Kitchen extensions in Exeter: design, approvals and build
Thinking about a kitchen extension for your Exeter home? Start with a free site visit: we measure up, check what the council will allow and give you honest guide figures on the day.
- Guide price in ExeterFrom £27,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsEX1, EX2, EX3, EX4, EX5
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.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
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).
Extensions in and around Exeter
Our survey diary covers Exeter, including EX1, EX2, EX3, EX4, EX5, EX6. Neighbouring towns we cover include Exmouth (9 miles), Tiverton (12 miles), Newton Abbot (14 miles), Torquay (18 miles).
South West homes range from terraced streets in the cities to stone cottages and bungalows in the countryside, and conservation areas are common in historic centres.
What should I budget for a kitchen extension in Exeter?
Prices below are for Exeter, using the South West England factor of ×1.02. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Exeter: £1,840 to £3,570 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 5 m 15 m² | £27,500 – £32,500 | £32,000 – £41,000 | £40,500 – £54,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £36,500 – £43,000 | £42,500 – £54,500 | £54,000 – £71,500 |
| 4 m × 7 m 28 m² | £51,000 – £60,000 | £59,500 – £76,000 | £75,500 – £100,000 |
Build cost only. A mid-range kitchen, supplied and fitted, typically adds £9,000 to £20,000.
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
What we take care of
- Kitchen-led layout planning before the drawings are fixed
- Roof lantern or rooflights positioned over the work zones
- Wide sliding or bifold doors to the garden
- Drainage and services designed for sinks, island and appliances
- Extraction routes and ventilation for building regulations
How the project works
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
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 Exeter
Do I need building regulations approval in Exeter?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does a kitchen extension take to build in Exeter?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Will my neighbours in Exeter 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 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.
How much does a kitchen extension cost?
For the extension itself our guide range is about £1,840 to £3,570 per m² including VAT. A standard 20 m² kitchen extension is typically around £42,500 to £54,500 in Exeter, plus the kitchen itself, which commonly adds £9,000 to £20,000 for a mid-range design.
Book a free site visit in Exeter
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.