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 Thurso?
In Thurso, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,750 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 £76,500–£157,500. Island and remote projects usually cost more than this guide because of shipping, travel and accommodation. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £53,500–£110,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £76,500–£157,500 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £107,000–£220,500 |
| Rate per m² | £850–£1,750 |
What moves the price most:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Finishes
- Structural and damp repairs
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
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 Thurso?
Before anything is built in Thurso, we confirm which approvals apply in Scotland. In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing 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
The work we manage on a house renovation:
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Plastering and boarding
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Building control for notifiable work
- Decoration
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 Thurso
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Because Thurso is a long way from the main centres, we confirm availability before quoting and list any travel costs separately.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Thurso
Do I need planning permission for a house renovation in Thurso?
In Scotland internal alterations such as structural changes or new bathrooms may need a building warrant, and listed homes need listed building consent.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
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 Thurso?
In Thurso, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,750 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 £76,500–£157,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you build house renovations in Thurso?
Yes. We build house renovations across Thurso, including postcodes KW14. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
