Kitchen extensions across Durham
Durham homeowners can use us for the whole kitchen extension project: survey, design, planning or permitted development checks, building regulations and the build itself.
- Guide price in DurhamFrom £24,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsDH1
Will the council need to approve it?
In England a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house, or 4 m on a detached house, without a planning application, provided it is no more than 4 m high, keeps eaves to 3 m within 2 m of a boundary and, with other buildings, covers no more than half the land around the original house. The larger home extension prior approval scheme raises those depths to 6 m and 8 m, with neighbours notified and a 42-day decision.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
How much does a kitchen extension cost in Durham?
Prices below are for Durham, using the North East England factor of ×0.91. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Durham: £1,640 to £3,180 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 5 m 15 m² | £24,500 – £29,000 | £28,500 – £36,500 | £36,000 – £48,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £32,500 – £38,500 | £38,000 – £48,500 | £48,000 – £64,000 |
| 4 m × 7 m 28 m² | £45,500 – £54,000 | £53,500 – £68,000 | £67,500 – £89,500 |
Build cost only. A mid-range kitchen, supplied and fitted, typically adds £9,000 to £20,000.
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Local to Durham
Our survey diary covers Durham, including DH1. We also work in nearby Chester-le-Street (6 miles), Stanley (8 miles), Bishop Auckland (9 miles), Peterlee (10 miles).
Just over the Tyne and Wear border, Houghton-le-Spring is about 6 miles away. Across the North East, houses often have rear yards or modest gardens, so compact, well-lit single-storey extensions make the biggest difference.
Is a kitchen extension right for your house?
- Families who want cooking, dining and living together
- Small or closed-off kitchens
- Homes being prepared for sale or a long-term stay
We start with the working triangle and the island, then set the doors, glazing and roof lights around it. Getting this order right avoids the classic mistakes: a sink against a blank wall, glare on the hob or a fridge blocking the garden view.
Our process, step by step
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Common questions in Durham
Do you cover all of Durham?
Yes. We cover Durham and the surrounding parts of County Durham. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Will my neighbours in Durham be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Durham, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Can you fit a kitchen I buy elsewhere?
Yes. We can fit it or work with your supplier’s fitters. We need the layout early so that drains, services and lighting are in the right place.
Where should the island go?
Usually under the brightest part of the roof and away from the main walkway to the garden. We test two or three layouts on the plan before deciding.
Book a free site visit in Durham
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.