HOW MUCH DOES A KITCHEN EXTENSION COST?

If you're planning that life-changing kitchen extension project, start by reading quantity surveyor Tim Phillips' ultimate cost guide

- TIM PHILLIPS

A kitchen extension is one of the most popular new additions to a home, which isn't surprising when you consider that we spend most of our time in this room we call the 'heart of the home'. As with every extension project, costs can vary hugely and will generally be dictated by the size, location, design, and quality of your chosen finish. Regardless of these factors, kitchen extensions are usually the most expensive type of extension you can build. We'll look at the reasons for this, with some typical costs and the factors that influence them. I'll also highlight some of the 'hidden' costs that are often overlooked at the budgeting stage and highlight potential savings.

WHY IS A KITCHEN EXTENSION SO COSTLY?

Because of its many different functions, a kitchen has far more requirements than any other room type, so it is always going to be more expensive than just adding the same-sized space for any other type of room in the house. Here are the typical costs you can expect on a kitchen extension project:

THE KITCHEN SPEC

Any extension will need to be furnished, but in this case, you have the obvious and unavoidable cost of the kitchen itself. As we'll see below, the choice of specification and design can increase your extension costs by tens of thousands of pounds.

PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS

Your new kitchen will require a water supply and drainage for a sink at the very least. Once you then start adding in a dishwasher, possibly a separate utility section with a further sink and washing machine, or an American-style fridge-freezer with an ice and water dispenser, or the increasingly popular boiling-water tap, the plumbing, and drainage costs rise accordingly.

ELECTRICAL ADDITIONS