How Much Does an Average Kitchen Extension Cost in the UK?

A typical kitchen extension in the UK will cost you between £25,000 to £35,000 for a medium-sized project, though you’ll find significant regional variations. In London and the Southeast, you’re looking at £40,000 to £55,000, while northern regions generally run £25,000 to £35,000. The price per square metre ranges from £1,320 to £2,500, depending on your chosen materials and finishes. You’ll need to factor in planning permission (£234), building regulations (£600-£1,200), and labour costs, which vary by region. Understanding the complete cost breakdown will help you plan your budget more effectively.

Basic Extension Cost Guide

A kitchen extension represents a considerable home improvement investment, with costs typically ranging from £25,000 to £35,000 for a medium-sized project in the UK.

When you’re planning your extension, you’ll need to take into account various factors that influence the final price, including your location, desired size, and build quality. Choosing a wrap-around design that combines side and rear extensions can cost between £40,000 to £70,000. In Manchester, the average cost for a kitchen extension often falls in line with local kitchen extension costs.

For budgeting tips, start by determining your extension’s size category. Small extensions (15m²) typically cost between £12,000 and £26,000, while medium extensions (24m²) range from £19,000 to £34,000.

If you’re in London or the southeast, you’ll need to account for higher costs, potentially reaching £40,000 to £55,000 for a medium-sized extension.

When contemplating extension financing, factor in additional costs like planning permissions and building regulations fees, which can add £600 to £1,200 to your budget.

The build quality you choose will considerably impact costs, ranging from £1,320 to £2,500 per m².

Remember to include essential components like kitchen units (£3,000 to £10,300) and worktops (£20 to £200 per m²) in your calculations.

Understanding Price Per Square Metre

When you’re planning your kitchen extension, you’ll find that prices typically range from £1,320 to £2,500 per square metre, with significant variations between basic and premium finishes.

Your location plays an essential role in determining costs, as you’ll pay considerably more in London and the Southeast compared to other regions of the UK. A standard kitchen extension typically costs between £26,000 and £34,000 for medium-sized spaces.

While smaller extensions might seem more budget-friendly at first glance, you’ll often get better value per square metre with larger projects due to economies of scale, where costs can drop from £2,000 per square metre for a 12m² space to £1,500 per square metre for a 24m² extension.

Basic Vs Premium Rates

Understanding the stark difference between basic and premium kitchen extension rates helps you make informed budgeting decisions for your project.

When comparing budget considerations, you’ll find that basic builds typically range from £1,320 to £1,620 per square metre, while premium installations can reach up to £2,500 per square metre. These quality comparisons reflect significant differences in materials, craftsmanship, and overall finish. An average completion timeline of 11 months should be factored into your planning.

For a medium-sized extension of 24m², you’re looking at £19,000 to £26,000 for a basic build, whereas a premium version could cost between £34,000 and £48,000.

If you’re working with a smaller space of 15m², basic options start from £12,000, while deluxe finishes begin at £21,000.

The most dramatic difference appears in larger extensions of 48m², where basic builds range from £38,000 to £52,000, and premium options can reach £100,000.

You’ll want to carefully weigh these cost variations against your long-term goals.

While basic rates offer a practical solution for modest budgets, premium rates often provide superior durability, enhanced aesthetics, and potentially better return on investment.

Regional Price Variations

Location plays a pivotal role in determining your kitchen extension costs across the UK, with London prices soaring up to 30% higher than other regions. When you’re planning your project, you’ll find that regional pricing factors can considerably impact your budget, with London extensions typically ranging from £40,000 to £55,000, while areas outside the capital average around £30,000.

Understanding the price per square metre helps you gauge costs more accurately in your area. You’ll typically encounter basic build rates from £1,320 to £1,620 per m², while good-quality builds range from £1,700 to £2,000 per m². Consulting with design experts early in the planning process can help ensure accurate cost projections for your specific location.

Location influence extends beyond just the base costs – it affects contractor rates too. In London, you might pay between £52,000 and £75,000 for a 30 sqm extension with an individual contractor, while the same project outside London could cost £43,313 to £61,875.

These variations reflect local market conditions, labour availability, and material costs in your region. If you’re working with larger companies, you’ll generally see higher rates, though they often provide additional services and guarantees that might justify the premium.

Size Impact on Costs

Size directly influences your kitchen extension costs, with prices typically ranging from £1,320 to £2,500 per square metre depending on quality and specifications.

When you’re planning your extension, understanding size efficiency can help you make informed decisions about your investment. Permitted development rights allow extensions up to 3m for semi-detached homes. You’ll find that larger extensions often benefit from cost optimization through economies of scale, potentially reducing your per-square-metre costs.

To help you visualize different options and their associated costs:

• Small extensions (15m²) typically range from £12,000 to £16,000 for basic specifications
• Medium extensions (24m²) cost between £26,000 and £34,000 for average quality
• Large extensions (48m²) can reach £67,000 to £100,000 for deluxe finishes

You’ll want to contemplate how your desired extension size aligns with your budget and needs.

For instance, a modest 6m² extension might cost between £9,600 and £18,000, while a more substantial 18m² space could range from £28,800 to £54,000.

Remember that additional features like bi-fold doors or lantern roofs will impact your final costs, so it’s worth factoring these into your initial planning stages.

Regional Price Variations

When you’re planning your kitchen extension budget, you’ll need to factor in significant regional price differences, particularly the stark contrast between London and other UK cities.

If you’re based in London or the South East, you can expect to pay up to 20% more than the national average, with standard extensions typically ranging from £40,000 to £55,000.

The North-South price divide means you’ll find more affordable options in northern regions, where the average kitchen extension costs around £30,000, making location a vital factor in your budgeting process.

London Vs Other Cities

Throughout the UK, kitchen extension costs vary dramatically based on geography, with London commanding considerably higher prices than other regions.

When you’re exploring London dynamics, you’ll find that a standard kitchen extension costs £40,000 to £55,000, while the same project outside the capital might only set you back £25,000 to £35,000.

These city comparisons reveal a stark reality for homeowners in the capital, where you’re likely to pay up to 60% more than elsewhere. Keep in mind that adding planning permission fees of around £206 will increase your overall costs.

Here’s what you’ll typically encounter regarding regional variations:

• In London, you’ll pay between £1,500-£2,000 per square meter, with high-end projects reaching £100,000+
• The Southeast follows as the second most expensive region, though significantly cheaper than London
• Other UK cities and rural areas offer more competitive rates, starting from £1,320 per square meter

If you’re planning a kitchen extension in London, you’ll need to factor in higher labour costs and increased material prices compared to other cities.

However, you can still find ways to optimize your budget by considering smaller contractors or timing your project strategically.

Remember that economies of scale apply regardless of location – larger extensions typically cost less per square meter.

North-South Price Divide

A striking price divide exists between northern and southern regions of the UK when it comes to kitchen extensions. When you’re planning your project, you’ll notice notable cost variations that reflect broader regional trends in construction and labour markets.

In the north, you can expect to pay between £25,000 and £35,000 for a standard kitchen extension, while southern regions typically command £30,000 to £45,000 for similar work.

Your location’s economic conditions play an essential role in this cost comparison. If you’re based in the north, you’ll benefit from generally lower labour costs and material prices, though you’ll still need to account for variables like finish quality and design complexity.

Southern homeowners often face higher costs due to increased demand and denser populations, which drive up both labour and material expenses.

You’ll find that local market forces notably influence your final costs. In areas with high construction demand, you’re likely to encounter premium prices, while regions with more competition among contractors might offer better rates.

Remember that rural locations can sometimes buck these trends due to limited contractor availability and increased transportation costs.

Planning and Legal Requirements

Setting up a kitchen extension starts with managing essential planning and legal requirements. You’ll need to navigate through various permissions and approvals, which typically include planning permissions and Building Regulations compliance.

The process might seem challenging, but with proper planning and professional guidance, you can efficiently manage the legal implications of your project.

• Planning application costs start at £234.00 for full permission, or £103.00 for Permitted Development in England
• Building Regulations approval fees range from £600 to £1,200
• Regular inspections during construction guarantee compliance and prevent costly corrections

When you’re ready to begin your kitchen extension journey, you’ll want to start by consulting with your local planning authority to understand specific requirements for your area.

The costs can vary considerably depending on your location, particularly in London and the Southeast. It’s vital to maintain detailed documentation throughout the process, from initial plans to final approvals.

You might also need to secure permission from neighbours for certain types of extensions, so factor this into your timeline.

Kitchen Design Elements

With planning permissions secured, your focus can shift to the exciting aspects of kitchen design elements. Your choices in functional zones and kitchen aesthetics will greatly impact both usability and budget. Let’s explore the key components that’ll transform your space into a stunning cooking haven.

Category	Basic Range	Deluxe Range
Layout	£12,000-£16,000	£21,000-£30,000
Appliances	£3,000-£5,800	£5,100-£10,300
Flooring	£10-£30/m²	£50-£100/m²

You’ll need to balance your design choices across several critical areas. The layout costs vary greatly, with basic configurations starting at £12,000 and deluxe options reaching £30,000. Your appliance selection will also shape your budget, ranging from £3,000 for standard fittings to over £10,000 for premium brands. Don’t forget about lighting and electrical work, which typically costs around £3,500 for a 30m² extension. Flooring choices complete your kitchen’s look, with options spanning from £10 to £100 per square meter. Remember, while it’s tempting to opt for all high-end finishes, mixing premium and standard elements can help create a stunning space while maintaining budget control.

Materials and Quality Options

Material choices and quality levels greatly impact your kitchen extension’s final cost, with prices ranging from £1,320 to £2,500 per square meter depending on your selections.

When planning your kitchen material choices, you’ll find three distinct quality tiers that align with different budgets and lifestyle needs.

• Basic quality materials offer functionality at £1,320-£1,620/m², including standard kitchen units (£3,000-£5,800) and simple laminate worktops.
• Mid-range options provide enhanced durability at £1,700-£2,000/m², featuring improved units (£4,300-£7,600) and better-quality flooring.
• Premium selections deliver luxury finishes at £1,800-£2,500/m², incorporating high-end units (£5,100-£10,300) and premium stone worktops.

Your quality upgrades don’t need to be uniform across all elements. You might opt for premium worktops while choosing mid-range appliances, creating a balanced approach that maximizes your budget’s impact.

Consider investing more in frequently used surfaces and high-traffic areas, while selecting more modest options for less visible or less-used components.

This strategic approach to materials guarantees you’ll achieve the perfect blend of durability, aesthetics, and value for your investment.

Project Timeline Breakdown

Beyond selecting your materials and quality level, understanding the timeline for your kitchen extension helps you plan effectively and manage expectations.

Your project will typically progress through four distinct phases, each requiring careful coordination and timeline flexibility to accommodate various task dependencies.

The pre-construction phase usually takes 14-30 weeks, covering essential elements like planning permission, building regulations, and contractor selection.

You’ll then move into the construction phase, which spans roughly 11-22 weeks, encompassing foundational work, plumbing, electrical installations, and the core kitchen build-out.

The installation and finishing phase follows, requiring 6-12 weeks for appliance fitting, decorating, and external works.

Don’t overlook the post-construction phase, which typically runs 4-10 weeks. This significant period includes snagging (addressing minor issues), final payments, and project documentation.

While these timeframes serve as general guidelines, you’ll want to build in some buffer time, as weather conditions, material availability, and contractor schedules can impact your project’s progression.

Essential Kitchen Fittings

The backbone of your kitchen extension lies in selecting the right fittings and appliances, which typically account for 40-50% of your total budget. When planning your kitchen layouts, you’ll need to contemplate both functionality and aesthetics, with basic kitchen units starting from £3,000 and deluxe options reaching up to £10,300.

High-quality worktops can transform your space, ranging from budget-friendly options at £20/m² to premium surfaces at £500/m².

Essential appliances, including ovens, hobs, and dishwashers, typically cost between £1,100 and £2,800 for a complete set.

Smart storage solutions and lighting systems can add £300-£1,000 to your budget but greatly enhance functionality.

Your flooring choice will impact both the look and practicality of your kitchen. While basic options start at £10/m², investing in higher-quality materials like engineered wood or natural stone (£40-£150/m²) can provide better durability and visual appeal.

Remember that your kitchen’s efficiency depends on thoughtful storage solutions and a well-planned layout that maximizes space utilization. Contemplate incorporating pull-out cabinets, corner units, and overhead storage to make the most of your new extension.

Labour and Installation Costs

Labour and installation costs represent a substantial portion of your kitchen extension budget, typically ranging from £1,500-£2,250 per square metre for the complete structure. You’ll find that labour efficiency varies considerably by region, with London-based projects commanding higher rates than those outside the capital.

Component	Time Required	Average Cost
Plumbing & Heating	1-2 weeks	£3,500
Electrical Work	1-2 weeks	£3,500
Flooring Installation	3-5 days	£1,500
Decorating & Finishing	1 week	£2,000

To optimize your investment, consider that installation techniques and project complexity directly impact your timeline. A typical kitchen extension takes 5-10 weeks to complete, though this can extend based on specific requirements. You’ll need to factor in additional costs for building regulations and planning permissions, which range from £103 to £1,200. When selecting contractors, remember that larger companies might charge between £68,250 and £97,500 for a 30 sqm extension in London, while individual contractors outside the capital typically offer more competitive rates, ranging from £43,313 to £61,875.

Final Thoughts

As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and this certainly rings true for kitchen extensions. You’ll need to budget between £30,000 and £50,000 for a quality extension in the UK, though costs can vary considerably based on your location and specifications. By carefully planning your project, considering regional price differences, and selecting materials wisely, you’ll create a valuable addition that enhances both your home’s functionality and worth.