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 Chorley?
In Chorley, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,700 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–£153,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North West, where labour and materials are typically about 6% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £53,500–£107,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £76,500–£153,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £107,000–£214,000 |
| Rate per m² | £850–£1,700 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Structural and damp repairs
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Windows and doors
- Whether you live in during the work
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 Chorley?
Here is how the rules work for a house renovation 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
On a typical house renovation we handle:
- Plastering and boarding
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Decoration
- Building control for notifiable work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Chorley
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
From PR7 outwards, we take on projects throughout Chorley and the surrounding parts of Lancashire.
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
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 Chorley
How much does a house renovation cost in Chorley?
In Chorley, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,700 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–£153,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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 full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
Who approves a house renovation in Chorley?
Planning matters in Chorley go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
