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Highline Design & Build
An easy guide to planning your kitchen extension
Kitchen Design and Installations
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An easy guide to planning your kitchen extension

The kitchen is at the heart of the modern home, and a kitchen extension is one of the most popular of all home improvement solutions. However, it’s a major project and not one to be rushed into without the right planning.

Whether you’re looking to create a large, open-plan kitchen diner or just want more space to conduct culinary magic, the experts at Highline Design & Build can help. Here’s our easy guide on the key things you need to consider when planning a kitchen extension.

Set your budget

Before planning anything, work out how much you have to spend. It’s best to have an ideal maximum budget, but make sure to keep a contingency available in case of unexpected problems that could arise once the project has already started.

Your wants, your really wants and your must haves

When thinking about your kitchen extension plan, consider all the different elements you want including – then divide them into those you want, those you really want and those you absolutely must have. This will help you to organise your budget so that you can achieve as many of the things you most want as possible.

Where will your extension go?

There’s no point dreaming of a new kitchen extension if there’s nowhere sensible for it to go. This isn’t just a case of having enough space – you also want to think about access from the rest of the house and the potential impact it will have on the rest of your property or even on your neighbours. Size is also an issue and may determine whether you need planning permission. Talking of which…

Planning permission

Many home improvements can be carried out under permitted development rights, but an extension is more likely to need planning permission than most. It usually depends on how big it’s going to be and how much of your outside space it takes up. While you may want it to be as big as possible, staying within the required criteria to avoid planning permission may free up more money for those wants and really wants we were talking about earlier. Should you need planning permission, we can prepare the drawings and planning that you’ll have to submit to support your request. 

Consult kitchen extension professionals

Experienced kitchen design and installation professionals – such as the team at Highline Design & Build – can help with much of the above, so that you stand the best chance of achieving everything you want from your new kitchen extension. They’ll know how to get around practical problems, how to make the best use of space, how to stretch a budget and much more.

Are you thinking about having a kitchen extension at your home in or near Egham, Twickenham or Weybridge? We can make a free home visit to discuss your plans, offer our advice and get the information we need to put together your free, cost-effective quotation.

Take a look at our gallery and our case studies to view some of our previous work and get inspiration for your own project.

Then get in touch with us to find out more.

FAQs
How long will my project take?

Each project is different and the size of the build will determine the time it will take to complete; however, an average rear extension/loft conversion will take approximately six weeks from start to finish.

Will I be able to live in my property while the work goes on?

Yes, you will be able to live in the property. If this is the case, we will attempt to leave the breaking through into the house until as late as possible in the project.

Will someone be on site every day?

Yes, we will have someone on site every day. However, the caveat to this is if we are waiting on drying times or materials. That being said, we will endeavour to have a team member/team members present as much as possible to ensure the project is completed in a timely manner.

Will an extension add value to my property?

Absolutely, it is becoming more and more popular to add space to your existing property instead of the hassle and fees involved with moving. Adding additional square meterage can add up to 10-20% onto the market value.

Can you help with plans/designs?

Of course, we can offer suggestions and ideas, and show you previous projects. We can also arrange for you to visit a previous project if required. We have built relationships with trusted architects and can introduce you to our preferred contacts in order to obtain your drawings.

How long does it take to get planning permission?

It will depend upon whether you are applying for permitted planning or full planning permission. Different councils work to different timescales; however, as a guide from submission of plans it will take approximately 8-12 weeks.

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