What is a kitchen extension?

A kitchen extension is an extension designed around a new kitchen, usually an open-plan kitchen, dining and family space at the back of the house. We build the extension and fit the kitchen as one project, so plumbing, electrics and lighting are planned around the layout from the start.
How much does a kitchen extension cost in Chester-le-Street?
In Chester-le-Street, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,000–£3,050 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 22 m² project that is roughly £44,000–£67,000. That range is adjusted for the North East, where domestic building work typically costs around 10% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (15 m²) | £30,000–£46,000 |
| Typical project (22 m²) | £44,000–£67,000 |
| Larger project (31 m²) | £62,000–£94,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£3,050 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Underfloor heating and flooring
- Extension size and roof design
- Who supplies the kitchen
- Island with sink or hob, which needs services in the floor
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a kitchen extension in Chester-le-Street?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: broadly up to 3 metres deep on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and covering no more than half the garden. The larger home extension scheme allows up to 6 or 8 metres if you notify the council first and neighbours have a chance to comment. In conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes the larger home extension route, side extensions and cladding are not permitted development. Flats and houses whose rights have been removed need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on a kitchen extension:
- Flooring and decoration
- Drainage and water supply positioned for the sink and appliances
- Electrics, lighting plan and sockets
- Kitchen fitting, worktops and splashbacks
- Kitchen layout planned alongside the extension design
- Extraction ducted to outside
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 11 to 16 weeks on site, including kitchen fitting. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Chester-le-Street
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
From DH3 outwards, we take on projects throughout Chester-le-Street and the surrounding parts of County Durham.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about kitchen extensions in Chester-le-Street
Will I need planning permission?
The same rules apply as for any extension. Many single-storey kitchen extensions are permitted development; larger or wraparound designs need an application.
Do you build kitchen extensions in Chester-le-Street?
Yes. We build kitchen extensions across Chester-le-Street, including postcodes DH3. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Should the kitchen be designed before the extension?
Yes. Knowing where the sink, hob and island will go lets us place drains, ducting, sockets and windows correctly during the build.
Do I need extraction to outside?
Building regulations require kitchen extract ventilation. Ducting to an outside wall is the most effective option and is planned during the build.
How much does a kitchen extension cost in Chester-le-Street?
In Chester-le-Street, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,000–£3,050 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 22 m² project comes to roughly £44,000–£67,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
