Kitchen Extensions: 6 Ways to Extend Your Space (+ Costs, Times & More)

Tom Volpe December 14, 2022

Are you reaching the limits of your kitchen space? You're not alone. With growing families and more elaborate cooking needs, many homeowners are finding themselves in the market for a little extra room. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to extend your kitchen without spending a fortune. Check out these six ideas for kitchen extensions, along with estimated costs and timelines. Who knows? You may find the perfect way to add some extra space to your home!

Types of kitchen extension

1) Pitched roof kitchen extension

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Pitching a roof kitchen extension can be a great way to increase the size of your kitchen without having to make major structural changes. It may be more affordable than making major modifications, depending on the area and complexity of the build. With a pitched roof kitchen extension, you get creative options for fun features such as skylights and slanted walls, but there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.

On the upside, it does create the ability for more storage space and even possibly a breakfast nook or little railed-in balcony area. However, pitched roof designs tend to require additional support beams and complex framing that can substantially raise construction costs.

Additionally, constructing with this type of design might necessitate the demolition of existing ceilings or walls and thus incur additional material costs. In any case, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages when deciding whether or not a pitched roof kitchen extension is right for you.

2) Flat roof kitchen extension

 

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A flat roof kitchen extension can be a great way to gain additional space for your kitchen, but it's important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. The main advantages of a flat roof kitchen extension are that they are relatively easy and cost-effective to build, while also providing extra practical space and light in your home.

On the other hand, one of the biggest downsides is that they don't blend in with existing architecture as much as pitched roofs would, and you will also need to make sure that you install precautions against rain and snow. All-in-all, if designed properly and complemented by the right furnishings, a flat roof kitchen extension can be a great addition to any home.

3) Skylight kitchen extension

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One of the biggest advantages of a skylight kitchen extension is that it allows more natural light into the room. This can help to make the space feel larger and more open. Another advantage of a skylight kitchen extension is that it can provide increased ventilation. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with high temperatures or high humidity levels. Besides, a skylight kitchen extension can also help you to save money on your energy bills. The increased natural light will reduce your need for artificial lighting, which can save you money over time. In addition to the functional benefits, a skylight kitchen extension can also improve the aesthetics of your home. The natural light will brighten up the space and make it more inviting 

On the contrary, one potential downside of a skylight kitchen extension is that it can create potential leaks in your roof. If not installed correctly, the skylight can allow water to enter your home, which can lead to expensive repairs. Another disadvantage of a skylight kitchen extension is that it can lead to increased heat loss in your home. The skylight will act as an opening in your roof, which can let heat escape during the winter months.

4) Rear kitchen extension

 

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A rear kitchen extension can be a great way to expand your kitchen space, allowing you to add more countertops and cupboards. But it is not without its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, this type of renovation may help to increase your home's value, give more headroom for appliances, and provide extra natural light from windows or skylights.

However, it does take up some of your backyard space as well as time and money for construction. Additionally, there are restrictions in some areas on how far back you can extend your property. Ultimately, deciding on a kitchen extension should come down to weighing up all the advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific needs and the cost-benefit analysis of what the project entails.

5) Kitchen conservatory extension

 

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Adding a kitchen conservatory extension is an effective and popular way to gain extra space in the kitchen. This type of extension allows homeowners to bring more natural light into the kitchen, making it appear brighter and more inviting. However, as with any renovation project, there are advantages as well as disadvantages that need to be considered before deciding if this is the right solution for you.

Building an extension means starting from scratch on a construction project and dealing with the added costs that come along with it. It also requires extensive maintenance work over its lifespan, such as replacing broken window frames or retiling the roof.

On the other hand, advantages include increased usability of your kitchen, additional storage space and better air circulation which can make cooking more enjoyable. Consider all these advantages and disadvantages when deciding if a kitchen conservatory extension is for you.

6) Side return extension

 

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A side return extension is a popular way to extend and maximise your kitchen space, but there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. On the one hand, this type of kitchen expansion can allow for modernisation as well as plenty of functional storage space, additional appliances and even an outdoor dining area.

However, it comes with risks such as checking the existing structure to make sure everything will be stable, the cost of demolition and disposal, the loss of daylight in some areas of the house due to a wall being removed and expensive professional fees. Ultimately, whether or not to extend your kitchen is going to be a personal decision; however, if you choose to go down this route you must spend time exploring all angles before jumping into anything too quickly.

Costs

How much will a kitchen extension cost?

A kitchen extension can be a great addition to any home, providing additional living space or even extra storage. However, it is important to keep in mind that these extensions come with a cost, typically ranging from £10,000 to £30,000 depending on the size of the extension and the materials used. This is all dependent on the individual's needs, budget and desired outcomes of the extension project. When planning your kitchen extension, it is beneficial to contact several local professionals and gather quotes to find the most suitable quotation. By doing this you can ensure you are spending your budget wisely and getting exactly what you envisioned for your home extension!

What are the biggest costs associated with kitchen extensions?

The potential costs associated with kitchen extensions can add up significantly. Labour and materials for the extension are almost always the biggest contributors to the overall cost, as both require considerable planning and design expertise. Builders, contractors, architects and interior designers all play an important role in how much a kitchen extension will cost, so it's important to ensure that the services employed are of high quality to minimise any additional costs.

Making sure there is sufficient insulation and ventilation helps reduce heating bills in the future, but this comes at an additional cost. Décor and interior design should also be taken into consideration when budgeting for a kitchen extension, as these can often be just as expensive as labour and building materials.

Time

How long will a kitchen extension take to complete?

When a homeowner decides to extend their kitchen, the work can often be a daunting prospect. However, with careful planning and trust in qualified professionals, the process is often much smoother than expected. Generally speaking, a kitchen extension can take anywhere from just under one month to several months depending on the scale of the project and any delays that may be caused by external circumstances.

An experienced contractor will typically be able to give a more accurate timeline as they review all the details both before and during construction. Ultimately, taking your time to find reliable builders who hold themselves accountable will pay off with a beautiful new kitchen worth enjoying for years to come.

FAQs

Do I need planning permission for a kitchen extension?

Adding an extension to your kitchen is a great way to create more space and improve the value of your home. Before you get started, however, it’s important to understand if you need planning permission. While some minor additions can be made with little oversight, larger extensions will typically require permission from your local authority.

Additionally, it is essential to ensure that any structural changes comply with building regulations. While the process may seem daunting, getting the required permits and ensuring compliance can help to save time and money in the long run by preventing any potentially costly disputes in the future. With the proper preparation and research, setting off on your kitchen extension should be an exciting and rewarding journey full of possibilities.

How much value will a kitchen extension add to my home?

Adding a kitchen extension to your home can be an excellent investment - not only will it provide more space in your house, but it could also add significant value to your property. Depending on the scale of the extension, you may be able to install extra workspace or amenities, such as a butler's pantry or an island bench. This additional space can make entertaining easier and also create a more inviting atmosphere within the home.

A well-designed kitchen extension will increase the overall impression of practicality and convenience for potential buyers if you decide to put it on the market. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in high-quality materials and design elements if possible - this effort can pay off by delivering a substantial return on investment.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re after an extra bedroom, a playroom for the kids or just more space in your current kitchen, a kitchen extension is something to consider. And with costs and timescales varying depending on what you go for, there’s sure to be an option that suits both your needs and budget.

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