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 Carrickfergus?
In Carrickfergus, 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. That range is adjusted for Northern Ireland, where domestic building work typically costs around 14% below the national average. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Windows and doors
- Whether you live in during the work
- 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 Carrickfergus?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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
The work we manage on a house renovation:
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Building control for notifiable work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Decoration
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Carrickfergus
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
We work across Carrickfergus and neighbouring areas such as Newtownabbey, Bangor and Larne. Postcodes we cover in Carrickfergus include BT38.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Carrickfergus
How long does a house renovation take in Carrickfergus?
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 Carrickfergus?
In Northern Ireland structural and notifiable renovation work needs building control approval; listed homes need listed building consent.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
How much does a house renovation cost in Carrickfergus?
In Carrickfergus, 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.
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.
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.