How much does a kitchen extension cost?

Kitchen extension cost guide

Dreaming of more space in your kitchen? A kitchen extension might be your answer. Keep on reading to explore the average kitchen extension costs and the factors influencing kitchen extension costs per m², so you can budget first.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

2. Average kitchen extension costs
3. Cost of hiring professional kitchen extension builders
4. Kitchen extension cost per square metre
5. Cost of premium kitchen fittings
6. Avoid these hidden kitchen extension cost
7. Plan your kitchen extension budget checklist
8. Connect with kitchen fitters near you on MyBuilder
9. FAQ Common questions about kitchen extension costs

Average kitchen extension costs

A well-planned kitchen extension allows more room in your home for cooking, dining or simply gathering. Often integrating more natural light, creating a brighter and more inviting area for you to enjoy.

The average cost of a kitchen extension generally ranges from £30,000 to £50,000, but costs vary based on the size and level of finish.

Below is a look at the average kitchen extension costs to help you budget for your project:

Extension Type	Average Cost
Average kitchen extension – small	£19,000 to £26,000
Average kitchen extension – medium	£26,000 to £34,000
Average kitchen extension – large	£52,000 to £67,000

If you want to talk to a professional about how much your kitchen extension will cost specifically, you can post your job on MyBuilder today, and get in touch with kitchen fitters near you. They can give you advice and help you know what to expect when it comes to costs.

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Cost of hiring professional kitchen extension builders

When planning a kitchen extension, it helps to know how much of your budget will go on professional labour, not just materials and fixtures.

Professional labour usually makes up a significant share of the total cost because you will need a team of qualified trades at different stages of the project.

This can include builders and groundworkers for the structure, electricians and plumbers for services, and specialists such as kitchen fitters, carpenters, plasterers, decorators and window/door installers.

Here’s a quick look at the labour costs of different professional fitters:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range
Construction	£35,000 - £47,000
Kitchen Installation	£5,000 - £25,000
Professional Fees	£3,500 - £7,050
Additional Costs	£2,500 - £7,000

MyBuilder Tip: If you’re looking to renovate your entire kitchen with the extension, take an in-depth look at kitchen renovation costs, visit our informative price guide.

Kitchen extension cost per square metre

Where you live and how complex your design is will affect the price of your kitchen extension per square metre. For example, London tends to be more expensive due to higher demand and living costs

Here’s what you can expect your extension to cost per m2:

• Basic kitchen extensions start around £2,200 per m² for standard materials and layouts.

• More complex or premium extensions can cost upwards of £3,300 per m² due to high-end finishes and bespoke designs.

Post your job on MyBuilder to connect with verified local kitchen fitters and find the right company for your project.

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Cost of premium kitchen fittings

When planning a kitchen extension, you may want to include some more premium features that can upgrade your cooking game.

Take a look at the costs so you can find the right premium features for you:

• Underfloor Heating: Adds comfort and efficiency, costing £1,000 - £2,000.
• Bi-Fold Doors: Create seamless indoor-outdoor flow for £1,500 - £3,000.
• Skylights or Roof Lanterns: Boost natural light, priced at £800 - £1,500 each.
• Custom Cabinets: Tailored storage increases costs by £4,000 - £8,000.

MyBuilder Tip: For all underfloor heating costs and skylight expenses, visit our price guides with all the details on them.

Avoid these hidden kitchen extension costs

When planning a kitchen extension, it’s a good idea to expect some extra costs that might pop up unexpectedly. These surprise expenses can affect your budget more than you think.

Here’s some of the hidden osts to help you plan ahead:

• Planning permission and regulatory approvals: Gaining the necessary permissions and complying with building regulations can introduce unforeseen expenditures, potentially costing between £500 and £2,000

• Upgrading existing infrastructure: Older homes might necessitate additional work, such as updating electrical or plumbing systems to meet current standards. This could lead to costs ranging from £500 to £3,000.

• Unforeseen structural issues: Discovering structural issues during construction, such as weak foundations or damp, can increase costs significantly, sometimes exceeding £5,000 depending on the severity.

• Delay in construction: Labour or supply chain delays might require additional funds to cover extended project timelines, potentially escalating costs by 10-15%.

• Interior finishing touches: Unexpected upgrades in finishes, such as custom cabinetry or high-end lighting, can add between £1,000 and £5,000 to your budget.

MyBuilder Tip: Always allocate a contingency fund of 10-15% of your total budget for unexpected expenses to ensure you can manage unforeseen costs without disrupting your project plans.

Plan your kitchen extension budget checklist

When planning a kitchen extension, creating a clear budget helps keep your project on track and avoid financial surprises. Here’s a handy checklist to manage your kitchen extension costs effectively:

• Set a realistic budget that matches your maximum spend.

• Focus on your essential needs first before adding luxury extras.

• Get quotes from several builders to find a fair price.

• Consider spreading the work over phases to manage costs better.

• Choose standard materials where possible to save money.

• Regularly check on the progress to avoid unexpected overspending.

Good budgeting means less stress and a kitchen extension that adds real value to your home. If you want to find professionals that can help to manage this for you, it only takes a couple of minutes to post your job on MyBuilder today.

MyBuilder Tip: Want some kitchen extension design inspiration? Visit our article for tips.

Connect with kitchen fitters near you on MyBuilder

Did you know that every kitchen fitting company on MyBuilder has gone through checks like ID verification?

Just post your job today, and get in touch with different kitchen fitting companies who are ready to help. Without you having to conduct the entire search yourself! Find the right kitchen fitting company, confidently, on MyBuilder today.

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FAQ: Common questions about kitchen extension costs

What permissions or regulations do I need for a kitchen extension?

In the UK, a kitchen extension may require planning permission or fall under permitted development rights depending on its size and location. If the extension exceeds certain limits, such as extending more than 3 metres for a semi-detached house or 4 metres for a detached house.

Can I live in my home during the kitchen extension build?

Yes, many people do, but expect disruption from noise, dust, and occasional utility outages. It’s important to set up safe, clean areas and consider temporary kitchen arrangements for convenience and safety.

What steps can I take to keep costs down on my kitchen extension?

Plan carefully by prioritising essential features over extras, get several quotes to compare prices, and choose standard materials when possible. Phasing the work and closely monitoring progress also helps avoid overspending.

Are there cost-effective alternatives to a full kitchen extension?

Yes, there are several cost-effective alternatives to a full kitchen extension. One popular option is a kitchen renovation or remodelling, which involves updating existing features rather than expanding the space. This may include refacing cabinets, replacing countertops, or updating appliances for a fresh look at a lower cost.