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 Crawley?
In Crawley, a house renovation typically costs £1,000–£2,000 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 £90,000–£180,000. Building costs in the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Crawley are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £63,000–£126,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £90,000–£180,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £126,000–£252,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,000–£2,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Finishes
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Whether you live in during the work
- Windows and doors
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 Crawley?
The approval route for Crawley 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.
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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Decoration
- Plastering and boarding
- 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 Crawley
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
From RH11 outwards, we take on projects throughout Crawley and the surrounding parts of West Sussex.
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 fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 Crawley
Do you build house renovations in Crawley?
Yes. We build house renovations across Crawley, including postcodes RH11 and RH77. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
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 Crawley?
In Crawley, a house renovation typically costs £1,000–£2,000 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 £90,000–£180,000. 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.
