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 Berkhamsted?
In Berkhamsted, a house renovation typically costs £950–£1,900 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 £85,500–£171,000. That range is adjusted for the East of England, where domestic building work typically costs around 6% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £60,000–£119,500 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £85,500–£171,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £119,500–£239,500 |
| Rate per m² | £950–£1,900 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Whether you live in during the work
- Windows and doors
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Structural and damp repairs
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Berkhamsted?
Before anything is built in Berkhamsted, we confirm which approvals apply in 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
The work we manage on a house renovation:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Plastering and boarding
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Decoration
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Berkhamsted
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
From HP4 outwards, we take on projects throughout Berkhamsted and the surrounding parts of Hertfordshire.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Berkhamsted
How much does a house renovation cost in Berkhamsted?
In Berkhamsted, a house renovation typically costs £950–£1,900 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 £85,500–£171,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Do you build house renovations in Berkhamsted?
Yes. We build house renovations across Berkhamsted, including postcodes HP4. 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.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
