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 the Highlands and Islands?
In the Highlands and Islands, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,200–£3,300 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 22 m² project that is roughly £48,500–£72,500. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for the Highlands and Islands reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (15 m²) | £33,000–£49,500 |
| Typical project (22 m²) | £48,500–£72,500 |
| Larger project (31 m²) | £68,000–£102,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,200–£3,300 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Glazing and roof lanterns
- Extension size and roof design
- Underfloor heating and flooring
- Kitchen units, worktops and appliances
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 the Highlands and Islands?
Before anything is built in the Highlands and Islands, we confirm which approvals apply in Scotland. In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most kitchen extensions:
- Building control sign-off
- Extension structure, roof and glazing
- Flooring and decoration
- Kitchen layout planned alongside the extension design
- Kitchen fitting, worktops and splashbacks
- Extraction ducted to outside
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 the Highlands and Islands
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Towns we cover in the Highlands and Islands include Inverness, Stornoway, Fort William, Nairn, Thurso and Kirkwall.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 the Highlands and Islands
Do you build kitchen extensions in the Highlands and Islands?
Yes. We build kitchen extensions across the Highlands and Islands, including postcodes AB37, HS1, HS2, HS3 and HS4. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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 the Highlands and Islands?
In the Highlands and Islands, a kitchen extension typically costs £2,200–£3,300 per m² including a mid-range kitchen, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 22 m² project comes to roughly £48,500–£72,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a kitchen extension in the Highlands and Islands?
In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
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.