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 Barnstaple?
In Barnstaple, a house renovation typically costs £900–£1,850 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 £81,000–£166,500. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Barnstaple are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £56,500–£116,500 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £81,000–£166,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £113,500–£233,000 |
| Rate per m² | £900–£1,850 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Windows and doors
- Whether you live in during the work
- Finishes
- Structural and damp repairs
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 Barnstaple?
Approvals for a house renovation in Barnstaple follow the rules for 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical house renovation we handle:
- Decoration
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Building control for notifiable work
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Barnstaple
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
Projects in Barnstaple (EX31) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about house renovations in Barnstaple
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
Do you build house renovations in Barnstaple?
Yes. We build house renovations across Barnstaple, including postcodes EX31. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need planning permission to renovate?
Internal work usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. External changes may.
How much does a house renovation cost in Barnstaple?
In Barnstaple, a house renovation typically costs £900–£1,850 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 £81,000–£166,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
