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 Whitehaven?
In Whitehaven, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,700 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–£153,000. The guide for Whitehaven reflects typical costs in the North West, roughly 6% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £53,500–£107,000 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £76,500–£153,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £107,000–£214,000 |
| Rate per m² | £850–£1,700 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
- Windows and doors
- Whether you live in during the work
- Finishes
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 Whitehaven?
Before anything is built in Whitehaven, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Decoration
- Joinery, doors and floors
- Building control for notifiable work
- Plastering and boarding
- Condition survey and scope of works
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Whitehaven
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
We work across Whitehaven and neighbouring areas such as Workington, Barrow in Furness and Carlisle. Postcodes we cover in Whitehaven include CA28.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 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 Whitehaven
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.
How much does a house renovation cost in Whitehaven?
In Whitehaven, a house renovation typically costs £850–£1,700 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–£153,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
Who approves a house renovation in Whitehaven?
Planning matters in Whitehaven go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Does a renovation need building regulations approval?
Some parts do, such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating systems. We handle notifications.
