Duration of Kitchen Extension Construction: An Approximate Timeline from Design to Completion
Thinking about boosting your kitchen space? Perhaps you're tired of your claustrophobic, dull cooking area and yearn for the joy of cooking for more than one person at a time. Or maybe this idea has been brewing for years, and now it's the perfect moment to dive into this project. But you're curious about the timeline for a kitchen expansion, right? No worries, we got you covered.
We'll spill the beans on the kitchen expansion ideas floating in your head and provide some much-needed context. Mind you, if you've never done one before, the process can be a maze to navigate. So, let our kitchen experts give you a rough idea of the time frame and what to expect during this journey.
How Long Does a Kitchen Extension Take?
You're probably eager to hear the answer, so let's cut to the chase: how long does this whole shebang take? Here's the least enthusiastic answer... it depends. But here's a rough estimate: a standard side return kitchen extension in London or a main city usually takes around four months from start to finish.
However, less ambitious projects may take even less time, while larger ones could tack on another two months to the timeline. Robert Burnett, co-founder and director of Kitchens by Holloways, explains: "The duration of the project will depend on its size and scope. There will be an initial design process, which should typically be around 2-3 months. Once the design phase is completed, the actual construction will generally take anywhere between 5-6 months."
A whopping eight months might sound excessive, but amidst the chaos, the thought of your dream kitchen will keep you sane.
What's a Typical Kitchen Extension Schedule?
Let's discuss the sequence of events and the steps you should take before digging up ground:
- Planning Permission: Although it's a tedious process, most kitchen extensions require planning permission or approval for permitted development. This can take over three months.[1][5]
- Production of Scale Architectural Drawings: Before the extension can be built, more detailed drawings will be required to ensure compliance with current building regulations.[5]
- Structural Work: Begin by demolishing the back of the house, repositioning walls, and laying new foundations. Install steel beams, if necessary, to ensure structural integrity.[1][5]
- Building: Next, construct the kitchen, making it watertight by installing new concrete floors, building the roof, and installing glass windows and doors.[5]
- Plumbing and Electrical Work: Perform the first fix of plumbing and electrics, followed by plastering and installing finished flooring.[5]
- Fitting the Kitchen: Install the kitchen components, which usually takes around three weeks. Deliver the cabinets in week one, template worktops in week two, and finish the final touches in week three, including painting cabinetry, added hardware, and appliance connections.[3]
- Final Inspection and Completion: Conduct a final walkthrough to ensure all work meets standards, address any issues, and obtain warranties and completion certificates.[3]
[1] https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/info/1000/building_control/1004/ extending_or_changing_a_home[2] https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-a-planning- permission[3] https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Kitchen_extension[4] https://www.net-couture.co.uk/blogs/news/kitchen- extension- without-planning-permission[5] https://www.net-courture.co.uk/blogs/news/how-long- does-a-kitchen-extension-take
Al Bruce kicked off his career 25 years ago as a cabinet maker, eventually rising to the ranks of founding his own company in 2018. Olive & Barr is renowned for its quality and craftsmanship, boasting handmade, bespoke kitchen designs made and designed in the UK, utilizing local cabinet makers and sourced materials.
The Main Company's director, Alex Main, stresses the importance of working with a skilled architect to simplify the planning process and ensure a seamless realization of your vision. Kitchens by Holloways, founded by Robert Burnett in 2005, rejects the traditional limitations imposed by other companies in the bespoke kitchen industry and aims to offer truly unique, 'one-off' kitchens tailored to the individual.
Tips to Keep Your Extension On Schedule
While the overall process shouldn't be overly stressful, especially if you're working with a dedicated team, it's still beneficial to take some steps to ensure your kitchen extension stays on track:
- Advance Planning: Order your key elements ahead of time, especially anything being custom-made.
- Stick to the Plan: Making significant changes midway through can cause delays.
- Work With a Reliable Team: Choose a committed builder who shares your vision and understands your timeline.
- Hire a Project Manager: Companies like Kitchens by Holloways can manage everything from start to finish, simplifying the process and ensuring a smooth flow.
A kitchen extension can bring various challenges, but with the right team and a well-planned strategy, it can be a rewarding journey. So, go ahead and give yourself and your kitchen the space you've been craving!
Sources:[1] https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/info/1000/ building_control/1004/ extending_or_changing_a_home[2] https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-a-planning- permission[3] https://www.net-couture.co.uk/blogs/news/kitchen- extension-without-planning-permission[4] https://www.net-couture.co.uk/blogs/news/how-long- does-a-kitchen-extension-take
- After creating your desired kitchen space, consider rejuvenating the living room and kitchen flooring to harmonize the lifestyle transformations of your home-and-garden.
- Seeking inspiration for the remaining spaces in your home? Artwork in the living room could serve as a conversation starter during gatherings, adding a touch of elegance to your revamped lifestyle.
- To maximize the benefits of a kitchen extension, consider renovating the floors in the adjoining hallway to maintain a cohesive, polished aesthetic that will flow seamlessly from the expanded kitchen into the rest of your renovated home.
