Home Extension Fit-Out Costs: Prices for Glazing, Kitchens, Doors, Flooring & More

The question “how much will my extension cost?” depends on many variables, from materials and size to the quality of finish and what you plan to use the space for. In this article, we’re focussing on the internal fit-out, which can have a surprising impact on the finished cost of your extension project.

Budgeting for a Home Extension

If you’re thinking about what’s possible with your budget, Build It’s Estimating Service  is a good place to start. This enables you to submit your home extension plans and access a detailed cost breakdown for your project. Recent example costings include a 40m2 extension with flat roof (£67,752) and a 20m2 loft conversion with dormer window (£48,000).

These estimates factor in a basic level of fit-out, but deliberately don’t include fit-out features that can hugely impact the overall build cost according to their specification, such as flooring and kitchens. It’s important to get a handle on these at the start of the project, as there may be hidden extras.

This side return extension in London is by PlusRooms. The project cost £96,500, including pre-project plans and calculations, and the building work itself – with the fit-out an additional cost on top

“When it comes to costs, it’s not just what’s on the surface,” says Kate Clare of architecture and interior design firm Loud Architects.

“We recently worked on a scheme where the client wanted a big chandelier over the table,” she continues. “That meant reinforcing the joists with extra wood and involving the structural engineer to make sure the calculations were correct. So you’ve already started off with a £500 fixture versus an inexpensive spotlight, and then it can work out double that [including installation].”

High-spec fittings, in general, can be pricier to install. “If your main contractor damages something, they’ll have to pay to replace it,” she says. “So, if you opt for a gold cast-iron radiator over a standard trade white one, they’ll build in a fee to cover the potential of that happening.”

Glazing Costs for Home Extensions

Any opening door or window is more expensive than fixed panes. And if you want big glazed doors leading out to the garden, this  will require an RSJ (reinforced steel joist) to hold up the roof or upper storey. “I saved £5,000 on my own extension by having a single door plus a pivot door at the rear elevation; having a brick pier in-between meant I didn’t need steel across the back,” says Kate.

If you’re choosing between bifolds and sliding doors, expect to pay more for the latter. Arron Shaw, sales manager at St Albans-based HBD Systems, which supplies and installs glazing, says that a three-door aluminium bifold from Origin for a 3,000mm x 2,100mm aperture costs £4,921 including VAT. Meanwhile, a Sunflex slider in the same material would be £6,428. Installation costs for both would be £780 including VAT.

Your choice of glazing can have big budget implications; expect to pay slightly more for sliding doors as opposed to bifolds. This project is by HBD Systems

“Elements that add to the cost are dual-colour frames, and upgrading the glass – for example, laminated glass to maximise security, or a solar control coating,” says Arron. Having several smaller units can reduce installation costs as glass-lifting equipment such as a crane is required for panes weighing over 200kg.

James Bernard, director of extension design and build specialists PlusRooms adds: “Bespoke glazing such as ultra slim doors or larger skylights requiring additional structural consideration can have a huge impact on the cost.” If this blows your extension budget, James suggests that “it may be worthwhile considering more standard options, such as Velux windows rather than skylights.”

Architect Kate Clare of Loud Architects saved £5,000 on the structure of her extension by opting for two separate doors, including a dramatic pivoting design – having a brick pier in between the two meant that no steel was required to bridge the whole rear of the house

New Kitchen Costs for Extensions

Kitchens can have sky-high price tags due to the spec and number of appliances, luxury materials such as marble, and whether you’ve opted for a bespoke or off-the-shelf design.

“We’re finding mid-range, made-to-order kitchens are priced between £10,000 and £20,000 depending on size and choice of worktops and appliances,” says Edward Medd, co-founder of Vita Modular, which makes modular extensions and garden rooms.

“Our average installation cost is around £5,000, which includes removing old units and appliances, and fitting new cabinets, worktops, sinks, taps and gadgets – but not plumbing in, electrical work or structural work such as adding or removing doors and windows,” continues Edward.

This hand-made Shaker-style kitchen by Oliver & Barr features state-of-the-art appliances and quartz workshops. The price (excluding VAT) breaks down as follows: units, £14,600; appliances, £3,800; worktops, £3,700; and the installation, £2,500

“About 75% of our customers are working on an extension,” says Al Bruce, founder of Shaker-style kitchen company Olive & Barr. He says that the typical kitchen spend on a London side-return extension is £28,000 – including appliances and installation on a dry fit basis, ie after first-fix plumbing and electrics.

If you are looking to cut costs, he suggests considering cheaper appliances first, as well as the make-up of the cabinetry. “Drawers are three times the price of doors, because so much more goes into making them,” Al says.

Featuring plenty of overhead glazing, this sun-soaked kitchen was delivered by Vita Modular

An island adds to the budget in terms of extra cabinetry and installation, but it’s proportionate to the cost of a wall cabinet. For worktops, Al suggests that timber examples usually come in around £2,000 on a typical kitchen. The lowest-price quartz worktops start at £3,000, but can rise to £8,500.

Top Tips: Installing a Stylish Kitchen on a Tight Budget >

Internal Door Costs & Joinery Prices

“A few key components that should be considered are internal doors, skirting, architraves, door linings and ironmongery,” says Phillip Lidgerton, managing director of online builders’ merchant Building Materials.

“The cost of internal doors can vary depending on several factors, such as their thickness, fire rating, veneer, glazing or simply the aesthetics of the product. Pre-hung designs can make the process easier when extending a property as they are supplied and fitted in the frame.”