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 Chelmsford?
In Chelmsford, 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. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the East of England, where labour and materials are typically about 6% above 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 main things that change the cost:
- Whether you live in during the work
- Windows and doors
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Structural and damp repairs
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Chelmsford?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most house renovations:
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Building control for notifiable work
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Plastering and boarding
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Chelmsford
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
Projects in Chelmsford (CM1 and CM99) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Chelmsford
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 Chelmsford?
In Chelmsford, 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.
How long does a house renovation take in Chelmsford?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.