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 Liverpool?
In Liverpool, 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. Building costs in the North West run about 6% below the UK average, and the figures for Liverpool are adjusted to reflect that. 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:
- Structural and damp repairs
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Windows and doors
- Whether you live in during the work
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 Liverpool?
The approval route for Liverpool 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most house renovations:
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Building control for notifiable work
- Plastering and boarding
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Liverpool
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Projects in Liverpool (L1, L2, L3 and L4) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 Liverpool
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 Liverpool?
Planning matters in Liverpool go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a house renovation cost in Liverpool?
In Liverpool, 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 renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
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.
