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 Downpatrick?
In Downpatrick, 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 Downpatrick 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 main things that change the cost:
- Whether you live in during the work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Finishes
- 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 Downpatrick?
Approvals for a house renovation in Downpatrick follow the rules for 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Plastering and boarding
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Building control for notifiable work
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 Downpatrick
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
From BT30 outwards, we take on projects throughout Downpatrick and the surrounding parts of County Down.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Downpatrick
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 I need planning permission for a house renovation in Downpatrick?
In Northern Ireland structural and notifiable renovation work needs building control approval; listed homes need listed building consent.
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 much does a house renovation cost in Downpatrick?
In Downpatrick, 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.
Who approves a house renovation in Downpatrick?
Planning matters in Downpatrick go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.