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 Tyne and Wear?
In Tyne and Wear, 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 Tyne and Wear 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Structural and damp repairs
- Whether you live in during the work
- 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 Tyne and Wear?
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.
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:
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Building control for notifiable work
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Condition survey and scope of works
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 Tyne and Wear
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Towns we cover in Tyne and Wear include Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, South Shields, Gateshead, Washington and Tynemouth.
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
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 Tyne and Wear
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
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.
How much does a house renovation cost in Tyne and Wear?
In Tyne and Wear, 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.
How long does a full renovation take?
Typically 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on the size of the house and scope.
Who approves a house renovation in Tyne and Wear?
Planning matters in Tyne and Wear go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
