Is it Worth Knocking Through for a Kitchen-Diner?
Lisa Woolnough • 14 April 2025
Is it Worth Knocking Through for a Kitchen-Diner?
Creating an open-plan kitchen-diner is one of the most popular home improvements in the UK. Many homeowners are choosing to knock through walls to combine their kitchen and dining area into one large, social space. But is it worth it? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits, costs, potential challenges, and the latest design trends to help you decide if a knock-through is the right choice for your home.
The Benefits of a Kitchen-Diner Knock-Through
- More Space & Better Flow
Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room can create a more spacious, open plan feel, making your home feel larger and more inviting. - Brighter Living Area
Traditional kitchens can sometimes feel dark and enclosed. Knocking through allows natural light to flow freely, creating a brighter and more pleasant living space. - Better for Entertaining
A kitchen-diner makes it easier to cook and chat with guests at the same time, making it perfect for dinner parties and family gatherings. - Increased Property Value
Open-plan living is highly desirable for buyers. A well-executed kitchen-diner conversion can add value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. - More Functional Living Space
A combined kitchen and dining area can create a more practical, multifunctional space that suits modern family life.
Current Trends for Kitchen-Diners
If you're considering knocking through, thekitchn.com has some of the latest trends to incorporate into your design. These include:
- Moody Hues & Cool Metals
Rich, deep colours like navy, plum, and burgundy, combined with sleek metals like chrome and polished nickel, are making a bold statement in modern kitchens. - Concealed Kitchens
Seamless cabinetry and integrated appliances create a sleek, minimalist look, making your kitchen feel more like part of the living space. - Natural Materials & Warm Woods
Sustainable materials like stone and warm wood finishes bring a timeless, cosy feel to open-plan kitchen-diners. - Multi-Zoned Layouts
Kitchens are now designed with dedicated areas for cooking, entertaining, working, and relaxing, ensuring a functional and organised space. - Bold Colours & Mixed Materials
Combining soft and bold colours like sage green, dusty pink, and rich browns with organic textures adds depth and warmth to the design. - Open Shelving & Display Areas
Stylish open shelving provides both storage and a way to showcase personal style, keeping the space practical yet decorative. - Interesting Lighting
Statement lighting fixtures made of coloured glass, thick metals, or natural materials serve as focal points in modern kitchen-diner spaces. - Retro Influences
Vintage elements such as patterned wallpaper and colourful area rugs are making a comeback, blending nostalgia with contemporary design. - Sculleries & Secondary Kitchens
More homeowners are incorporating secondary kitchen spaces or sculleries to keep the main kitchen clutter-free. - Wellness-Focused Design
Biophilic elements like indoor plants, natural light, and calming colour schemes are being used to create a healthier, more inviting kitchen environment.
Considerations Before Knocking Through
- Is the Wall Load Bearing?
If the wall is structural, you’ll need a steel beam (RSJ) to support the weight of the upper floors. A structural engineer’s assessment is essential before proceeding. - Building Regulations & Permissions
Most internal wall removals don’t need planning permission but must comply with Building Regulations. Your builder should notify your local authority or work with a building control inspector. - Budget & Costs
The cost of a knock-through varies depending on whether the wall is load-bearing, whether you need to relocate plumbing or electrics, and the level of finish you require. On average, expect to pay between £2,000 and £5,000 for a standard knock-through. - Disruption & Mess
Removing a wall is a major job that will cause dust and noise. Be prepared for some inconvenience while the work is being carried out. - Heating & Ventilation
Open-plan spaces can be harder to heat and may require additional heating solutions, such as underfloor heating or a more powerful radiator.
Is a Kitchen-Diner Knock-Through Worth It?
For many homeowners, the benefits of a larger, brighter, and more social space far outweigh the costs and temporary disruption. If you’re planning a knock-through, working with an experienced builder and structural engineer will ensure a smooth process with great results.
At Jigsaw Construction Surrey, we manage your project from start to finish and keep you fully informed along the way. We can arrange both an architect and structural engineer who we work with regularly to help smooth this process for you. If you’d like professional advice on your home renovation project, get in touch with our expert team today!
If January is about fresh starts, February is where smart plans turn into real action . Homeowners across Surrey use this quieter month to lock in builders, refine designs, and get ahead of the spring rush, and it’s one of the most strategic times to plan a home improvement project. At JCS Ltd , we see it every year: the clients who plan in February enjoy smoother builds, better timelines, and fewer budget surprises. Here’s why February is the sweet spot for planning your home extension, renovation, or garden project . Why February Is a Power Month for Home Improvement Planning 1. Builder availability is still strong By March, diaries start filling fast. In February, reputable builders still have availability to properly scope your project, offer realistic timelines, and secure preferred start dates. 2. Time for proper design and permissions Planning permission, structural drawings, and building regulations all take time. Starting now means approvals are in place well before summer, avoiding last-minute delays. 3. Smarter budgeting for the year ahead February planning allows you to: Spread costs sensibly Avoid rushed decisions Secure materials before seasonal price increases 4. Spring-ready, stress-free builds Projects planned now are ready to break ground as the weather improves, without panic or compromise. On-Trend Projects Homeowners Are Planning Right Now Home Extensions Extra living space remains top of the list, especially: Open-plan kitchen-diners Rear and side extensions Light-filled family spaces Garden Rooms & Outdoor Living Perfect for: Home offices Wellness spaces Summer entertaining areas Renovations & Layout Improvements February is ideal for rethinking: Kitchen layouts Bathroom upgrades Whole-home refurbishments Why Early Planning Saves You Money (and Stress) Rushed projects often lead to: Higher labour costs Limited material choices Delayed completions Early planning means: Accurate quotes Clear timelines Fewer variations mid-build In short: less stress, better results . How JCS Ltd Helps You Get Ahead We guide you through the entire process: Initial consultation Design and planning advice Transparent pricing Professional project management No jargon. No pressure. Just clear, honest guidance. Ready to Plan Your 2025 Project? February is the month when the best projects are quietly planned, before everyone else catches on. 📞 Book your free consultation with JCS Ltd today 📍 Serving Surrey and surrounding areas 🌐 Visit www.jcs-ltd.co.uk Plan smart now. Build beautifully later.
Introduction A new year brings fresh ideas — especially for homeowners thinking about upgrading or extending their living space. As we step into 2026, many people across Surrey are re-evaluating how their homes look, feel, and function. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd , we’ve already seen clear patterns emerging in the types of projects homeowners are enquiring about. From smarter layouts to eco-friendly upgrades, 2026 is shaping up to be a year focused on comfort, practicality, and long-term value. Here are the top home renovation trends we expect to see this year — and how they can transform your home. 1. Open-Plan Kitchen & Living Spaces Open-plan layouts continue to dominate renovation plans, and 2026 is no different. Homeowners want brighter, more sociable spaces that bring families together and improve daily living. Why it’s trending: Better natural light More space for entertaining A modern, spacious feel Great for property value For older Surrey homes with smaller rooms, removing walls or reconfiguring layouts can completely transform the way the home feels. 2. Energy-Efficient Upgrades With increasing focus on rising energy costs and sustainability, energy efficiency remains one of the biggest renovation priorities this year. Popular upgrades include: High-performance insulation A-rated windows and doors Underfloor heating Smart thermostats and TRVs Heat pumps and efficient boilers These improvements not only reduce bills—they make your home more comfortable year-round. For eco-conscious families, sustainability is no longer a bonus; it’s essential. 3. Garage Conversions and Loft Conversions Space is at a premium in Surrey, and homeowners are looking for ways to maximise what they already have. Conversions continue to be one of the most affordable and effective solutions. Why conversions are booming: No need for large extensions Faster completion times Great for home offices, bedrooms, gyms or playrooms Adds significant property value At Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd, garage conversions remain one of our most in-demand services heading into 2026. 4. Garden Rooms & Outdoor Office Spaces With flexible working now a long-term reality, many homeowners want functional, year-round garden rooms. Uses include: Home office Studio or workshop Guest room Gym Entertainment room These spaces offer a private, comfortable place to work or relax — without the cost of a full extension. 5. Sustainable & Natural Building Materials Homeowners are increasingly choosing environmentally conscious options in their renovations. Popular materials include: Sustainably sourced timber Natural stone Low-VOC paints Recycled or reclaimed materials These choices reduce environmental impact while giving homes a modern, stylish, and timeless finish. 6. Budget-Friendly Mini Renovations With many families keeping a closer eye on spending, smaller renovations are becoming more popular — offering big impact without breaking the bank. Examples include: Updating kitchens with new doors/worktops Modern bathroom refreshes New flooring Improved lighting Minor layout tweaks Internal redecoration for a fresh, modern feel These upgrades are perfect for improving comfort and adding value without committing to major works. Final Thoughts 2026 is all about smart, sustainable, and meaningful home improvements. Whether you want more space, better efficiency, or an entirely new layout, there’s never been a better time to plan your renovation. At Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd , we’re proud to help Surrey homeowners transform their properties with skilled craftsmanship, transparent service, and a friendly team you can rely on. 👉 Thinking of renovating in 2026? Contact Jigsaw Construction Surrey Ltd today for a free consultation and let’s bring your plans to life.
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