What is a house renovation?
A house renovation brings an older or tired home up to date. It can include rewiring, a new heating system, replastering, new floors, windows, kitchens and bathrooms, and changes to the layout. A full renovation is often combined with an extension or loft conversion.
Renovations are planned in a set order: structure and roof first, then first-fix services, plastering, second fix and finishes. A clear programme keeps trades from undoing each other’s work.
What we handle
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Plastering and boarding
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Decoration
- Building control for notifiable work
Options to consider
Light refurbishment
Decoration, flooring and a new kitchen or bathroom.
Medium renovation
Rewire, replaster, heating and new kitchen and bathroom.
Full renovation
Back to brick: structure, services, layout and finishes.
Renovation plus extension
Combine with an extension or loft conversion.
How much does a house renovation cost?
A house renovation typically costs £900–£1,800 per m² for a medium to full renovation across the UK, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). A typical 90 m² project comes to roughly £81,000–£162,000. Build time is usually 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Region | Guide range (per m² for a medium to full renovation) |
|---|---|
| London | £1,150–£2,350 |
| South East | £1,000–£2,000 |
| East of England | £950–£1,900 |
| South West | £900–£1,850 |
| West Midlands | £850–£1,750 |
| East Midlands | £850–£1,700 |
| North West | £850–£1,700 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £850–£1,650 |
| North East | £800–£1,600 |
| Wales | £850–£1,650 |
| Scotland | £850–£1,750 |
| Northern Ireland | £750–£1,550 |
What changes the price:
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Structural and damp repairs
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Windows and doors
- Finishes
- Whether you live in during the work
Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your measurements, or see all guide prices.
Do I need planning permission?
England
In England internal renovation usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed, when listed building consent covers internal work too. Notifiable work such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating must meet building regulations.
Wales
In Wales internal renovation usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. Notifiable work must meet building regulations.
Scotland
In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland structural and notifiable renovation work needs building control approval; listed homes need listed building consent.
Even when planning permission is not needed, building regulations approval (a building warrant in Scotland) usually is. We make the applications and book the inspections.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Surveys, design and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks beforehand.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, discuss what you want and measure up.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, calculations and an itemised price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development, building regulations and neighbour matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
Built to a written programme, with a completion certificate at the end.
House renovations: questions and answers
Do I need planning permission to renovate?
Internal work usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. External changes may.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
Can I live in the house during a renovation?
For light work, yes. For a full renovation, most clients move out for some or all of the job.
Is VAT reduced on renovations?
Usually not; the standard 20% rate applies. A reduced 5% rate can apply when renovating a home that has been empty for at least two years.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.