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 Bury St Edmunds?
In Bury St Edmunds, 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. Building costs in the East of England run about 6% above the UK average, and the figures for Bury St Edmunds are adjusted to reflect that. 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 main things that change the cost:
- Finishes
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Whether you live in during the work
- 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 Bury St Edmunds?
The approval route for Bury St Edmunds is set by planning law 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Plastering and boarding
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Decoration
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Bury St Edmunds
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
Bury St Edmunds sits in Suffolk, about 23 miles north-west of Ipswich. We cover the whole of Bury St Edmunds, including postcodes IP32 and IP33.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Bury St Edmunds
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 Bury St Edmunds?
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 Bury St Edmunds?
In Bury St Edmunds, 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.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
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.
