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 Manchester?
In Greater Manchester, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,100–£3,200 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 22 m² project that is roughly £46,000–£70,500. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North West, where labour and materials are typically about 6% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (15 m²) | £31,500–£48,000 |
| Typical project (22 m²) | £46,000–£70,500 |
| Larger project (31 m²) | £65,000–£99,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,100–£3,200 |
What moves the price most:
- Kitchen units, worktops and appliances
- Who supplies the kitchen
- Extension size and roof design
- Glazing and roof lanterns
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 Manchester?
Approvals for a kitchen extension in Greater Manchester follow the rules for 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a kitchen extension:
- Electrics, lighting plan and sockets
- Extraction ducted to outside
- Drainage and water supply positioned for the sink and appliances
- Flooring and decoration
- Kitchen fitting, worktops and splashbacks
- Extension structure, roof and glazing
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Greater Manchester
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Towns we cover in Greater Manchester include Manchester, Oldham, Wigan, Bolton, Stockport and Salford.
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 Greater Manchester
How long does a kitchen extension take in Greater Manchester?
Typically 11 to 16 weeks on site, including kitchen fitting. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.
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.
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 Greater Manchester?
In Greater Manchester, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,100–£3,200 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 22 m² project comes to roughly £46,000–£70,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
