Planning Your Kitchen Extension

Planning your kitchen extension properly is an essential step in creating the home of your dreams, without having to move. It is the perfect opportunity to decide how your lifestyle could be improved with a simple change of layout, the introduction of natural light and the addition of appliances that could make your life easier.

Follow the steps below to make sure your kitchen extension is planned properly

1. Decide what you require when planning a kitchen extension

Is it important for your new kitchen extension to have a spacious cooking and prep area, or to offer a combination of separate dining, relaxing and entertaining functions? Write a list of all the features that you already have in your kitchen, then add the features and appliances that you wish to add to the space.

Things to consider:

• Island unit
• Breakfast bar
• Walk-in larder
• American-style fridge-freezer
• Range cooker
• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Separate utility room
• Store room
• Bi-fold doors
• Outdoor dining area

2. What’s your budget?

With plans in place, you can work out how much you can afford to spend on each element of your kitchen extension, and make alterations to plans if your budget won’t allow for certain design elements.

• Plan for between £1,200 – £3,000 per m² and up for building work
• £17 – £200 per m² for a new kitchen
• Painting a tiling the walls will cost between £50 – £100 per m² if you use a contractor
• Flooring will cost between £25 – £100 per m²

Alternatively, contact us to get an idea of how much your project is likely to cost.

Building regulation costs depend on:

• What work is involved in the extension
• The over wall area of the proposed project

3. Where is it going to go?

If you’re looking to create an additional space for a large, open-plan family kitchen, the first step is to assess which area of your home will benefit the most from an extension. You should explore all available options to extend and remodel, which may include knocking down internal walls and reconfiguring the existing layout, or converting a garage or utility space to change its function.

‘As one of the principal spaces in your home, the kitchen should ideally be accessible from the main hallway and not through another room,’ says property expert Michael Holmes. ‘Typically, extensions are added to the side or rear of a property to maximise links with the garden as well as create extra space internally. In a townhouse, you may find it makes sense to convert/extend the cellar to form a lower-ground-floor basement storey, ideally with a light well that will introduce natural light into the space.’

Once you’re decided where you’d like your extension to be located, consult a RIBA-registered architect to find out what can be achieved.

4. Think about the brief

Let your designer know what you want. ‘A common mistake is to brief them with a set of constraints without talking through the possibilities,’ explains Hugo. ‘When I work with a homeowner, I discuss the brief and sketch designs around their kitchen table, to involve them and ensure that what I am creating fits their needs and lifestyle.’

5. Ensuring you have the correct planning permission

If the work is classed as permitted development, you won’t need planning permission, but you may wish to apply for a certificate of lawful development, which proves the project is legal. If you do need planning permission, you will have to apply to the local council, and may need additional reports (see overleaf). Whichever route you are taking, you will need building regulations approval. It may be necessary to issue a party wall notice if you are building on or close to the boundary with a neighbour.

There’s a lot to consider when planning a kitchen extension, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Get in touch to discuss your plans!