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 Orpington?
In Orpington, a house renovation typically costs £1,150–£2,350 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 £103,500–£211,500. The guide for Orpington reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £72,500–£148,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £103,500–£211,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £145,000–£296,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,150–£2,350 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Windows and doors
- Structural and damp repairs
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Kitchens and bathrooms
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 Orpington?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
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:
- Decoration
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Building control for notifiable work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
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 Orpington
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
Projects in Orpington (BR6) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed 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 Orpington
Do I need planning permission to renovate?
Internal work usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. External changes may.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
Do you build house renovations in Orpington?
Yes. We build house renovations across Orpington, including postcodes BR6. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a house renovation cost in Orpington?
In Orpington, a house renovation typically costs £1,150–£2,350 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 £103,500–£211,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
