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 Frome?
In Frome, a house renovation typically costs £900–£1,850 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 £81,000–£166,500. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Frome are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £56,500–£116,500 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £81,000–£166,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £113,500–£233,000 |
| Rate per m² | £900–£1,850 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Windows and doors
- 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 Frome?
Approvals for a house renovation in Frome follow the rules for 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.
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:
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Building control for notifiable work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Plastering and boarding
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Frome
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
Projects in Frome (BA11) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Frome
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.
How long does a house renovation take in Frome?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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 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 Frome?
In Frome, a house renovation typically costs £900–£1,850 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 £81,000–£166,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
