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 Peterlee?
In Peterlee, a house renovation typically costs £800–£1,600 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 £72,000–£144,000. That range is adjusted for the North East, where domestic building work typically costs around 10% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £50,500–£101,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £72,000–£144,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £101,000–£201,500 |
| Rate per m² | £800–£1,600 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Whether you live in during the work
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Finishes
- Structural and damp repairs
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 Peterlee?
The approval route for Peterlee 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
The work we manage on a house renovation:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Decoration
- Building control for notifiable work
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Peterlee
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Peterlee sits in County Durham, about 10 miles east of Durham. We cover the whole of Peterlee, including postcodes SR8.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Peterlee
Who approves a house renovation in Peterlee?
Planning matters in Peterlee 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 Peterlee?
In Peterlee, a house renovation typically costs £800–£1,600 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 £72,000–£144,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
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.
