We want to extend kitchen. No clue where to start.

[ftw]

I think we wouldn't need planning permissions. But I'm not certain of what I want. (And that would depend on costs/need for perms a bit too).

So do I go to an architect? Builder? If I don't use an architect will I wish I had? How do I know I'd be able to fit a great kitchen into whatever space we ended up with?

FWIW, it would be a side extension on an extension, ideally that would go up to property boundary, but we'd be flexiblie about that if it made permissions etc easier.

Help!

It depends on where you are but I would say its almost certain that you would need planning permission if you are intending to go out at the side right up to the property boundary (and in my LA, depending on the type of house, it would be very difficult to get - they're insisting on you leaving at least 75cm to prevent the terracing effect / rear access).

Single storey side extension would depend on the roof height mostly as to if you need planning permission, contact the council many have a free 'do I need planning permission' service or charge a token fee (under £20). So long as you didn't go forward of the original building line and keep the eaves under 3m most single storey extensions can be done without planning permission (provided it's not a listed building, conservation area etc). Check on the GPDO www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/pdfs/uksi_20150596_en.pdf. A plan draftsman can do you scale drawings cheaper than an architect, unless it's a really complex space that's all you need. Go to a kitchen showroom to discus your requirements there to see what size space they advise.

It's not a complex space at all, but I'm scared we'd miss a great idea if we relied on us!

The garage already goes up to the boundary and what I'm planning now would just fill up a small gap (about 2m x3m tops) that got left there. I guess you could call it a rear extension on an existing side extension...

Neighbour-on-the-other side's garage also is actually part of our garden boundary too. But those are both ancient so won't necessarily indicate much about current laws.

Thanks for help!