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 Dorset?
In Dorset, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,300–£3,450 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 22 m² project that is roughly £50,500–£76,000. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Dorset reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (15 m²) | £34,500–£52,000 |
| Typical project (22 m²) | £50,500–£76,000 |
| Larger project (31 m²) | £71,500–£107,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,300–£3,450 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Who supplies the kitchen
- Extension size and roof design
- Kitchen units, worktops and appliances
- Underfloor heating and flooring
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a kitchen extension in Dorset?
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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Electrics, lighting plan and sockets
- Kitchen fitting, worktops and splashbacks
- Extraction ducted to outside
- Extension structure, roof and glazing
- Kitchen layout planned alongside the extension design
- Drainage and water supply positioned for the sink and appliances
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 11 to 16 weeks on site, including kitchen fitting. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Dorset
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
Towns we cover in Dorset include Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Christchurch.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about kitchen extensions in Dorset
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.
Who approves a kitchen extension in Dorset?
Planning matters in Dorset go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
How much does a kitchen extension cost in Dorset?
In Dorset, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,300–£3,450 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 22 m² project comes to roughly £50,500–£76,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.