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 Cardiff?
In Cardiff, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,650 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 £76,500–£148,500. Prices across Wales are typically 8% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Cardiff. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £53,500–£104,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £76,500–£148,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £107,000–£208,000 |
| Rate per m² | £850–£1,650 |
What moves the price most:
- Whether you live in during the work
- Finishes
- Windows and doors
- 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 Cardiff?
Approvals for a house renovation in Cardiff follow the rules for Wales. In Wales internal renovation usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. Notifiable work must meet building regulations.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Plastering and boarding
- Decoration
- Building control for notifiable work
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
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 Cardiff
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
From CF10 outwards, we take on projects throughout Cardiff and the surrounding parts of South Glamorgan.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 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 Cardiff
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
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.
How much does a house renovation cost in Cardiff?
In Cardiff, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,650 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 £76,500–£148,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a house renovation take in Cardiff?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation in Cardiff?
In Wales internal renovation usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. Notifiable work must meet building regulations.
