As well as considering the here and now think about 5-10 years down the line and the changing dynamics of your family. While play space may be important now, in a few years’ time it’s homework and hangout space they’ll be after.

Option 1: knocking through

Knocking down a stud partition wall between your kitchen and dining room is the simplest and cheapest option. Before you wield your sledgehammer though do get a structural engineer in to check that the wall isn’t load bearing. If it is you’ll need an RSJ (rolled steel joint) to take the strain. If your property is leasehold you’ll need permission from the freeholder. Alternatively if you have an integral garage you could repurpose the space for your kitchen –

Option 2: extending out

If you’ve got time, space and budget this is the perfect blank canvas for you to create your ultimate kitchen. With no pre-existing constraints to work around you can decide exactly what goes where, from your granite island to the position of your sockets. Got your heart set on a contemporary glass ‘box’ that brings the outside in? See our Beginner’s guide to glass extensions.

Option 3: adding on

Another popular home improvement is installing a glazed or skylit roof over the galley side return on a Victorian terrace. Opening up the space makes it work that much harder and who doesn’t want a wider, lighter kitchen?

How much does an kitchen extension cost?

The Halifax Home Improvement Survey says the minimum cost of a kitchen extension is £20,000. As a general guide you’re looking at somewhere between £1,200-£1,800 per m². If you’re converting a garage that drops to around £950-£1,150 per m².

Experts suggest that a kitchen extension can increase the value of your home by as much as 11% so if you’ve got space and budget, go for it.

Getting planning permission for a kitchen extension

Good news: planning permission often isn’t necessary for small extensions. If you’re knocking through from kitchen to dining room isn’t usually required. Neither is it necessary if you’re converting a garage, although if you’re enlarging your building’s footprint you’ll need to run it past your local planning officer.

To avoid seeking planning permission for your kitchen extension, it must:

However if you live in a listed building, conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty, you’ll need to ask your local building authority for permission. Likewise if you’re planning a substantial kitchen extension you’ll need permission and full architectural drawings of the layout and elevations. Planning applications cost around £150 in England and take around eight weeks to process.

It’s worth stating the obvious - all regardless of how big or small - must comply with Building Regulations. As a general rule it’s best to submit full plans to your local authority building control department to be on the safe side.

The practicalities

Bear in mind that moving water, gas and electrical points will add to the cost and complexity of the work. You’ll need a Corgi registered installer if you’re installing a gas boiler or cooker and all electrical work requires a compliance certificate under Part P of Building Regs.

Another key consideration is drainage. Outlet pipes for sinks, dishwashers and washing machines need direct access to external drainage so these often dictate the layout of your kitchen extension. Remember if you start moving pipes you need to check that all work complies with Building Regs.

Consider the flow of natural light at different times of day as this will inform where you need artificial lighting. Some people choose to position their table where there’s most natural light, others prefer their main workspace to be naturally lit. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

Light and airy conservatory style kitchens can get hot in summer, cold in winter and subsequently suffer from damp and condensation. You’ll need expert architect advice to find the right solution for your property.

One final thing

While the extension is being carried out there will be times when your kitchen is unusable so if you have the space to create a makeshift ‘kitchen’ it’ll be a real stress-saver. It’s only short term so you can probably get by with just a microwave, fridge and kettle. Alternatively consider moving to a friend or relative’s. Bear in mind that a kitchen extension is not a quick job. Depending on the scale you could be talking a couple of weeks or a couple of months. Just keep telling yourself, it’ll be worth it in the end!