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 Newton Mearns?
In Newton Mearns, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,750 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–£157,500. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Newton Mearns are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £53,500–£110,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £76,500–£157,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £107,000–£220,500 |
| Rate per m² | £850–£1,750 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Whether you live in during the work
- Structural and damp repairs
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Newton Mearns?
Before anything is built in Newton Mearns, we confirm which approvals apply in Scotland. In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
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:
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Building control for notifiable work
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Newton Mearns
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Newton Mearns sits in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, about 6 miles south-east of Paisley. We cover the whole of Newton Mearns, including postcodes G77.
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 Newton Mearns
How long does a house renovation take in Newton Mearns?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.
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.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
How much does a house renovation cost in Newton Mearns?
In Newton Mearns, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,750 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–£157,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation in Newton Mearns?
In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
