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 Harlow?
In Harlow, a house renovation typically costs £950–£1,900 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 £85,500–£171,000. Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Harlow. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £60,000–£119,500 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £85,500–£171,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £119,500–£239,500 |
| Rate per m² | £950–£1,900 |
What moves the price most:
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Structural and damp repairs
- Windows and doors
- Kitchens and bathrooms
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 Harlow?
Before anything is built in Harlow, we confirm which approvals apply 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:
- Building control for notifiable work
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Decoration
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Condition survey and scope of works
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 Harlow
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
We work across Harlow and neighbouring areas such as Hoddesdon, Bishops Stortford and Waltham Abbey. Postcodes we cover in Harlow include CM17, CM18 and CM92.
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 Harlow
Do you build house renovations in Harlow?
Yes. We build house renovations across Harlow, including postcodes CM17, CM18 and CM92. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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 Harlow?
In Harlow, a house renovation typically costs £950–£1,900 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 £85,500–£171,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
