House extensions Kensington

The main cost factors are the type of extension, the amount of structural work, the condition of the existing property and the level of finish required. Kensington homes may also involve restricted access, close neighbours, shared walls and conservation-sensitive settings. Glazing, bespoke joinery, kitchen specification, drainage alterations and service upgrades can all affect the final build cost.

For most Kensington house extensions, £30,000 or £40,000 is unlikely to be enough. Even a modest extension can involve foundations, structural openings, steelwork, roof construction, glazing, building-control requirements and internal finishing. Period homes may add further complexity through access, existing fabric, drainage and integration with the original layout. A realistic budget depends on the confirmed scope and specification.

It depends on the property, location and proposed works. Some house extensions may fall within permitted development, while others require planning permission, especially where conservation area restrictions or previous alterations apply. CFB does not act as a planning consultant, but we can work with your appointed architect or consultant and build from the agreed drawings once the correct route has been confirmed.

In many cases, yes, but the right approach depends on the property type, existing structure, garden depth, neighbouring buildings and any planning constraints. Victorian terraces, townhouses, stucco-fronted homes and converted properties can each have different limitations. A site-specific review is needed to understand whether a rear extension, side return or kitchen-led extension is the most suitable option.

Rear extensions and side return extensions are often well suited to period properties in Kensington. They can improve the ground-floor layout, create a larger kitchen and living space, and bring more natural light into the home. Where space and planning constraints allow, a wraparound extension may also be considered. The best option depends on the existing structure, access and design prepared by your appointed professional team.

A side return extension can be suitable for Kensington terraced houses where there is unused space to the side of the rear room or kitchen. It can widen the ground floor, improve circulation and help create a more practical kitchen and dining area. These projects usually require structural openings, steelwork, drainage coordination and careful detailing where the new extension meets the existing house.

Yes, many Kensington house extensions are built around open-plan kitchen and living spaces. This usually involves extending the rear or side return, forming structural openings, installing steelwork and coordinating glazing, rooflights, services and finishes. The focus remains on extension construction rather than standalone kitchen renovation.

Timelines vary according to size, complexity, access, structure and specification. A straightforward extension may take several months once the required drawings, permissions and procurement are in place, while a larger or more complex period-property extension can take longer. Programme can also be affected by structural works, specialist glazing, bespoke finishes and coordination with the appointed professional team.

A house extension will always create some disruption, particularly in tightly built Kensington streets. Careful planning helps reduce the impact. We consider access, deliveries, protection, neighbouring properties, site cleanliness and sequencing before works begin. Where possible, we phase the works in a practical way while keeping the build controlled and communication clear.

A well-planned and well-built extension can add value to a Kensington property, especially when it improves light, layout, kitchen space and connection to the garden. The strongest results usually come from extensions that feel properly integrated with the original house and are finished to a high standard. Value uplift depends on the property, market conditions, design quality and build specification.

Yes. We regularly work with appointed architects, interior designers, structural engineers and consultants on house extensions in Kensington and West London. Our role is to deliver the construction work on site, coordinate trades, follow the agreed drawings and specifications, and maintain clear communication throughout the build.