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 Dumfries and Galloway?
In Dumfries and Galloway, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,750 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–£157,500. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Dumfries and Galloway reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £53,500–£110,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £76,500–£157,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £107,000–£220,500 |
| Rate per m² | £850–£1,750 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Structural and damp repairs
- Whether you live in during the work
- Finishes
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 Dumfries and Galloway?
Here is how the rules work for a house renovation in Scotland. In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Building control for notifiable work
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Plastering and boarding
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Decoration
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Towns we cover in Dumfries and Galloway include Dumfries, Stranraer and Annan.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Dumfries and Galloway
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
Who approves a house renovation in Dumfries and Galloway?
Planning matters in Dumfries and Galloway go to the council covering your address, and the work needs a building warrant. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a house renovation cost in Dumfries and Galloway?
In Dumfries and Galloway, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,750 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–£157,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation in Dumfries and Galloway?
In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
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.
