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 Portslade?
In Portslade, 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Finishes
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Structural and damp repairs
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 Portslade?
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.
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical house renovation we handle:
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Decoration
- Kitchens and bathrooms
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 Portslade
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
From BN41 outwards, we take on projects throughout Portslade and the surrounding parts of East Sussex.
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 fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Portslade
Who approves a house renovation in Portslade?
Planning matters in Portslade 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 Portslade?
In Portslade, 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.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
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.
