The Case for a Kitchen Extension
A kitchen extension — typically a rear or side return extension — increases the floor area of the kitchen. For many London properties, the kitchen is already in the right position at the rear of the house; what it lacks is space.
What a Kitchen Extension Typically Achieves
- Open-plan kitchen/dining/living space
- Room for an island or breakfast bar
- Better natural light through large glazed openings
- Stronger connection between kitchen and garden
- Additional storage and workspace
Typical Costs (London, 2025)
| Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Side return extension (infill) | £45,000–£80,000 |
| Single-storey rear extension (3–4m) | £50,000–£90,000 |
| Wrap-around extension | £70,000–£140,000 |
These costs include structure, glazing, and making good — but not the new kitchen units, appliances, or fit-out.
Added Value
Estate agents in London typically estimate that a well-executed kitchen extension adds 5–15% to a property's value, depending on:
- The quality of the execution and finish
- The extent to which the new layout improves the flow and usability of the home
- The local market and comparable properties
For a £600,000 home, a 10% uplift would be £60,000 — so a well-specified extension paying for itself is achievable.
The Case for a Kitchen Refit
A kitchen refit replaces the kitchen units, worktops, appliances, and often the flooring and lighting within the existing footprint.
What a Kitchen Refit Typically Achieves
- Fresh aesthetic — modern cabinetry, better worktops, integrated appliances
- Improved storage with modern drawer systems and internal organisers
- Better lighting (under-cabinet LEDs, recessed ceiling lighting)
- Updated plumbing and electrics within existing positions
Typical Costs (London, 2025)
| Specification Level | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry level (budget units, mid-range appliances) | £8,000–£15,000 |
| Mid-range (handleless units, quartz worktops) | £15,000–£30,000 |
| Premium (bespoke cabinetry, integrated appliances) | £30,000–£70,000+ |
Added Value
A kitchen refit is generally considered to recover 50–70% of its cost in added property value. A £20,000 kitchen upgrade might add £10,000–£14,000 in value. It also improves saleability — buyers are more likely to make an offer on a property with a modern, attractive kitchen.
How to Decide
Choose a kitchen extension if:
- Your kitchen is small and constrains how the family uses the space
- You want to create open-plan living
- You are planning to stay in the property for 5+ years
- Your budget can accommodate it
Choose a kitchen refit if:
- Your kitchen is adequately sized but dated in finish
- Budget is a constraint
- You want a faster project (a refit takes 2–4 weeks vs 12–20 weeks for an extension)
- You are preparing the property for sale in the near term
Can You Do Both?
Many London homeowners sequence the two: extend first (structural shell), then fit out the new kitchen as part of the same contract. This is more cost-effective than doing them separately. rcbGroup regularly manages combined extension and kitchen fit-out projects as a single coordinated programme.
rcbGroup
rcbGroup advises clients on whether extension or refit delivers the best outcome for their specific property and budget. We manage both — from design through planning, structural works, and final kitchen installation — as a coordinated package.