Extension prices and how to go about it

[Holidaywoes1]

I am in the fortunate position of shortly being handed £20,000 by my employers due to a work injury. I would like to use it to put an extension on my tiny house. The house is about 3 metres wide and I have enough garden for it to be another 3 metres out so a 3x3m extension.

It would be an extension to the kitchen so would need a new kitchen as well. I am in the north east of england.

I have a couple of questions. Firstly is 20,000 a realistic amount to have to spend? I am prepared to borrow more if i have to but would obviously prefer not to and secondly how on earth do i go about it?
I keep reading about plans and permissions etc. Do i get plans first? Where from? How do i find a builder. Can anyone recommend anyone decent in the north east? I genuinely have no clue where to start and cant afford to make any mistakes with such a tight budget. The injury has partly contributed to me having such a small house but i love where it is and my garden and dont want to move. Any help would be much appreciated.

It's potentially doable on that budget but it depends on site conditions and what sort of finish you want.
I would speak to some builders first get an idea what's possible then get some drawings done then get some prices back based on those drawings. You might need planning permission but it might be possible to do it under permitted development. If you are struggling with this for the off I would get a project manager or firm who provide all trades. This will be more expensive than you hiring individual trades though.

Have a good look around your area for new extensions and ongoing work.
Do you have a streetlife or next door on line group?
You can search for local companies but always ask for references and ask to visit previous customers.
Interview at least 3 companies.
Ask to see their insurance documents.
Go for a company that will have a named project manager on site.
We had a big extension done a couple of years ago.
I wish I had talked to builders before getting an architect because we ended up msking a lot of changes and re- doing the drawings. The builder's advice was very practical.

Bear in mind that the cheapest may not be the most economical. You don't want to end up with the lowest quality materials/ doors/ windows.
If someone gives you a ridiculously high quote it usually means they don't want the job so don't be discouraged.

I live in the South East and there is constant building work going on around here. Nobody can afford to move so everyone is extending.
IME people are happy to tell you about their builders good and bad!

You will need to check with your local council that you don't need planning permission then get some plans drawn up and engage building control, select a builder - look at some local company's who offer a complete service and see who people recommend ( Facebook local pages could be your friend doing this )
Build Costs on a single story extension are between £1500 and £3000 per meter squared depending upon finish etc

Thank you all for your help. At least i know it might be doable now . I will start asking round for any decent builders. I know a bit more what im looking for and what to ask now which makes me feel better!