Do I need planning permission for a kitchen extension?

Many single storey rear and side return kitchen extensions qualify under permitted development. Larger extensions, wrap-arounds, and properties in conservation areas or listed buildings usually need full planning permission.

How long does a kitchen extension take?

Design and planning typically take a few months. Build time varies with size and structural complexity, a straightforward side return is quicker than a large rear extension with steelwork.

Can I still use my kitchen during the building work?

It depends on the scope, some projects allow a temporary kitchen setup elsewhere in the house, while larger rebuilds may need the kitchen out of use for part of the build. We talk this through at the planning stage so there are no surprises.

Does a kitchen extension add value to my home?

A well-designed kitchen extension is usually one of the higher-return home improvements, since it's often the room buyers care about most. The actual return depends on the local market and quality of the finish.

Kitchen Extension Architects London

RIBA-chartered architects designing kitchen extensions across London, built around how you actually cook, eat and live.

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A Kitchen That Finally Works For You

Open-Plan Living Without Losing The Practical Stuff

A good kitchen extension isn't just more square footage, it's better light, better flow between cooking and living space, and enough storage that the room still works day to day.

We design around how your household actually uses the kitchen, not a generic open-plan template.

Kitchens We've Helped Create

See Our Kitchen Extension Projects

From side return kitchen extensions to full open-plan rear rebuilds, our projects page shows the range of kitchen extensions we've designed across London.

Portfolio

What A Kitchen Extension Really Costs

Kitchen extension cost varies with size, structural work, glazing, and finish specification, there's no single figure that applies to every project.

A modest side return costs considerably less than a large rear extension with structural glazing and a new steel frame. We talk through realistic ranges at your first consultation, based on your actual scope.

Planning Permission And Party Wall Considerations

Many single storey kitchen extensions qualify under permitted development, while larger rear extensions, wrap-arounds, and conservation area properties usually need full planning permission.

If the extension sits on a shared boundary, a party wall agreement is often needed too. We check all of this before design work begins.

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Structural Glazing, Steels And Building Regulations

Open-plan kitchen extensions often rely on structural steels to remove internal walls and large sliding or bifold doors to bring in light.

We prepare the structural calculations and building regulations drawings, working with engineers where needed, so the finished kitchen is safe and signed off properly.

How A Kitchen Extension Project Runs

We start with a site visit and a conversation about how you cook, entertain and store things day to day.

From there we develop concept drawings, prepare the planning application, then support you through the build itself so the finished kitchen matches the design.

Our Track Record

2

Hands-On Team

100+

Projects

99%

Planning Approval Success Rate

10+

Years in Practice

What our clients say

Every kitchen extension starts with understanding how a household actually lives in that room. Here's what clients say about designing and building with us.

"Our old kitchen was dark and cramped no matter how we arranged it. The side return extension completely changed how the whole ground floor feels."

"Design United Studio designed around the fact that we cook a lot and needed proper storage, not just an open-plan look. It's the most used room in the house now."

"The steel frame and glazing details were handled properly from the start, no nasty surprises with building control at the end."

CLAIRE R.

TOM W.

RACHEL S.

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