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 Sutton?
In Sutton, 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. The guide for Sutton reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% above the UK-wide figure. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Finishes
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Structural and damp repairs
- Whether you live in during the work
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 Sutton?
Approvals for a house renovation in Sutton follow the rules for 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a house renovation:
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Plastering and boarding
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Condition survey and scope of works
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Sutton
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
From CR44 outwards, we take on projects throughout Sutton and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Sutton
Do you build house renovations in Sutton?
Yes. We build house renovations across Sutton, including postcodes CR44, SM1 and SM2. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
Do I need planning permission to renovate?
Internal work usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed. External changes may.
How much does a house renovation cost in Sutton?
In Sutton, 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.
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.
