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 Greater London?
In Greater London, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,900–£4,400 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 22 m² project that is roughly £64,000–£97,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for London, where labour and materials are typically about 30% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (15 m²) | £43,500–£66,000 |
| Typical project (22 m²) | £64,000–£97,000 |
| Larger project (31 m²) | £90,000–£136,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,900–£4,400 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Underfloor heating and flooring
- Extension size and roof design
- 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 Greater London?
The approval route for Greater London is set by planning law 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
On a typical kitchen extension we handle:
- Flooring and decoration
- Extraction ducted to outside
- Kitchen layout planned alongside the extension design
- Kitchen fitting, worktops and splashbacks
- Building control sign-off
- Electrics, lighting plan and sockets
How long does it take?
Expect 11 to 16 weeks on site, including kitchen fitting. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Greater London
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Places we cover in Greater London include Acton, Balham, Barking, Barnes, Barnet and Battersea.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about kitchen extensions in Greater London
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 long will I be without a kitchen?
Usually 3 to 6 weeks at the end of the job, once the back wall is opened and the new kitchen goes in. We can help set up a temporary kitchen.
Who approves a kitchen extension in Greater London?
Planning matters in Greater London go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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 Greater London?
In Greater London, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,900–£4,400 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 22 m² project comes to roughly £64,000–£97,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.