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.
How much does a house renovation cost in Bangor, County Down?
In Bangor, a house renovation typically costs £750–£1,550 per m² for a medium to full renovation, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). For a typical 90 m² project that is roughly £67,500–£139,500. The guide for Bangor reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £47,000–£97,500 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £67,500–£139,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £94,500–£195,500 |
| Rate per m² | £750–£1,550 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Finishes
- Whether you live in during the work
- Structural and damp repairs
- Windows and doors
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Bangor, County Down?
Before anything is built in Bangor, we confirm which approvals apply in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland structural and notifiable renovation work needs building control approval; listed homes need listed building consent.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most house renovations:
- Decoration
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Kitchens and bathrooms
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Bangor, County Down
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Our Bangor coverage includes postcode districts BT19 and BT20, and we also work in nearby places such as Newtownards, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Bangor, County Down
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.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation in Bangor?
In Northern Ireland structural and notifiable renovation work needs building control approval; listed homes need listed building consent.
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.
How long does a house renovation take in Bangor?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does a house renovation cost in Bangor?
In Bangor, a house renovation typically costs £750–£1,550 per m² for a medium to full renovation, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). A typical 90 m² project comes to roughly £67,500–£139,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
