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 South Shields?
In South Shields, 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. Building costs in the North East run about 10% below the UK average, and the figures for South Shields are adjusted to reflect that. 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:
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Windows and doors
- Whether you live in during the work
- Finishes
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 South Shields?
The approval route for South Shields 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Building control for notifiable work
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Decoration
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Plastering and boarding
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
How long does it take?
Allow 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 South Shields
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
South Shields sits in Tyne and Wear, about 7 miles east of Newcastle upon Tyne. We cover the whole of South Shields, including postcodes NE33.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 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 South Shields
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
How much does a house renovation cost in South Shields?
In South Shields, 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.
Do you build house renovations in South Shields?
Yes. We build house renovations across South Shields, including postcodes NE33. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
