Sometimes the only way to get the kitchen of your dreams is to extend
WORDS PAULA WOODS
Set the budget
Work out what you can afford from the get-go because this determines the type of structure and materials available to you. Set aside a contingency fund of at least 20 per cent for unexpected expenses.
Full remodel including rear and side extension with steel doors and bespoke kitchen with fluted oak pill island and terrazzo worksurfaces, £750,000, All & Nxthing (allandnxthing.com)
Hire the experts
An architecture practice or a full-service design-and-build company can manage an extension project from start to finish.
Whole-house renovation including loft conversion and single-storey side extension with aluminium glazing, £POA, Gruff Architects (gruffarchitects.com)
Gathering a team
When searching for a contractor, seek recommendations from family and friends, or look for firms that are members of professional organisations. Get at least three written quotes that outline all aspects of the project, including the price.
Bespoke Japandi kitchen in crown-cut oak with quartz worksurfaces, from £50,000, Sustainable Kitchens (sustainablekitchens.co.uk)
Get the glazing right
Let light into the extension and adjacent rooms with a combination of overhead and vertical glazing. If necessary, overheating can be avoided by installing solar-control glass, and warmth retained with double or triple glazing.
Single-storey side-return extension with glazed walls and roof in oak-faced plywood, £POA, David Money (davidmoney.com)
Know the rules
Your extension may require planning consent, so contact your local planning authority (LPA) for advice before starting work.
Some extensions can be carried out under permitted development (PD) rights, see P111 for details.
Whole-house renovation, around £360,000, Beacham Architects (beacham.archi).
Whitstable kitchen, from £2,557.40 for eight units, Homebase (homebase.co.uk)
Draw up a contract
Having a written contract is a must. It should cover details of the works, timescales, subcontractors, insurance and dispute resolution. The RIBA domestic building contract is suitable for extension and renovation works (architecture.com).
Single-storey rear extension with open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas, plus steel doors, £350,000, Naomi Astley Clarke (naomiastleyclarke.com)
Consider the layout
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