FAQs

How long does it take to build a kitchen extension? On average, building extensions in London can take 10-12 weeks to complete but this depends on a number of factors, the main one being the size of the building as well as the specification of the project – sometimes a big build can take longer. If you take a look at some of our completed work in London including areas of North London such as Highbury and Holloway, the projects have been of a fair size, including kitchen, diners, ensuite bathrooms and even under floor heating. Whilst these projects only took a few short months to complete, it cannot be said exactly how long your extension will take. When you book your consultation with Simply Extend, we will be able to give you an estimated time based on the amount of work you would like us to carry out on your home and then you will get an estimated on how long to build an extension. A project manager will oversee the build every step of the way so if any changes in deadline occur, you will be informed straight away.

Our lead in times are currently 2 – 4 weeks assuming that you have plans, structural calculations and party wall notices in place (if required). Simply Extend are extension builders that operate all over London and the Greater London area, so depending on whether you’re in North London, South London, Richmond or any of the surrounding areas, we might be able to begin your build in as little as two weeks after your specification is submitted. Of course, you will need to have received planning permission from all the relevant places and considered potential blockers such as party walls before any work can begin.  Our excellent team can answer any questions you might have about the ‘before’ stage of your extension. Please contact us on 0800 917 7571 for a more accurate estimate of start dates. Get A Quote Today

Our process of building extensions in London or the Greater London area begins with a site survey where a Simply Extend surveyor will visit your home, completely free of charge. Once the visit has taken place, you will be provided with a quote – this quote isn’t set in stone, Simply Extend can change the quote as many times as needed before you commit. Once the contract is signed (with the set time scale), the plans can begin to be drawn up. With all of the above taken into consideration, it takes us, on average, between 4 – 5 weeks from signing the contract to get our clients to agree on a set of plans, but of course we have had faster approvals if a client is in a particular hurry. Simply Extend aims to cater to every client’s individual needs and we pride ourselves on being the best extension builder in London and across the West Midlands.

Once a Simply Extend surveyor has visited your property and carried out a site survey it will take no longer than 7 working days for you to receive a comprehensive quotation (sometimes sooner). If you have not received your quotation in this time, then please visit your junk email folder (as sometimes our quotations can end up there by accident!) or give our team a call on 0800 917 7571.

Remember that Simply Extend values your thoughts and opinions and so if you wish to discuss the quotation or add extra things onto your design, then you can do so by speaking to one of our friendly advisors. Whether you’re in Islington, Highgate, Isleworth or Notting Hill and wish to have a kitchen extension in London or Birmingham, one of our side return extensions or any other home extension, Simply Extend will aim to cater to your needs.  Our prices are very competitive, don’t forget that we also offer a price match comparison service, so if you find a like for like extension quotation that is cheaper from a comparable firm then speak to our sales team to see if we are able to price match.

Our prices are reviewed from time to time to cover things like the increasing prices of materials and are currently valid for three months. During this time your quotation can be altered to further suit your needs if necessary. Simply Extend appreciate that home extensions in London are subject to change and as a home owner you might need to alter your original design. This is possible with Simply Extend.

You might be surprised to know that not all extensions require planning permission – see our question and answers section on permitted development, but for those that do, it can often take 8 weeks for plans to be approved through planning permission. In the meantime, you can check out our previous builds for interior inspiration for your own London extension.  From rear kitchen extensions to bathroom refurbishments and everything in between, by taking a look at the Simply Extend gallery, you are bound to find some great inspiration for your own kitchen extension project.

If your property is not in a conservation area you may have permitted development rights (PD). This means you can build your extension without having to go through the planning permission process. For more details on the requirements and criteria for this, please visit the UK planning portal by clicking here. If you are still not sure, just give Simply Extend a call and they will be happy to look into the issue for you. It is important to be sure that planning permission is not needed, before you go ahead with your extension.

With planning permission, you are asking the council if your proposed extension is acceptable. It is open to rejection by them and/or your neighbours and will have to follow the local development plan. With permitted development you are asking the council to simply confirm that your plan fits within the permitted development criteria. The council will issue you a Lawful Development Letter if they agree. Technically you are not required to have the Lawful Development letter in place before the work starts and in fact there is no law stating you have to have it. This allows clients who request it, to start the work without waiting for the Lawful Development Letter, thus saving time.

A party wall agreement is required if your home has a wall that is connected to another property on either side. Each neighbour will have to be informed of the proposed works using a party wall notice form at least two calendar months before the intended start of the build. The party wall agreement is there to protect you and your neighbour from issues that might arise due to work done on the party wall. It draws up an agreement between you and your neighbour on what needs to happen if there is a problem. By law your neighbour can insist you have one before the work starts.

This process is handled by clients directly, however if required Simply Extend can advise you on this process and put you in touch with one of our certified party wall surveyors.

There are many different types of extensions that can be added to your property such as rear kitchen extensions, side return extensions and even double storey extensions. Extensions in London and the West Midlands are a great way to expand and totally transform your home space. Simply have built extensions all over London and the West Midlands and with no job too big or small, you can guarantee that we will do a professional job. Want that ensuite bathroom you’ve been dreaming of? Want more kitchen space to entertain guests or dine as a family? Click here for ideas and inspiration as well as further information about the types of extensions that Simply Extend provide and the types of houses they have worked on. This should hopefully all help you decide on the type of extension you would like to ask Simply to build onto your property.

There is no doubt that building work can at times be disruptive and slightly stressful, after all we are completely altering your home! However, there are certain tips and measures that can be taken to ease this process. If budget allows, you may decide the best way to avoid the disruption is to move out throughout the construction phase. However, we know at times this can be unrealistic and costly.

Other steps are to build temporary kitchens to enable you to still cook and clean, or to build stud partitions to block out the dust from the rest of your home. Always remember to pack away any valuables or anything that could potentially be damaged as materials and equipment will be making their way through your home. It’s important to remember all the disruption will be worthwhile when you have your brand new, expertly built extension.

When you decide to carry out a home or kitchen extension, it doesn’t only create more space to live in, it also gives you the opportunity to transform the look and feel of your home and so you might also be considering refurbishment in other rooms if you feel your décor is a little out of date for the current trends. Quite often, Simply Extend will carry out refurbishment work on bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms and downstairs toilets and utility rooms. We carry out site surveys for most areas across London and the Greater London area. Please enquire for additional prices on your site survey.

The price of a London home extension varies massively depending on what your specification is and what exactly you want doing with your extension. Some people require a small bedroom and ensuite, other households need a brand-new kitchen with utility room or living space and some even require double storey extensions. The style of your extension will also affect the cost, depending on the type of roof, windows and doors you would like fitted. Having fitted many extensions in all the different areas of London and the Greater London area, Simply Extend has created a cost page which will hopefully give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay or budget for. 

We have a specialist loft conversion arm to our business called Simply Loft, who have converted thousands of lofts all over London and the Greater London area. We have many clients that use us to carry out a loft conversion and an extension at the same time, thus saving hassle and cost by avoiding having two separate contractors. Like Simply Extend, Simply Loft are the experts in their field and will guarantee a professional finish with their work so are worth considering if you would also like to utilise your loft space.

Ou sister company Simply Basement is able to carry out basement conversions to properties all across London and Oxford.  Please visit our website for further information or book in with one of our specialist basement surveyors for a quotation.

When it comes to building extensions in London, whether that’s in the Kingston and Hampton areas of South West London, the North London town of Harringey or a busy part of central London, Simply Extend always execute their work to the highest level of professionalism using their network of skilled tradesmen. 

By choosing Simply Extend, you will have professional advice on hand to answer any questions you might have about before, during and even after the building process. We will begin by taking your initial ideas from design through to construction and when completed; backed by our ten-year warranty.  Simply Extend are also pleased to be able to offer and independent insurance back deposit and warranty protection scheme.  

We have converted and expanded thousands of homes all over London, so you can be assured your project is in safe hands.  Feel free to call us for your free no obligation site survey or to see a completed project near your home.

We have numerous insurance policies in place. Documentation can be provided on request at any time – please enquire through your designated surveyor.  

Simply Extend have executed extensions in South London, kitchen extensions in North London, plus all the surrounding London areas and so if you are living in London and require an extension it is likely that there will be some of Simply Extend’s work in the vicinity and we are more than happy to share references with you.  To see the quality of our finish, please visit the Simply Extend case study pages where you can see images and details of our previous work.

We cover South London, North London, West London, Central London and everything in between so if you would like a home or kitchen extension then please be sure to get in touch or visit our case study section to find out what work we have completed in your area. Call our friendly team on 0800 917 7571 and they will be able to advise whether we cover your postcode.