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 Durham?
In Durham, 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. Prices across the North East are typically 10% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Durham. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Underfloor heating and flooring
- Who supplies the kitchen
- Kitchen units, worktops and appliances
- Island with sink or hob, which needs services in the floor
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a kitchen extension in Durham?
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Flooring and decoration
- Kitchen fitting, worktops and splashbacks
- Extension structure, roof and glazing
- Drainage and water supply positioned for the sink and appliances
- Electrics, lighting plan and sockets
- Extraction ducted to outside
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 Durham
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
Projects in Durham (DH1) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about kitchen extensions in Durham
How long does a kitchen extension take in Durham?
Typically 11 to 16 weeks on site, including kitchen fitting. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does a kitchen extension cost in Durham?
In Durham, 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.
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.
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.
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.
