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 Sevenoaks?
In Sevenoaks, 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:
- Whether you live in during the work
- Windows and doors
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- 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 Sevenoaks?
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.
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:
- Building control for notifiable work
- Decoration
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Plastering and boarding
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
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 Sevenoaks
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Sevenoaks sits in Kent, about 14 miles west of Maidstone. We cover the whole of Sevenoaks, including postcodes TN13.
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
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about house renovations in Sevenoaks
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.
Who approves a house renovation in Sevenoaks?
Planning matters in Sevenoaks go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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 you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
How much does a house renovation cost in Sevenoaks?
In Sevenoaks, 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.
