard permits include building, zoning, demolition, electrical, mechanical and plumbing.

Requirements and wait times for approvals vary based on your municipality. Setting realistic expectations prevents delays, so talk through timelines with your contractor early on.

Hire Your Remodeling Team

Now it's time to assemble your kitchen dream team! Line up a qualified general contractor to oversee the entire project. Take time to vet potential hires--a reliable GC helps ensure quality workmanship within budget and on schedule.

The GC will then coordinate hiring specialty subcontractors, like an electrician to handle wiring, HVAC technicians for ductwork, and plumbers to extend pipes. For design specifics, you may want to continue working with an architect or kitchen designer as well.

Demolition and Foundation

Once approvals are secured, construction kicks off by prepping the addition footprint. After establishing safety barriers, the crew demolishes existing exterior walls, roofing, even load-bearing walls to open up the new space.

With the structure exposed, it's time to lay a solid foundation, quite literally. The concrete slab foundation fortifies the bump out structure while leveling and stabilizing the space. This critical step supports the entire addition.

Finishing Touches

Now the structural work is complete--the fun part ensues! Time to finish off your gorgeous new kitchen with drywall, paint, lighting, floors and more. Meticulous finishing turns your framework into a functional, eye-catching kitchen.

Drywall and Paint

Drywall sheets enclose the new walls and ceiling, creating an even backdrop. Workers mud and tape seams for a smooth finish, then apply primer and your chosen paint colors. Opt for a crisp white to maximize brightness, or infuse personality with deep green walls.

Tying your color palette to existing rooms promotes cohesion across the home's style. Or make the bump out an accent area by selecting a bold, contrasting color scheme--the choice is yours!

Flooring and Trim

For a unified appearance, continue your current flooring into the new kitchen space. Or take the opportunity to upgrade underfoot--think engineered hardwoods or porcelain tile. Consider laying tile with radiant heating to pamper your feet.

Don't forget trim elements like crown molding, baseboards and door casings. Attractive wood trim lends a polished, built-in look to your fresh kitchen.

Cabinetry and Countertops

Now for everyone's favorite phase--picking cabinetry! Dovetail drawer construction and soft-close hinges bring luxury to your new built-ins. Opt for a timeless Shaker style in a crisp, bright white for an airy look.

Combine with natural stone or engineered quartz countertops that withstand cooking wear-and-tear. Add a spacious kitchen island for extra prep space and casual dining. Then style with modern pendant lights and hardware.

Lighting and Plumbing

Proper lighting transforms a dark kitchen into a bright, inviting space. Include recessed can lights in the ceiling along with stylish pendant lights over the center island. Under-cabinet LED strips illuminate countertops.

Next, the plumber routes supply lines for sinks, faucets and appliances like the dishwasher. Make sure your electrical system has ample capacity for any new instant hot taps and appliance circuits as well.

Once final inspections approve your new addition as move-in ready, it's time to festoon your kitchen with finishing accents! Stock cabinets with dishes and cookware, toss down a rug, hang curtains and artwork. Install any remaining fixtures like pot racks and shelves. Then, take time to enjoy all your amazing new space!

You can complete a successful kitchen bump out with the help of an expert construction team. Define your wish list, nail down details, and select stunning finishes to craft your ideal kitchen. Follow our guide to gain valuable square footage and convenience without the hassle of a full addition. We hope these tips help you create your dream kitchen oasis!