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 Marlow?
In Marlow, a house renovation typically costs £1,000–£2,000 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 £90,000–£180,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the South East, where labour and materials are typically about 12% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £63,000–£126,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £90,000–£180,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £126,000–£252,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,000–£2,000 |
What moves the price most:
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Structural and damp repairs
- Finishes
- Windows and doors
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Marlow?
Before anything is built in Marlow, 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.
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Plastering and boarding
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Building control for notifiable work
- Decoration
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
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 Marlow
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
If your home is in Marlow or close by in Maidenhead, High Wycombe and Slough, a free home visit is the first step.
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
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 Marlow
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 Marlow?
In Marlow, a house renovation typically costs £1,000–£2,000 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 £90,000–£180,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a house renovation take in Marlow?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.
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.
