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Hi Pkingy, What's your project? We're a small architects practice based in Sheffield. Have a look at our website for a bit more information on us http://www.threadarchitects.co.uk . Feel free to get in touch if we could help. Kind regards, Rachel.

Hi, we're architects based in Sheffield and would be happy to pop over to give you some initial advice. We are signed up with "Architect in the House" and therefore can give you an hour or so of our time in exchange for a contribution to the charity Shelter (otherwise free). After that we can help you work out what is possible, what needs planning (is required as rightly pointed out by handypandy) and also then help putting together working drawings for a builder and dealing with building regulations. The first page of our website has a lot more detail about what we can offer and information on past work. Have a look and get in touch if you'd like to chat. We can't write our web link yet due to SF rules (not posted 5 posts) but try world wide web. threadarchitects. co. uk, if you would like to see our website.

Hi. We would recommend that a new kitchen is put inside a purpose build extension rather than a conservatory. Purely from an everyday point of view, the heat, steam and grease generated by a kitchen would lead to condensation and cleaning issues in a conservatory where there is generally a lot of glazing and the thermal performance of the walls and roof will not be as good as a well-built extension. A kitchen is also one of the more highly “serviced” rooms with the number of power sockets needed, plus gas supply, dedicated power for oven etc. are much easier to maintain and hideaway in an extension. As far as price goes I know a lot of builders have a rule of thumb of £1000 per square meter, but as this s a kitchen with more services and fittings than any other residential room it would be worth speaking to a builder to get a free quote as a guide. We can suggest a builder if you would like. If you would like any further advice we do offer an “Architect in the House” service where we can visit you at your home and offer an hour or so consultation, asking only for a donation to the charity Shelter. Hope this is of use.

Hi. Water proofing an internal wall is not something you want to get wrong and a lot will depend on where you are and the local water table/ pressure. Unless your cellar is currently swimming in water then it shouldn't be too difficult but the best options are always those that control where the damp in the walls is going to go (drain, soakaway, sump) rather than just block it - you don't want any surprises down the line where the damp reappears higher up because you've blocked it's route in the basement. Also whether you want to insulate as well (building regulations/ your comfort will probably want you to) and the existing floor to ceiling height will need to be taken into account. We are currently working on a large refurbishment in London where we are water proofing a basement where we found a well while stripping it back which has proved interesting! I would have a chat with your local building control to get some guidance on what you would need to do to comply with building regulations. A good level of insulation and ventilation will be important depending on the final use. Speaking to a tanking specialist manufacturer such as RIW or John Newton (Newton Membranes) and looking at their websites will also give you a better understanding of the considerations to allow you to make a more informed decision. Whoever you go with ensure you get a good warranty. If you want to talk further please do get in touch.