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 Dronfield?
In Dronfield, 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. That range is adjusted for the East Midlands, where domestic building work typically costs around 5% below the national 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Whether you live in during the work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Windows and doors
- Structural and damp repairs
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Dronfield?
The approval route for Dronfield 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical house renovation we handle:
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Decoration
- Plastering and boarding
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Kitchens and bathrooms
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Dronfield
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
Our Dronfield coverage includes postcode districts S18, and we also work in nearby places such as Chesterfield, Sheffield and Staveley.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 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 Dronfield
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.
Who approves a house renovation in Dronfield?
Planning matters in Dronfield 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.
How much does a house renovation cost in Dronfield?
In Dronfield, 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.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
