Dramatic Kitchen Bump Out Makeovers

Adding a kitchen bump out can dramatically transform your home by opening up space and light. These additions extend existing walls outward to expand the footprint of the room without the major commitment of a full-scale remodel. Kitchen bump outs offer kitchens a new world of possibility within a manageable scope of work and budget.

We'll share beautiful before-and-after photos demonstrating the striking impact a well-executed bump out can achieve. By the end, you'll understand the fundamentals of creating your own gorgeous, functional new kitchen space.

What is a Kitchen Bump Out?

A kitchen bump out, sometimes called a bumped-out bay window, is a small addition built outward from an existing kitchen wall. It effectively pushes out the footprint of the kitchen to create more usable interior square footage without substantially altering the home's external structure.

Bump outs are typically designed around windows to bring in additional natural light. They can accommodate larger window installations or space for banquette seating, extra countertops, new appliances , increased storage, or other functional elements.

Benefits of a Kitchen Bump Out

• Adds spaciousness and light to small, cramped kitchens
• Less expensive option compared to a full kitchen addition
• Provides space for more storage, seating, or appliances
• Opportunity to upgrade fixtures, finishes, and layout
• Increases energy efficiency with new windows and insulation
• Enhances functionality and aesthetic appeal
• Boosts enjoyment of preparing and eating meals at home

Considerations Before Starting Your Project

While kitchen bump outs unlock excellent upgrades, they still represent a major project requiring careful planning. Before diving in, weigh factors like:

• Your budget for the bump out itself plus desired upgrades
• How the altered footprint and roofline will fit your existing structure
• Whether you want to tackle any other renovations at the same time
• How long you can manage with a construction zone for your kitchen

Planning Your Kitchen Bump Out Project

Meticulous planning ensures your kitchen bump out transforms the space as envisioned on time and on budget. Lay the groundwork with these planning steps:

Work with an Architect

Partner with a residential architect to draw up formal plans for your bump out addition. They will create technical drawings adhering to local zoning laws and accounting for best practices in structural load, insulation, moisture control, and more based on your home's specific conditions.

Secure Permits

Submit your architect's plans to your municipal building department to obtain all required permits before starting work. There may be zoning restrictions on factors like the maximum footprint size or height. Early permitting confirmation keeps the project on track.

Select a Licensed Contractor

Vet general contractors thoroughly before hiring one you trust for your kitchen project. Meet with a few to obtain bids and compare experience with similar bump out additions. Check reviews and request referrals to confirm superb project management skills.

Set Your Budget

Building outward requires a well-built foundation, roof, and framing where your existing home's structure cannot support the addition. Factor in costs for demolition, disposal fees, new windows/doors, plus all desired renovation finishes. Kitchen bump outs run $25,000 to $60,000+, with many variables affecting final expense.

Choose Layout and Finishes

With your architect's drawings, select interior specifications like cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Planning these details early allows proper structural accommodation in the framing stage and more accurate budgeting.

Key Structural Considerations

Fundamental to a successful kitchen bump out is building an outward structure properly supported by and integrated with your home's existing framework. Key factors include:

Foundation

The bump out needs a concrete foundation framing the new footprint to transfer structural loads properly to the ground. An insufficient foundation jeopardizes structural integrity over time as the addition settles.

Load-Bearing Elements

Walls getting knocked down during the project may currently be load-bearing for your home's weight. This load gets re-routed through posts, beams, and strategic framing in the new addition.

Roofline

Seamlessly tying the new roofline into existing eaves and peaks maintains proper drainage while preventing leaks, ice dams, and other moisture issues.

MEP Connections

Your contractor carefully integrates new ductwork, plumbing, and electrical through framing into your existing HVAC, water supply, and panel capacity to support the redesigned kitchen .

Designing an Optimal Layout

Beyond bolstering structural integrity, the bump out layout dramatically upgrades functionality and enjoyment of the space. Design to enhance how your household uses the kitchen through elements like:

Extra Seating

Curved banquettes or bench seating built into the new footprint create cozy spaces for family meals. Stow storage drawers and cabinets underneath.

More Countertops

Additional surface area smoothing prep work, staging cooked dishes, and setting up buffet spreads for entertaining guests.

Enclosed Storage

Pull-out pantries, spice drawers, cookie sheet organizers, and other storage solutions keep items neatly tucked away but easily accessible.

Smarter Sightlines

Open up views to let natural light permeate the whole kitchen . Frame new window installations to best showcase lovely exteriors like landscaped backyards.

Construction Process

Executing a seamless kitchen transformation requires meticulous demolition, structural build-out, MEP integration, weatherproofing, and framing before interior finish work begins. Phases include:

Knocking Out the Wall

After safely redirecting any electrical, plumbing, or HVAC running through it, the contractors carefully demolish your existing exterior wall down to the foundation.

Pouring New Foundation

The footprint gets excavated and forms erected before pouring a reinforced concrete foundation Scaling the width and depth prevents settling cracks over time.

Framing the Addition

Precise framing of the floors, walls and roof must meet zoning codes and engineering best practices for structural integrity against shear, loads, and adverse weather.

Doors and Windows

Large window installations get framed into the new walls per plans. Exterior doors may connect the addition to backyards, kitchen herb gardens or grilling patios.

Roofing

Seamless eaves, proper drainage slope, high-quality shingles or other roofing materials, and gutter tie-ins prevent leaks as part of a weatherproof shell.

Finishing Touches

The fun part comes as the kitchen makeover takes shape with drywall, paint, trims, fixtures, cabinets, and high-end finishes!

Drywall

Mudding, taping, priming and painting the new walls and ceilings gives a clean, integrated look.

Lighting and Accents

Install recessed LED lighting plus pendant lights over a kitchen island or decorative sconces flanking a built-in banquette.

Trims and Moldings

Add classic baseboards, crown molding, and window trim for beautiful finish work tying the whole space together.

Countertops and Backsplashes

Quartz, granite, or marble surfaces with trendy decorative tile backsplashes complement your cabinetry and draw the eye.

Appliances

Upgrade your outdated refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher or other essential appliances to complete the transformation.

Beautiful Before and After Photos

Seeing the radical changes possible from a well-executed kitchen bump out project offers inspiration. Check out these stunning before-and-after images.

Brighter, More Spacious

Strategic bump outs with sun-filled windows counter once gloomy, cramped kitchens . Opening the walls reveals views of lush backyard exteriors.

Better Storage and Functionality

Clever cabinetry, pull-out pantries and organizers offer a place for everything. Extra counters and smart layouts smooth cooking and dining flow.

Knocked Down Walls

Removing walls opens sightlines to accentuate the feeling of spaciousness. Bump outs also integrate indoor/outdoor living with backyard access.

Modernized Style

The new footprint showcases contemporary painted or stained cabinetry, sparkling fixtures, eye-catching tile and counters that delight.

Cost Breakdown

While exact pricing depends on your market and specifications, typical expense categories include:

• Permits - $500 to $2,000+
• Architectural Drawings - $1,500 to $3,500
• Foundations & Framing - $15,000 to $35,000
• Roofing - $5,000 to $15,000
• MEP Integrations - $5,000 to $10,000
• New Windows & Exterior Doors - $5,000 to $15,000
• Interior Finishes - $10,000 to $30,000+

Remember, you can scale some finishes to fit your budget. The structural improvements enable enhancements over time as resources allow.

FAQs

Homeowners considering a kitchen bump out often ask:

How Disruptive is the Construction Process?

Demoing a wall and building an addition involves noise, dust, debris removal, work crews onsite, and other disruptions over two to three months. Prepare accordingly.

Do I Need Extra Insulation?

Proper insulation in walls, ceilings and new window/door installations prevent temperature fluctuations and moisture issues.

What Value Does a Bump Out Add?

The enhanced living experience and upgraded features boost resale value. Overall ROI ranges from 75% to over 100% of project costs.

Executing a well-designed kitchen bump out makes an incredible impact. The additional light, sightlines, storage, seating, counters and efficiency improve how your whole household interacts with the space. Although bump outs represent a major project, the transformative results justify the investment - both for your enjoyment while living there and added value upon eventually selling your home.