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 Southampton?
In Southampton, 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. The guide for Southampton reflects typical costs in the South East, roughly 12% above the UK-wide figure. 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
- Structural and damp repairs
- Whether you live in during the work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
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 Southampton?
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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most house renovations:
- Building control for notifiable work
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Decoration
- Kitchens and bathrooms
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 Southampton
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
If your home is in Southampton or close by in Hythe, Totton and Eastleigh, a free home visit is the first step.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Southampton
How much does a house renovation cost in Southampton?
In Southampton, 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.
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.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
How long does a house renovation take in Southampton?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.