Buying a tired house and renovating it can be rewarding, but costs add up quickly. This guide gives realistic UK ranges so you can build a sensible budget.
Figures below are typical ranges and vary with property size, condition, region and specification. They are guides, not quotes. Get a survey and written quotes before committing.
The overall picture
A full renovation of a typical three-bedroom house, including rewiring, heating, kitchen, bathrooms, plastering and decoration, often costs in the region of £40,000–£100,000 or more. Properties needing structural work, roof repairs or damp treatment cost more.
Typical costs by element
- Rewiring: roughly £4,000–£8,000 for a typical house
- Heating system and boiler or heat pump: roughly £3,000–£7,000 for gas central heating; heat pumps cost more
- Replastering: from a few thousand pounds for a house, depending on extent
- Kitchen: from about £8,000 to £25,000 or more
- Bathroom: from about £4,000 to £12,000
- Windows and doors: several thousand to £15,000 or more
- Roof repairs or replacement: from a few thousand pounds for repairs to well over £10,000 for a new roof
- Damp treatment, structural repairs and underpinning: very variable; take advice
- Floors, decoration and finishing: depends on specification
Structural work
Many renovations involve opening up rooms. A steel beam to open up a living space typically costs a few thousand pounds, as covered in removing a load-bearing wall. Extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions add to the budget but also add space.
Hidden costs
- Surveys: a full structural or building survey before purchase
- Professional fees: designer, engineer, party wall surveyor
- Building regulations and planning fees
- Skips, scaffolding and site welfare
- Temporary accommodation if you cannot live in the house
- VAT: generally standard-rated on renovation work
- Contingency: 15–20% is sensible for older properties
Order of work
A logical sequence reduces waste and cost:
- Structural changes and roof
- Windows and external envelope
- First fix: electrics, plumbing, heating
- Insulation and plastering
- Second fix: kitchen, bathroom, joinery
- Decorating and flooring
Renovate or rebuild?
If repairs and alterations approach the cost of a new build, consider the alternatives in renovation vs new construction.
Get a clear price from Abron Contracting
Abron Contracting carries out refurbishments, renovations and structural alterations in Newport and the surrounding area. Ask us for a survey visit and itemised quote. Contact us or call 01633379170.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to renovate a house in the UK?
A typical three-bedroom house often costs about £40,000–£100,000 or more for a full renovation, depending on condition and specification.
How much does it cost to rewire a house?
Roughly £4,000–£8,000 for a typical home, though this varies.
Is it cheaper to renovate than to buy a new house?
Not always. The answer depends on the property condition, local prices and your specification.
How long does a full renovation take?
Often 3–6 months for a typical house, longer for major structural work.
Do I need planning permission for a renovation?
Internal renovation usually does not, but extensions, listed buildings and conservation areas may. Building regulations approval is often needed.
