Back-kitchen extensions in depth! Check the budget and 5 key things to know before you start

Why are back kitchens such a popular space?

A back-kitchen extension is one of the most popular projects for detached-house and townhouse owners. Besides adding usable space, it keeps the smells and smoke of strongly flavoured Thai cooking out of the main house. But before the first pile is driven, planning the budget and the building techniques is something you really shouldn't overlook.

How much should you budget for a back-kitchen extension?

The budget depends on the floor area and the type of kitchen. There are 2 main types:

• Open kitchen (airy, lightweight): budgets start at around 80,000 - 150,000 baht; best for good ventilation, using an awning roof frame and a simple concrete counter
• Enclosed kitchen (on piles, fully closed): budgets of 180,000 - 350,000 baht and up; suits a full Thai kitchen, with piles, lightweight or brick walls and a cooker hood

5 things to know before you start a kitchen extension

So that your back kitchen looks good and doesn't cause problems later, check these points carefully before building:

• Setback law: the building must be at least 50 cm from the property line (solid wall) or 2 metres (with light openings/windows); any closer needs written consent from your neighbour
• Keep the structures clearly separate: never tie the new kitchen structure into the existing house, because uneven settlement will crack the main house and make the roof leak
• Drainage and odours: plan where the grease trap will sit and the wind direction for venting smoke
• Choose non-slip surfaces: use tiles with a slip-resistance rating of R10 or higher for safety in the kitchen
• Plan the electrics and plumbing: set the positions of sockets, supply pipes and drains in advance for convenience

Safety warning and professional workmanship

Back-kitchen extensions — especially foundation work such as driving micro piles, load calculations, and running the electrical and gas systems — must be supervised by a structural engineer and qualified specialists only. Don't extend on your own without trade knowledge; it can affect the strength of the existing house or create a risk of short circuits in the future.