We've put together a really handy kitchen renovation guide for helping you navigate your way through the complex process of adding square footage to your home. But how do we know what we're talking about?
As a temporary kitchen hire company, we're so fortunate to network and be amongst the professionals in the building and renovation trade. We have built some great connections with building contractors, trades and kitchen companies. And we have journeyed with our clients through their projects and have picked up some great tips too!
Enjoy!
Planning a Single Storey Kitchen Extension
Planning a single storey kitchen extension involves coordinating various trades and stages efficiently. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the order in which you should instruct each trade, along with approximate timescales for each stage, and considerations for a temporary kitchen hire:
1. Architect:
Instruction: First
Timescale: 4-8 weeks
Role: Create design plans, obtain planning permission, and ensure compliance with building regulations
Top Tip: An architect is the first place to start. A good building contractor will want to price against a set of plans and should send you back to an architect before providing you with an estimate. This helps make sure you get the most accurate build quote
Top Tip 2: Start looking at kitchen designs at this stage too. Your kitchen design may affect what the architect could do and vice versa. Working cohesively will ensure a well thought out design that flows well and looks well together.

2. Planning Permission and Building Regulations:
Instruction: Concurrent with architect
Timescale: 8-12 weeks (can vary depending on local authority).
Role: Obtain necessary permissions before starting construction
Top Tip: Engage a planning consultant if your project is complex, the first of its kind in your area or you are in a conservation area
3. Builder (Main Contractor):
Instruction: After planning permission is granted.
Timescale: 12-20 weeks (for the overall build).
Role: Oversee the entire construction process, hire and manage sub-contractors.
Top Tip: Verify their previous work by visiting past projects and speaking with former clients. Establish a clear contract detailing timelines, payment schedules, and milestones. A good building contractor should be liquid enough to support the next stage of the project rather than asking for everything up front; but it's important both you and the builder stick to the contract to keep your build and the relationship on track.
4. Foundations:
Instruction: At the start of construction.
Timescale: 1-2 weeks.
Role: Excavate and lay the foundations.
Top Tip: Ensure a thorough site survey is conducted to identify any potential issues
5. Drainage and Groundworks:
Instruction: Following foundations.
Timescale: 1 week.
Role: Install necessary drainage systems.
Top Tip: Plan for future maintenance by including easy access points
6. Bricklayer:
Instruction: After drainage.
Timescale: 2-4 weeks.
Role: Build the walls of the extension.
Top Tip: Request samples of bricks to match the existing structure. Monitor the quality of the mortar mix and the brickwork alignment regularly.
7. Windows and Doors Installation:
Instruction: After walls are built.
Timescale: 1 week.
Role: Install windows and doors.
Top Tip: Select energy-efficient windows and doors to improve insulation. Ensure they are installed with proper sealing to prevent drafts and water ingress
8. Roofing:
Instruction: After walls are built.
Timescale: 1-2 weeks.
Role: Construct and install the roof.
Top Tip: Choose a durable roofing material that complements your home’s aesthetics. Ensure proper ventilation and insulation are installed to enhance energy efficiency
9. Electrician:
Instruction: Once the shell is completed.
Timescale: 1-2 weeks (first fix) + 1 week (second fix).
Role: First fix involves running cables and installing back boxes. Second fix involves fitting sockets, lights, and switches.
Top Tip: Plan the electrical layout early, considering the placement of sockets, lighting, and appliances. Ensure the electrician is certified and provides a safety certificate upon completion
10. Plumber:
Instruction: Alongside or immediately after the electrician.
Timescale: 1-2 weeks.
Role: First fix involves laying pipes. Second fix involves fitting sinks, taps, and other fixtures.
Top Tip: Discuss future-proofing options, such as installing additional plumbing for potential appliances (eg a plumbed fridge freezer)
11. Plasterer:
Instruction: After first fix electrics and plumbing, and joinery.
Timescale: 1-2 weeks.
Role: Plaster the walls and ceilings.
Top Tip: Check the walls and ceilings are properly prepped before plastering to ensure a smooth finish. Verify their previous work by visiting past projects and speaking with former clients. A poor job will be obvious after decorating.
12. Tiler:
Instruction: After plastering.
Timescale: 1-2 weeks.
Role: Tile floors and backsplashes.
Top Tip: Check with the tiler the floor is suitable and prepared for the tiles you'd like. For example, suspended flooring may require additional reinforcing before laying tiles to avoid future cracking. Always check previous work.
13. Decorator:
Instruction: After all construction and most installation work is complete.
Timescale: 1-2 weeks.
Role: Paint and finish walls and ceilings.
Top Tip: Initial decorating before the kitchen is installed can help prevent paint marks on your beautiful new kitchen doors.

14. Joiner/Kitchen Installation:
Instruction: Start having your first conversation in conjunction with the architect. Installation usually after first fix electrics and plumbing.
Timescale: 1-2 weeks.
Role: Install kitchen units, worktops, and other carpentry work.
Top Tip: When getting a bespoke kitchen, make sure measurements are checked after any plastering. The depth of plaster can vary and it's costly if having to reorder kitchen units that don't fit.
15. Final Fix Electrical and Plumbing:
Instruction: After plastering, tiling and kitchen install.
Timescale: 1 week.
Role: Complete all electrical and plumbing connections.
Top Tip: Ensure everything works as expected. Thoroughly test everything for proper operation and leaks.
16. Landscaping:
Instruction: After the main construction is complete.
Timescale: 1-4 weeks depending on scope of work.
Role: Restore and improve the garden or outdoor space around the extension.
Top Tip: Incorporate low-maintenance plants and features to enhance your outdoor space.
17. Snagging:
Instruction: After all works complete
Timescale: As soon as possible after works complete
Role: To ensure that your project has been delivered to a good and acceptable standard and as agreed.
Top Tip: Make a list of everything that's not right. It's important that the work you paid for has been completed to the expected standard. If you employed a building contractor, discuss it with them otherwise discuss with the individual trades.
Total Project Duration
The entire project could take anywhere from 4 to 6 months, depending on the complexity, size of the extension, and efficiency of the trades. If planning a larger project, such as a double storey extension, the timeline could be more like 6 to 12 months. Delays can occur due to weather, waiting for materials, or unforeseen issues during construction.
Temporary Kitchen Hire
It's no secret that living without a kitchen during a renovation can be challenging, but with some planning, you can set up a temporary kitchen to meet your needs. Companies such as our own Kitchen Pod Hire exist to help clients in exactly this scenario.
Instruction: As soon as you need
Timescale: As long as you need (usually from kitchen removal through to kitchen reinstatement)
Role: To make life during your renovation easier, more comfortable and more convenient
Top Tip: Make sure the temporary kitchen has what you need to see you through your project
Our portable kitchen units can be installed on your driveway or garden, offering full kitchen facilities, including sink, cooker, refrigeration and washing machine (or dishwasher!). This can greatly ease the inconvenience and ensure you maintain some normality during the renovation.
Overview and Bonus:
This timeline and order of trades should help you plan your kitchen extension effectively, ensuring each stage progresses smoothly and efficiently while utilising temporary kitchen hire to maintain convenience and comfort during the messy parts of your renovation.
We've added a little bonus - some top tips a building contractor shared with us that help improve the smooth running of your project:
Coordination Tips:
Project Manager: Consider hiring a project manager or appointing your builder as the main contractor to oversee the entire process.
Regular Meetings: Hold regular meetings with your builder/contractor to stay updated on progress and address any issues promptly.
Contingency Plan: Build in some extra time and funds for unexpected delays or costs to avoid stress and ensure a smooth process.
More!
Learn more about our temporary kitchen pods by reaching out to us at 07774 379 159 or drop us a message on our website. We're always happy to chat.
We also hang out a lot on our socials, where we share more images and real life stories of life at Kitchen Pod Hire - Instagram & Facebook
And do let us know what other topics you'd like to see us dive into in our blogs!
If you've enjoyed reading this blog, have a look through our other blog posts
Happy renovating!