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 Powys?
In Powys, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,650 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–£148,500. Building costs in Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for Powys are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £53,500–£104,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £76,500–£148,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £107,000–£208,000 |
| Rate per m² | £850–£1,650 |
What moves the price most:
- Finishes
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Structural and damp repairs
- 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 Powys?
The approval route for Powys is set by planning law in Wales. In Wales internal renovation usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. Notifiable work must meet building regulations.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most house renovations:
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Plastering and boarding
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Building control for notifiable work
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Joinery, doors and floors
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Powys
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
Towns we cover in Powys include Newtown, Brecon, Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Powys
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
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.
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation in Powys?
In Wales internal renovation usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. Notifiable work must meet building regulations.
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.
How much does a house renovation cost in Powys?
In Powys, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,650 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–£148,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a house renovation in Powys?
Planning matters in Powys go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
