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 Greater Manchester?
In Greater Manchester, 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. The guide for Greater Manchester reflects typical costs in the North West, roughly 6% below the UK-wide figure. 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 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Windows and doors
- Finishes
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Greater Manchester?
The approval route for Greater Manchester 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a house renovation:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Plastering and boarding
- Decoration
- 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 Greater Manchester
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Towns we cover in Greater Manchester include Manchester, Oldham, Wigan, Bolton, Stockport and Salford.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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
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 Greater Manchester
Do I need planning permission to renovate?
Internal work usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. External changes may.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
How much does a house renovation cost in Greater Manchester?
In Greater Manchester, 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.
Do you build house renovations in Greater Manchester?
Yes. We build house renovations across Greater Manchester, including postcodes BL0, BL1, BL11, BL2 and BL3. 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.
