Kitchen Extension in Chelmsford | RCB Design & Build
Kitchen extensions remain the single most popular renovation in Chelmsford — typically a 25–35 m² rear or side-return scheme combined with knocking through to the existing reception room. RCB Design & Build delivers kitchen extension projects right across Chelmsford (CM1) from our Dartford base — typically on site within 48 hours of enquiry, with a fixed written quotation in 5 working days. Our typical kitchen extension project in Chelmsford costs between £58,000 and £126,000 in 2026, with most Edwardian terraces and 1930s semis landing around £92,000. We are FMB, TrustMark, Checkatrade and TrustATrader accredited and operate as a Principal Contractor under CDM 2015.
Detached and semi-detached extensions and full refurbs on modern estate stock. Working out of Chelmsford City Council's area, we know the planners, the local building inspectors, and the named conservation officers — that personal relationship cuts weeks off the consenting timeline. Our typical Chelmsford project is on Edwardian terraces within easy reach of Chelmsford Cathedral or Hylands Park, and we work with a small panel of trusted Essex-area subcontractors we have used for years.
What's included in our kitchen extension price
Foundations, steel beam(s) for knock-through, single-storey extension build-up, structural glazing or aluminium sliding doors, screed, MVHR or trickle ventilation, first-fix M&E. Second-fix kitchen units and worktops are supplied by the client to your chosen designer's spec. Our written quotation covers labour, first-fix materials, project management, scaffolding, skips, Building Control fees and statutory inspections. Second-fix materials (kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, tiles, paint, sanitaryware) are supplied by the client as a deliberate cost-control measure — this typically saves homeowners £7,360–£13,800 in trade markup. We exclude planning fees, party-wall surveyor fees and structural engineer drawings, which we coordinate at cost.
Chelmsford planning, party walls and Building Regs
Several central conservation areas; village fringes are AONB-adjacent. The single biggest decision is glazing — full structural sliding doors, a roof lantern, or a corner glazed bay. Each drives the structural and thermal envelope. Note that Chelmsford has multiple conservation areas — design must match prevailing materials, roof shape and fenestration. Party Wall Awards are typically needed for any excavation within 3 metres of a shared wall — we coordinate the surveyor and serve notices. Building Control is lodged at the start, with inspections at foundation, damp-course, pre-plaster and completion stages.
Timeline and process for Chelmsford projects
Kitchen extensions run 10–14 weeks on site, with the kitchen fit happening in the final 2 weeks. We schedule cooker, sink and fridge final positions early to lock the MEP first fix. We hold a weekly call with the client throughout, send a written progress report with photos every Friday, and the lead PM is always reachable on WhatsApp. From CM1 postcodes we can have someone on site within 48 hours of a phone call.
Guarantees and after-care
Every project we deliver in Chelmsford is backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee. Where we install manufacturer-warranted systems (roofing membranes, windows, MVHR), the manufacturer warranty (typically 10–25 years) runs alongside. As an FMB member we can also arrange an FMB-backed 2-year insurance warranty on qualifying Chelmsford schemes — worth considering for any project above £50,000.
Kitchen Extension cost in Chelmsford — 2026 price guide
Project size
From
To
Compact (≤20 m²)
£58,000
£75,000
Standard (20–30 m²)
£70,000
£87,000
Large (30–45 m²)
£81,000
£104,000
XL (45 m²+)
£93,000
£116,000
Indicative Chelmsford (CM1) ranges for 2026. A site visit firms the figure to +/-5%.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen extension cost in Chelmsford in 2026?
Typical Chelmsford pricing ranges from £58,000 to £126,000 depending on size, finish and site complexity. Chelmsford sits in the mid-band of our delivery area. A free site visit firms the number up to ±5%.
How long will a kitchen extension take in Chelmsford?
Allow 6–12 weeks of design, planning and procurement before work starts, then a project-dependent build phase. Kitchen extensions run 10–14 weeks on site, with the kitchen fit happening in the final 2 weeks. We schedule cooker, sink and fridge final positions early to lock the MEP first fix. We share a Gantt-style schedule with every quotation.
What's the realistic budget for a kitchen extension in Chelmsford?
For the structural build allow £55k–£120k depending on size and finish. Add £20k–£60k for a mid-range to premium kitchen, flooring and appliances supplied separately.
Which areas of Chelmsford do you cover?
We cover all of CM1 and the surrounding Essex postcodes from our Dartford base. Recent projects sit close to Chelmsford Cathedral and Hylands Park. Anywhere within 45 minutes of Dartford is comfortably inside our core delivery zone.
Is RCB insured?
Yes — we hold £5 million Public Liability, £10 million Employer's Liability, full Contract Works insurance and Professional Indemnity. Certificates are provided with every quotation.
How do I get a quote?
Use the free instant calculator at /quote for a 60-second ballpark, configure your project in detail at /configure, or call +44 7359 872594. We respond to every enquiry within 4 working hours.