wow thats big 70 guys, like the cabs as well good work, i did a rammed earth one here and the crew was 4, 1x bobcat, 2x ramming, 1x co-ord and shutters there are a couple of pics in my projects, need to go and get more of that one, there are a couple in plans not yet constructed. cheers adrian

how2girl is right, ducted is better. Ducted extracts better and with less maintenance. But it might be difficult or impossible to do, for example in a two storey house with the kitchen in the middle so that there is nowhere for the ducting to go. suzineedsahouse is right, different people have different requirements and what is important for one person might not be important for another person. I have seen a house where a window beside the cooktop was enough for the owner (I did wonder how that works on windy or rainy days). Some people are happy enough with a non-ducted rangehood. Some people insist on a ducted rangehood and are willing to rearrange their houseplan if necessary to ensure they have space to install one. I have heard of people who have chosen commercial rangehoods for their home. I know of people who have a second kitchen outside in their alfresco area which they prefer to use for some of their cooking and sometimes even those have a ducted rangehood. (Btw as far as I know a gas cooktop only affects your choice in regards to how high above the cooktop the rangehood must be.)

Dee re the sink in the laundry in my previous plan, I was hoping that the vanity basin might do double duty? But I must say that if the powder room can be kept separate that is my first choice . If the laundry can become a European Laundry cupboard under the stairs that would be excellent. Your lovely old terrace needs to keep as much open space as you can achieve as this along with the new extension will allow important light iback nto this space and by tucking the laundry under the staircase works towards this I just saw that you are having my favourite bathroom layout with the Japanese Shower bath set up, well done

Hello 61karwin, I do not have a range hood just an exhaust fan. I do not do much in the way of frying, I am however rather good at 'carbon' but find with a good breeze thru from open windows that it is no problem. The fan does need cleaning every now and then but I get a tall person to assist: a young one who is happy to get onto the bench! I do not see a problem unless your home is not well vented and you like cooking hot chips! Cheers Margot