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 County Antrim?
In County Antrim, a kitchen extension typically costs £1,950–£2,900 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 22 m² project that is roughly £43,000–£64,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Northern Ireland, where labour and materials are typically about 14% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (15 m²) | £29,000–£43,500 |
| Typical project (22 m²) | £43,000–£64,000 |
| Larger project (31 m²) | £60,500–£90,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,950–£2,900 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Extension size and roof design
- Who supplies the kitchen
- Island with sink or hob, which needs services in the floor
- Underfloor heating and flooring
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 County Antrim?
Approvals for a kitchen extension in County Antrim follow the rules for Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Electrics, lighting plan and sockets
- Drainage and water supply positioned for the sink and appliances
- Extension structure, roof and glazing
- Kitchen layout planned alongside the extension design
- Flooring and decoration
- Kitchen fitting, worktops and splashbacks
How long does it take?
Allow 11 to 16 weeks on site, including kitchen fitting. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in County Antrim
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
Towns we cover in County Antrim include Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Antrim.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 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 County Antrim
How long does a kitchen extension take in County Antrim?
Typically 11 to 16 weeks on site, including kitchen fitting. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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 planning permission for a kitchen extension in County Antrim?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
Can I buy my own kitchen?
Yes. You can supply it and we fit it, or we supply it as part of the price. Either way we coordinate deliveries with the build programme.
How much does a kitchen extension cost in County Antrim?
In County Antrim, a kitchen extension typically costs £1,950–£2,900 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 22 m² project comes to roughly £43,000–£64,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is underfloor heating worth it?
In a large open-plan space it frees wall space for units and glazing and gives even heat. It is easiest to fit during the build.
