Dreaming of more space in your home?
Kitchen extensions are incredibly popular in the UK at the moment. Who can blame us? Rather than uprooting your family and starting afresh elsewhere you can create your dream kitchen at home.
Exciting news:
Kitchen extensions can add up to 15% value to your home. There are obvious financial benefits to extending your cooking space. However, it's not always as simple as drawing up plans and getting started.
You'll need permits. Budgets. And what about all those hidden costs?
Let's cover:
- Why You Should Build A Kitchen Extension
- Kitchen Extension Planning Process
- Average Meter Repositioning Cost
- Need-To-Know Hidden Costs
- How to Avoid Overspending
Why You Should Build A Kitchen Extension
Kitchen extensions are more than just adding extra square metres onto your property. They completely change your living space.
Imagine…
No more squeezing around a tiny galley kitchen. Lunch with friends cooks up easily in your bright new kitchen diner. Overflowing dinner parties become the norm, not a squeeze-fest around your old dining table.
Before we go any further, there's something you should know:
Building an extension often requires utility changes. It's important to know the full meter repositioning cost involved before going ahead. Few people consider just how expensive moving electric meter boxes and gas supplies can be when designing their home extension.
With that being said…
- Property value: add 10-15% value to your home by building an extension
- Extra living space: create space for appliances, dining areas, and storage
- Natural light: increase natural light with bi-fold doors and skylights
- Say goodbye to moving costs: avoid stamp duty, agent fees, and moving chaos
Kitchens are the heart of a home. Investing in more kitchen makes everything else flow better.
Kitchen Extension Planning Process
Kitchen extensions require a lot of planning. But that doesn't mean it's a difficult process.
Outlined below is our step-by-step guide for beginners. Follow these 5 key steps and you'll never lose track.
Step 1: Set a Budget
The first step to anything should be setting a budget.
Kitchen extensions cost an average of £2,200-£3,300 per square metre in 2025. For a standard 20-30m² extension, you're looking at £50,000 – £90,000. That's a lot of dosh.
Remember, there's always more to factor in…
Architect costs, building regulations, and nasty surprises hidden costs along the way. Add at least 10-15% onto your budget just to be safe.
Step 2: Check Planning Permission Rules
Planning permission doesn't apply to most kitchen extensions.
If your project meets certain conditions, you'll be eligible for what's known as 'permitted development rights'.
You won't need to apply for planning permission if:
- Your new kitchen isn't more than 3m from the rear wall (4m if detached)
- Your extension isn't taller than 4 metres
- Your build doesn't take up more than half of your garden space
- The materials match the existing property
This doesn't apply to properties in conservation areas or listed buildings. Check with your local council if you're unsure.
Step 3: Sort Out Relocations
Here's something we mentioned above…
Due to the positioning of new walls and additions to your property, utility companies often require you to relocate meters. The meter repositioning cost can sometimes be astronomical if not planned for.
Things like electrical meters, gas meters and pipes. Water and drainage will also need adjusting.
Reach out to your suppliers sooner rather than later. Some relocations take weeks to complete so you don't want those delays impacting your project timescale.
Get all-around quotes from the get-go so you know the full meter repositioning cost right away.
Step 4: Hire the Correct Professionals
Do NOT attempt this yourself.
You need three things. An architect to draw up plans and submit planning documentation. A structural engineer who'll check all the technical stuff is safe. And finally, a builder you can trust.
Pro tip: Always get quotes from a minimum of three builders. Compare them like they're interviewing YOU.
Step 5: Prepare For Building Regulations Approval
Don't confuse this with planning permission.
Building regulations aren't mandatory for all properties undergoing an extension. If your project requires planning permission then you'll also need to apply for approval under current building regulations.
Insurers will visit your property during construction to ensure everything is up to standard.
Allow £250-£550 for this service when preparing your budget.
Average Meter Repositioning Cost
Something we have touched on above.
Moving your electric and/or gas meter is not an optional process when extending over or near to them.
Costs will vary depending on:
- How far the meter is being moved
- Whether you have an electric, gas or combination of both meters
- How complex the work is
- Individual supplier prices
Gas meter relocation tends to cost more than electrical ones. Having both moved usually results in a higher price overall. The best way to know for sure? Asking your suppliers for quotes before committing to your chosen design.
Discovering you need to move your meters halfway through construction will lead to some severe headaches.
Need-To-Know Hidden Costs
Kitchen extensions come with some obvious costs. There are always additional expenses that catch you out too.
Look out for:
- Party wall agreements (if your extension runs close to neighbour boundaries)
- Landscaping. You'll probably want your garden sorted after builders have finished!
- Kitchen installations. The shell of your kitchen extension is only the beginning. You'll need to budget for units/fixtures.
- Expect to pay professional fees. Architects won't design for free, and neither will structural engineers. They usually charge between 6-12% of construction costs.
Checkout this guide from the Federation of Master Builders for everything you'll need to know about budgeting correctly.
How to Avoid Overspending
So you've set a budget. Now what?
Prevent overspending by:
- Locking material prices into your quote as soon as possible. Costs can increase between ordering and delivery if you're not careful.
- Finalising your design. Don't be that person who constantly changes their mind during construction.
- Buying standard products. Off-the-shelf windows and doors are often 20-30% cheaper than custom made.
Conclusion
Kitchen extensions take a lot of planning. But they're worth every second of effort.
More living space for your family. Thousands added to your property value. Avoiding the hassle of moving home.
Remember:
- Budget wisely and include a contingency
- Check you meet permitted development standards
- Allow for utility work and meter repositioning cost
- Hire trustworthy professionals to do the work
- Plan for hidden costs and overspendings
