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 Durham?
In County Durham, a house renovation typically costs £800–£1,600 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 £72,000–£144,000. Building costs in the North East run about 10% below the UK average, and the figures for County Durham are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £50,500–£101,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £72,000–£144,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £101,000–£201,500 |
| Rate per m² | £800–£1,600 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Structural and damp repairs
- Finishes
- Windows and doors
- Kitchens and bathrooms
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 County Durham?
The approval route for County Durham is set by planning law 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical house renovation we handle:
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Plastering and boarding
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Decoration
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in County Durham
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Towns we cover in County Durham include Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, Chester-le-Street and Billingham.
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
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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about house renovations in County Durham
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.
Do you build house renovations in County Durham?
Yes. We build house renovations across County Durham, including postcodes DH1, DH2, DH3, DH4 and DH6. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a house renovation cost in County Durham?
In County Durham, a house renovation typically costs £800–£1,600 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 £72,000–£144,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.