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Essential Guide to House Extensions

  • Posted by: Sebastian Grayson
Extension in Clapham Ext 4

Expanding your home is an exciting step, whether you’re dreaming of a brighter kitchen, a bigger living space, or a layout that finally works for the way you live. Kitchen extensions, rear extensions and wraparound extensions all offer brilliant opportunities to add space, modernise your home and increase long-term value. But, like any major project, they work best with careful planning and a clear sense of what you want to achieve. Here’s our straightforward guide to help you get started – guided by years in the business, our five-star TrustPilot rating, and hundreds of happy customers.

Key Considerations When Planning Your Kitchen Extension

When embarking on a kitchen extension design project, homeowners need to thoroughly consider what they hope to achieve. This includes setting a budget, determining size and layout, outlining design styles, understanding permits and regulations, hiring the right contractor, and setting a timeline. Taking the time to research beforehand will help you feel informed, and vitally, in control from start to finish.

Budgeting Tips for Your Kitchen Extension Project

Setting a clear budget is one of the most critical components when planning a kitchen extension. On average, a kitchen extension ranges from £50,000 – £120,000 depending on size, finishes, and customisations.

Designing Your Dream Kitchen Extension

A well-designed kitchen extension begins with a vision focused on your needs and style preferences. When considering kitchen extension ideas, assess how the new space will be used – and be realistic about it. Designated areas for food preparation, dining, relaxation, storage,- whatever your heart desires. Consider which fixtures, finishes and appliances align with intended usage and aesthetic vision. Yes, we would love to see your Pinterest board when the time comes!

Permits and Regulations for Kitchen Extensions

When extending your home, there are regulations and permits with which homeowners must comply. These include local approval of planning permissions, building regulations pertaining to structural integrity, and more. You’ll need to research requirements for your respective geographical area and project specifics. It’s also wise for you to have conversations with local council planning departments early in the process to confirm that your vision aligns with their regulations.

Choosing the Right Company for Your Kitchen Extension

Vetting and selecting an ideal contractor for a kitchen extension is paramount to achieving the desired outcomes. If you’re reading this, we’d like to modestly put ourselves forward, obviously! Choose people who specialise specifically in home extensions, like us at Simply Easy Refurbs. All we do is lofts and conversions. All day, every day.

Layout Options for Kitchen Extensions

You’ll have MANY layout options when adding a kitchen extension. Typically, we see a lot of designs incorporating L-shaped, U-shaped, or rectangular footprints based on space allowances. Islands can also be included to augment counters and cabinets.

Selecting Materials and Finishes

Kitchen extensions allow great latitude regarding materials and finishes tailored to homeowner preferences. Countertops may include options like granite, quartz, laminate, or concrete, selected to synchronise with cabinetry and floors. Appliances can meet all sorts of needs, from induction cooktops for aspiring Bakeoff winners, to wine fridges for the family sommelier.

Lighting choices can also range from recessed cans, pendant lights, under-cabinet fixtures, and ambience-enhancing strips. Plumbing fixtures introduce opportunities for chef sinks, prep sinks, and designer taps… It really can be as personalised and specific as you make it.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Kitchen Extension?

The timeline for completing a kitchen extension can vary depending on size and complexity. Most projects range from 8-12 weeks from demolition to final fittings and fixtures. We tend to err on the pessimistic side with our timeline quotes, as we’d rather surprise you with an early finish, then stress you with an over running project.

Property Value

Adding living space with a kitchen extension can significantly bolster a home’s resale value. While the upfront investment may be significant, homeowners in the UK typically recoup 80-150% of the costs of the extension upon selling the property. That kind of math is hard to ignore! Extensions on higher-end homes in desirable areas result in the highest value increases for homeowners on resale.

Kitchen extensions give you multiple possibilities to gain valuable square footage, update home features, and boost property value. But these projects require diligent planning and decision-making to be successful.

Thinking about extending your kitchen? Our Simply Easy Refurbs team are ready to start turning your ideas into reality – contact us today for a free quote.

If you’re ready to start designing your dream space, get in touch with our team today, rated 5 stars on TrustPilot

Author: Sebastian Grayson