Home Renovation in Greater London

When gauging refurbishment budgets, it’s useful to segregate interior work, exterior work, or both, as each category can shift costs distinctly.

Interior refurbishment

A complete interior renovation, frequently termed an interior refurbishment, entails revamping floors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics. It’s beyond superficial decoration. Across Greater London, older properties can differ significantly from borough to borough, so interior refurbishment rates may reflect local labour prices and housing stock.

Industry data and completed examples show that simpler interior improvements might cost about £650 per m², while more intricate or upscale schemes can hit £2,000 per m². The mid-range figure hovers around £1,100 per m², covering total labour and materials (including those bought by the homeowner). Actual totals vary widely based on design decisions and property complexities.

Exterior renovation

An exterior renovation can involve:

• Drainage changes
• Adding insulation
• Re-pointing brick walls
• Rendering or cladding
• Roof replacement
• Installing updated doors or windows

Costs vary substantially, depending on materials, building scale, floor count, location, and any defects. Generally, £400–£700 per m² of wall area applies. Simpler tasks might land at £250–£400 per m², with premium or complex approaches surpassing £700–£1,200 per m². In Greater London, suburban semis may have brick or pebble-dash exteriors needing extra steps for consistent re-rendering or cladding.

Both interior and exterior

A combined interior-exterior renovation substantially inflates expenses. It often begins near £1,500 per m², potentially reaching £3,500 per m² for complicated undertakings. Still, it’s typically cheaper than erecting a new build, as the foundation and structure remain. According to industry data, new-build houses in the UK cost around £2,600 per m² including VAT, serving as a reference standard for comparing.

Complete Home Renovation in Greater London

Renovating a home in Greater London can mean anything from a compact terraced house in the inner boroughs to a spacious detached property in the outer zones. Thanks to broad transport links—like the Tube, Overground, and multiple rail lines—demand for housing remains consistently high across much of the region. This makes a carefully planned refurbishment a practical way to modernise an older dwelling, improve layout, or add energy-efficient features that align with a more eco-conscious market.

Labour costs vary slightly between central and outer boroughs, yet they remain generally above the national average. If your property sits in a conservation area—be it a suburban garden estate or a historic terrace—some external alterations (like new windows or cladding) may require local authority approval. Meanwhile, interior upgrades rarely need planning permission. With property prices still robust in many boroughs, a major overhaul that adds a bedroom, improves insulation, or updates bathrooms can generate substantial returns on investment. Some parts of Greater London, like Croydon or Barnet, are known for 1930s semis, where loft conversions or garage conversions are common to gain extra space for growing families.

Further into the upgrade, many owners incorporate or improve central heating, double glazing, and open-plan design. Contractors in Greater London often specialise in blending older building characteristics with up-to-date fixtures—especially important if your area has distinctive architectural styles. By planning carefully, locking in reputable local trades, and studying potential council constraints, you can transform a dated home into a modern, comfortable property fit for city living in Greater London.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

Although the per-square-metre approximations provide a baseline, several factors can tip your final figure higher or lower.

Size
How many square metres the project consists of will naturally be decisive in terms of cost. Across Greater London, property sizes differ widely—loft-style flats in inner boroughs might be small, while outer borough houses can be quite large, altering cost dynamics.

Complexity
Structural intricacy and the number of bathrooms or special features also shape the bottom line. A simpler plan costs less, whereas properties with extensive bathrooms or unique architectural elements push costs up.

Number of bathrooms
Wet rooms, like bathrooms, consistently rank among the costliest rooms. The Federation of Master Builders places a full bathroom refit between £20,000 and £32,000. Kitchens, similarly, raise renovation costs relative to simpler rooms.

Structural modifications
If load-bearing walls or significant structural components need altering, expect extra expenses. Such changes usually necessitate engineer input and sometimes planning permission, increasing total overhead.

Materials
Owners can adjust overall expenditure by choosing budget or premium items for kitchens and bathrooms. Standard building materials offer limited variance, but luxury fixtures can move the needle considerably.

Choice of contractor
Finally, the individual or firm carrying out the work is pivotal. Gather several quotes, check references thoroughly, and ensure professional accreditation. The Federation of Master Builders or TrustMark can guide you to dependable teams.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

It’s advisable to confirm upfront which tasks and items the contractor’s quotation covers. Normally, it encapsulates the entire planned renovation—labour across all trades and standard building resources. However, “finishing materials” might be handled separately.

Kitchen cupboards, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, floors, and tiles typically sit in this “finishing” category. As noted, these vary widely in price. A simple kitchen may cost £5,000, whereas bespoke designs run much higher. Installation often ranges £1,000–£3,000 through the kitchen supplier.

Flooring and tiling likewise come under finishing materials. A homeowner can find savings by watching out for deals or using the contractor’s trade discounts. Base prices might begin at £20 per m², scaling up for premium lines.

Bathrooms similarly demonstrate major cost differences. Your contractor might have supplier partnerships, but compare offers for the best deal. A smaller, minimalist bathroom might total £1,000, though most spend more for a comfortable, modern finish. Labour for fitting is typically included in the main quote.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve addressed per-m² cost guidelines. Below is an illustrative breakdown from a 230 m² detached house upgraded both inside and out. Actual figures may differ, yet this offers a rough framework:

Price from contractor (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 units + delivery): £27,000
• Creating a new window opening: £3,200
• Replacing cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof renewal: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, incl. plumber): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber included): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber included): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• New plumbing across house: £18,400
• External + patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Electrician (complete home): £29,600
• Single garage (attached): £14,400
• Waste management: £4,800
• Demolition, site preparation, scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Contractor subtotal: £300,800

Owner’s separate purchases:

• Tiles (bathroom, WC, utility, hallway): £4,800
• Bathroom fixtures (1 bath + 2 WCs): £6,400
• Kitchen units: £24,000
• Flooring: £10,000
  Self-bought total: £45,200

Overall: £346,000

Hence, the cost works out near £1,500 per m², slightly lower than average for a combined interior-exterior revamp of a similar size.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Any large-scale home project in the UK must abide by Building Regulations. Check with your local Building Control before proceeding to ensure safety and legal standards are met.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing or adjusting load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or introducing new door/window openings under Part A. Engineering input is likely.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding new bathrooms or shifting plumbing lines must address drainage (Part H) and ventilation (Part F).
• Electrical work – Rewiring or circuit extensions, particularly in wet areas, must meet Part P (Electrical Safety). A certified electrician or Building Control sign-off is essential.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, fireplaces, or radiators must comply with Part J (combustion) and Part L (energy). Gas Safe engineers must handle gas systems.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must fulfil Part L (insulation) and Part K (glazing safety). FENSA/CERTASS typically cover this.
• Garage/basement conversions – Converting these areas to living spaces invariably calls for inspection of insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, and adequate ventilation.

In Greater London, garage conversions are frequent in outer boroughs, where homeowners gain extra bedrooms or home offices without moving.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Open layouts may demand additional fire doors or alarms for secure escape corridors.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, WCs, and utility spaces each need extractor fans.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Major renovations should incorporate modern insulation standards for walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – New dwellings or loft/garage conversions often require acoustic solutions.

A Full Plans application can secure pre-approval, or a Building Notice can be filed for simpler endeavours. A completion certificate finalises once the inspector approves the work.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission is different from Building Regulations. Typically, internal refurbishments don’t require planning approval except in certain cases:

• Listed buildings – Any work altering a listed home’s character demands Listed Building Consent.
• External modifications – Re-roofing, adding windows, or changing cladding materials may need permission, especially in conservation areas.
• Change of use – Converting a single home into multiple flats or from residential to commercial usage.
• Extensions or loft conversions – Internal changes are usually fine, but expanding outwards or raising roofs usually triggers a formal application.

Many Greater London neighbourhoods have conservation or heritage status, so outward changes to front façades or roofs might be restricted without council approval.

For typical interior updates—kitchens, bathrooms, or redecoration—permission is generally not required. However, double-check with your local planning authority for peace of mind.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Selecting credible, certified specialists is vital for a successful refurbishment. While some disreputable builders exist, the UK also has numerous reputable contractors well-versed in complete renovations. TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders list qualified trades, and TrustedBuilders reviews credit and references, connecting you with vetted experts.

Depending on your experience, you might either hire trades individually or employ a main contractor overseeing every aspect. The latter approach streamlines coordination and ensures consistent compliance. If you opt to split tasks, expect a more hands-on role in scheduling and managing different trades.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Plan the scope and purpose of your renovation carefully
2. Investigate financing methods
3. Create a budget, including a contingency fund
4. Identify relevant Building Regulations
5. Check if planning permission applies
6. Get multiple quotes (ideally three or more)
7. Examine references, credit status, and accreditations
8. Hire reliable, approved tradespeople
9. Establish a feasible timeline
10. Stay in regular communication with contractors

Whichever method you choose, getting quotes from several builders is essential to compare both cost and reliability. With TrustedBuilders, you can locate tradespeople who offer fair pricing and possess strong credentials, making your renovation project far more straightforward.