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 County Down?
In County Down, 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. Building costs in Northern Ireland run about 14% below the UK average, and the figures for County Down are adjusted to reflect that. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Structural and damp repairs
- Whether you live in during the work
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Finishes
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in County Down?
The approval route for County Down is set by planning law in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland structural and notifiable renovation work needs building control approval; listed homes need listed building consent.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Building control for notifiable work
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Condition survey and scope of works
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in County Down
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Towns we cover in County Down include Bangor, Newtownards, Newry, Banbridge and Downpatrick.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 County Down
How much does a house renovation cost in County Down?
In County Down, 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.
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation in County Down?
In Northern Ireland structural and notifiable renovation work needs building control approval; listed homes need listed building consent.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
Who approves a house renovation in County Down?
Planning matters in County Down go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.