Kitchen Extension Services London – Expert Kitchen Extension Design & Build Across London
Dreaming of a bigger, brighter kitchen but don't want the cost and upheaval of moving? A kitchen extension is one of the most rewarding investments a London homeowner can make. At SBDS Construction Ltd, we provide complete kitchen extension services across London and Essex — transforming cramped, closed-off kitchens into open, light-filled spaces where your family will love to cook, eat and spend time together.
As experienced kitchen extension builders in London, our skilled team manages the entire project under one roof: design, structural work, planning support, foundations, construction, electrics, plumbing and finishing. We handle every detail so you do not have to, keeping the work clean, on schedule and built to last. Every extension is backed by our written warranty, and our 5.0-star Google rating reflects the standard we bring to every home.
From a simple single-storey rear extension to a full wrap-around or a striking glazed extension, we tailor each project to your property, your budget and the way you want to live. Whether you want a sociable open-plan kitchen-diner or a sleek space that opens onto your garden, we make it happen with honest advice and proper craftsmanship.
- Years of experience
- Fully insured
- Design & build under one roof
- London-wide coverage
55 Google Reviews
5.0 Google Rating
55 Reviews
3–5 Year Written Warranty
Peace of mind
Free Quotations
No obligation
Trusted Local Builders
London & Essex
What is a kitchen extension?
A kitchen extension is a building project that expands your home outwards — usually into the rear or side of the property — to create a larger kitchen or open-plan kitchen-diner. It adds valuable living space and natural light without changing the upper floors, making it one of the most popular home improvements in London.
Unlike a loft conversion, which works upwards within the existing roof, a kitchen extension expands your ground floor outwards into the garden, the side return, or both. This is ideal for homeowners who want a sociable, open kitchen and dining space connected to the garden. Across London, kitchen extensions are hugely popular because they deliver significant extra living space, strong returns on investment, and a transformed heart of the home — all without the cost, stress and stamp duty of moving house.
Trusted Kitchen Extension Specialists Across London
As an established kitchen extension company in London, SBDS Construction Ltd has built its reputation on quality workmanship and reliable delivery. Our kitchen extension specialists combine practical building experience with a genuine eye for design, so the finished space looks right, flows well and works hard for your home.
When you choose our kitchen extension contractors in London, you get qualified, experienced tradespeople, fully insured work, and a team that knows London's housing stock — from Victorian terraces with narrow side returns to 1930s semis and modern builds. Every project is handled end to end by one dedicated point of contact, with bespoke designs created around your property rather than a one-size-fits-all template. We are local, we are accountable, and we are here long after the job is done.
Why Invest in a Kitchen Extension in London?
Why is a kitchen extension a smart investment in London?
With London property prices among the highest in the UK, moving to a bigger home is expensive once you factor in stamp duty, agent fees and moving costs. A kitchen extension adds living space and value to your existing home for a fraction of that cost — and a well-designed kitchen is one of the biggest selling points for buyers.
In a city where space is at a premium, the kitchen is the room buyers and families value most. A kitchen extension lets you stay in the home, area and school catchment you love while gaining the open, light-filled space modern living demands. It is a better long-term investment than many alternatives: you avoid the upheaval of relocating, you increase your property's resale value, and you create a genuinely useful family space. For most London homeowners, improving rather than moving is simply the more sensible financial decision.
Types of Kitchen Extensions We Offer
We design and build every main type of kitchen extension. The right choice depends on your property type, the space available, your budget and the layout you want. Here is a clear guide.
Single-Storey Rear Extension London
A rear extension expands your kitchen straight out into the back garden, creating a larger ground-floor space — the most popular kitchen extension in London.
Best for: terraced, semi-detached and detached homes with garden space.
Advantages: significant extra space, often falls under permitted development, opens to the garden.
Cost: mid-range (££).
Suitable property: most houses with a rear garden.
Side Return Extension London
A side return extension fills the narrow, often wasted alley space down the side of the house, widening a galley kitchen into a usable room.
Best for: Victorian and Edwardian terraces with a side return.
Advantages: transforms cramped galley kitchens, makes use of dead space, floods the room with light via roof glazing.
Cost: mid-range (££).
Suitable property: period terraces with a side return passage.
Wrap-Around Extension London
A wrap-around combines a rear and side return extension into an L shape, delivering the maximum ground-floor space.
Best for: homeowners wanting a large open-plan kitchen-diner-living space.
Advantages: the most space of any single-storey option, highly flexible layouts.
Cost: higher (£££).
Suitable property: terraces and semis with both rear and side space.
Double-Storey Extension London
A two-storey extension adds space on the ground floor and the floor above — a bigger kitchen below and an extra bedroom or bathroom upstairs.
Best for: families needing both a bigger kitchen and an extra room.
Advantages: excellent value per square metre, adds significant property value.
Cost: higher (£££).
Suitable property: homes with enough rear space and structure; usually needs planning permission.
Glazed / Glass Box Extension London
A contemporary extension using structural glass walls and a glass roof to create a bright, modern, indoor-outdoor space.
Best for: homeowners wanting a striking, light-filled design statement.
Advantages: stunning natural light, modern aesthetic, strong wow factor.
Cost: higher (£££).
Suitable property: properties where a contemporary look suits the home and garden.
Open-Plan Kitchen-Diner Conversion London
Not always a full extension — sometimes the answer is removing internal walls to open up the existing space into a sociable kitchen-diner.
Best for: homes with enough footprint but a closed-off, dated layout.
Advantages: lower cost, less disruption, transforms how the space feels and flows.
Cost: lower (£).
Suitable property: houses where internal walls can be safely removed.
Kitchen Extension Comparison
| Extension Type | Space Gained | Relative Cost | Planning Permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Plan Conversion | Low-Medium | £ | Rarely needed |
| Single-Storey Rear | Medium-High | ££ | Often permitted development |
| Side Return | Medium | ££ | Often permitted development |
| Wrap-Around | High | £££ | Sometimes needed |
| Glazed / Glass Box | Medium-High | £££ | Sometimes needed |
| Double-Storey | Very High | £££ | Usually needed |
benifit of kitchen extension
A kitchen extension offers benefits that few other home improvements can match:
More Living Space
Gain a larger kitchen and dining area for the whole family.
Adds Property Value
A modern, extended kitchen is a top selling point for buyers.
Open-plan family living
Create a sociable space to cook, eat and relax together.
A modern kitchen
Design the layout, island and storage you have always wanted.
Better natural light
Roof lanterns and glazing flood the space with daylight.
Indoor-outdoor living
Bifold or sliding doors connect your kitchen to the garden.
No need to move
Avoid stamp duty, agent fees and the stress of relocating.
Kitchen Extensions in London
How much does a kitchen extension cost in London?
The cost of a kitchen extension in London depends on the type and size of the extension, the structural work involved, the glazing you choose, and the specification of the kitchen itself. Because every property is different, we provide a free site visit and an accurate, fixed written quote rather than a one-size-fits-all price.
The main factors that affect the cost of your kitchen extension are:
Extension size
larger extensions require more materials, foundations and labour.
Extension type
A side return costs less than a full wrap-around or double-storey.
Structural work
foundations, steel beams and removing walls add to the cost.
Planning permission
some extensions require applications and drawings.
Glazing & doors
Roof lanterns, bifold and sliding doors affect the figure.
Kitchen specification
your choice of units, worktops and appliances changes the budget.
Rather than guess, we give you a clear, itemised quote so you know exactly what you are paying for.
our kitchen extension process
Consultation
We discuss your ideas, needs and budget.
Survey
We assess your property, drains and structure.
Design
We create a layout tailored to your home.
Planning
We handle planning permission and drawings where needed.
Foundations
We dig and lay the foundations for the new structure.
Construction
Walls, steel beams, roof and glazing are built.
Electrical
Wiring, lighting and sockets are installed.
Plumbing
Sink, appliances and any heating work is completed.
Kitchen Fitting
Units, worktops and appliances are installed.
Decoration
Plastering, flooring, painting and finishing.
Completion
Final inspection, handover and warranty.
Kitchen Extension Timeline
Every project is different, but a typical single-storey kitchen extension in London runs to roughly this schedule:
Site set-up, groundworks and foundations.
Brickwork and blockwork up to damp-proof course.
Walls built, steel beams installed, structural openings formed.
Roof structure, roof lantern or glazing, made weather-tight.
First-fix electrics and plumbing, insulation.
Plasterboarding, plastering and screeding the floor.
Kitchen units fitted, second-fix electrics and plumbing.
Worktops, flooring, decoration, final finishing and handover.
Planning Permission for Kitchen Extension
Do you need planning permission for a kitchen extension in London?
Permitted Development
Many single-storey kitchen extensions in London fall under permitted development and do not require full planning permission, provided they stay within certain size limits. However, planning permission is usually needed for larger extensions, double-storey extensions, flats, listed buildings, and homes in conservation areas.
In general, a single-storey rear extension may be allowed under permitted development when it stays within the depth limits (broadly up to 3 metres for terraced and semi-detached houses, or 4 metres for detached houses, with larger sizes possible under the prior approval "neighbour consultation" scheme), does not exceed 4 metres in height, and uses materials similar to the existing house. Side extensions must generally be single-storey, no wider than half the original house, and no more than 4 metres high.
Planning Permission
You will typically need planning permission for double-storey extensions, properties that are flats or maisonettes, listed buildings, homes in conservation areas or under an Article 4 direction, or extensions that exceed permitted development limits.
Because these rules can be complex and vary by borough, we assess your property and handle the planning process for you. Always confirm requirements with your local planning authority before starting work.
Building Regulations
Every kitchen extension in London must comply with Building Regulations, regardless of whether planning permission is required. These regulations make sure your new space is safe, warm, watertight and structurally sound. Key areas include:
Foundations
correctly designed and dug to support the new structure.
Structural steel
beams (RSJs) to support openings where walls are removed.
Damp proofing
to keep the new space dry and protected.
Insulation
meeting thermal efficiency standards for walls, floor and roof.
Drainage
proper connections, and a build-over agreement if building near a sewer.
Electrical & ventilation
safe, compliant wiring and adequate airflow.
Glazing
energy-efficient glass meeting current standards.
We manage Building Regulations approval as part of the project, so your extension is fully compliant and signed off. Where the work is close to a neighbour's boundary, we also advise on any Party Wall agreement required.
Why Choose SBDS Construction
When you trust us with your kitchen extension, you get a team that treats your home as if it were our own:
Experienced team
with proven kitchen extension expertise
Local London builders
who know the housing stock and planning rules
High-quality materials
from trusted suppliers
Transparent pricing
with clear, itemised written quotes
Dedicated project manager
as your single point of contact
Fully insured
work (confirm details on your site)
Aftercare support
Backed by a 3–5 year written warranty
Excellent reviews
5.0 stars from 55 Google reviews
Kitchen Extension Ideas
Not sure how to design your new space? A kitchen extension can include almost anything. Whatever you have in mind, we will help you design a space that fits your lifestyle and makes the most of every corner of your home.
Open-Plan Kitchen-Diner
Kitchen Island
Breakfast Bar
Bifold or Sliding Doors
Roof Lantern or Skylights
Walk-in Pantry
Utility Room
Family Living Area
Home Office Nook
Indoor-Outdoor Dining
Areas We Cover Across London
We provide kitchen extensions right across London and the surrounding areas, bringing local knowledge to every project.
- Kitchen Extension in North London
From period terraces to family semis, we build kitchen extensions across North London, working sympathetically with the area's mix of Victorian and 1930s homes.
- Kitchen Extension in South London
We help South London homeowners create open-plan kitchen-diners and bright family spaces, tailored to the local housing styles.
- Kitchen Extension in East London
As a Chadwell Heath–based company, East London is our home turf. We know the terraces and side returns here inside out.
- Kitchen Extension in West London
We deliver high-specification kitchen extensions across West London, from side returns to striking glazed designs.
- Boroughs We Cover
- Camden
- Islington
- Barnet
- Croydon
- Ealing
- Hounslow
- Richmond
- Harrow
- Kingston
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Enfield
- Bromley
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
- Chelsea
- Fulham
- Brent
- Hillingdon
- Havering
- Romford
- Ilford
- Hackney
- Barking
- Dagenham
- Essex
Recent Kitchen Extension Projects
Take a look at some of our recent kitchen extension work across London.
Side Return Extension
A narrow side alley transformed into a bright, open-plan kitchen-diner with skylights and bifold doors opening onto the garden.
Location
- North London
Type
- Side Return
Duration
- 10 weeks
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Our customers consistently rate us 5.0 stars on Google. Here is what a few of them say:
5.0 Rating
· 55 Verified Google Reviews
"Outstanding quality and finished five days ahead of schedule."
Sheenu Gill
Chadwell Heath
"Brilliant advice on the layout — completed professionally and on time."
Khushdeep Singh
Romford
"Very perfect work and the best price, finished on time."
Raza Khan
Ilford
Frequently Asked Questions
A kitchen extension expands your home outwards — usually to the rear or side — to create a larger kitchen or open-plan kitchen-diner, adding living space and natural light without changing the upper floors.
Many single-storey kitchen extensions fall under permitted development and do not need planning permission, but larger and double-storey extensions, flats, listed buildings and conservation areas usually do. We assess and handle this for you.
The cost depends on the type, size, structural work, glazing and kitchen specification. We provide a free site visit and an accurate written quote rather than a fixed one-size-fits-all price.
A typical single-storey kitchen extension takes around 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the size and complexity. We confirm a realistic timeline in your quote.
Most houses can, but it depends on your available space, layout and structure. We carry out a survey to confirm the best option for your property.
Yes. A well-designed kitchen extension is one of the strongest value-adding improvements you can make to a London home.
For most London homeowners, yes. It adds living space and value for far less than the cost of moving, while transforming the heart of your home.
Opening up the existing space into an open-plan kitchen-diner, or a modest side return extension, is usually the most affordable option.
Yes. Every kitchen extension must comply with Building Regulations for foundations, structure, drainage, insulation and safety. We manage this as part of the project.
In most cases, yes, though your kitchen will be out of use for part of the project. We discuss temporary arrangements and keep disruption to a minimum.
A side return extension fills the narrow alley space at the side of a terraced house, widening a cramped galley kitchen into a bright, usable room — very popular in London.
A rear extension expands straight back into the garden, while a wrap-around combines a rear and side return extension in an L shape for the maximum ground-floor space.
Usually, yes. When walls are removed to open up the space, steel beams are needed to support the structure above. This is included and managed within the project.
There is some unavoidable noise, dust and time without a kitchen, but our team works cleanly, protects your home and keeps disruption to a minimum throughout.
Yes. Bifold and sliding doors are among the most popular features we fit, connecting your new kitchen to the garden and flooding the space with light.
We assess your property, space and budget during a free consultation and recommend the most suitable and cost-effective option.
Modern kitchen extensions use high-performance insulation and energy-efficient glazing that improve your home’s warmth and comfort.
Yes. Where planning permission is needed, we prepare and manage the application and drawings on your behalf.
A quality kitchen extension can add a substantial percentage to your property’s value in London, as the kitchen is the room buyers value most.
All our kitchen extensions are covered by a written warranty of 3 to 5 years, giving you long-term peace of mind.
If your extension is built close to or against a neighbour’s boundary, a Party Wall agreement may be required. We advise you on this and help arrange it.
Yes. Open-plan kitchen-diners are one of our most popular projects, whether through an extension or by opening up existing rooms.
Simply call us, email us or fill in our form. We will arrange a free survey and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.
We cover London and the surrounding Essex area, including most boroughs across the capital. Get in touch and we will confirm.
Why London Homeowners Trust SBDS Cconstruction.
London homeowners trust SBDS Construction Ltd because we combine genuine experience with honesty and care. We communicate clearly at every stage, deliver quality workmanship using premium materials, and stand behind every project with a written guarantee. We work safely and tidily, respect your home and your time, and provide transparent, itemised quotes with no hidden costs. That combination of expertise, reliability and straightforward dealing is why so much of our work comes from recommendations and repeat customers.
Get Your Free Kitchen Extension Quote
Ready to transform the heart of your home? Get in touch with SBDS Construction Ltd today for honest advice and a free, no-obligation quote.
Urgent enquiry? Call us directly for a fast response.