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 Surbiton?
In Surbiton, a house renovation typically costs £1,150–£2,350 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 £103,500–£211,500. Prices across London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Surbiton. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £72,500–£148,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £103,500–£211,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £145,000–£296,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,150–£2,350 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Structural and damp repairs
- Windows and doors
- Finishes
- Kitchens and bathrooms
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Surbiton?
Here is how the rules work for a house renovation 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most house renovations:
- Building control for notifiable work
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Decoration
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Surbiton
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
From KT5 outwards, we take on projects throughout Surbiton and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
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 in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Surbiton
How long does a house renovation take in Surbiton?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
How much does a house renovation cost in Surbiton?
In Surbiton, a house renovation typically costs £1,150–£2,350 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 £103,500–£211,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission to renovate?
Internal work usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. External changes may.
