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House renovation costs explained

May 04, 2026
The cost of house renovation - header
Home renovation costs vary depending on materials, labour, room type and the age of your property. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay when renovating your home and the factors that could shape your final spend.

How much does it cost to renovate a house?

The cost of a renovation depends on the scope of your project. A light cosmetic refresh might include repainting, new flooring or updating fixtures, while a full renovation could involve structural changes, rewiring and complete room overhauls. Here are some of the typical price ranges you can expect depending on what you're renovating:

 

Renovation type

Estimated price range

Light refresh (cosmetic updates)

£5,000-£15,000 1

Mid-range renovation (e.g. kitchen or bathroom)

£6,000-£40,000

Full house renovation

£40,000-£100,000+

Major structural work (e.g. extensions or conversions)

£40,000-£150,000+ 2

These figures are estimates and can fluctuate based on your location, the quality of materials used and the complexity of the work required.

Renovation cost breakdown by room

Understanding where your budget will go when renovating your home can help you plan more effectively. Here's what you might expect to spend on different rooms:

 

  • Kitchen (£10,000+). Costs vary depending on whether you're replacing units and appliances or reconfiguring the entire layout.

  • Bathroom (£6,000-£12,000+). A standard bathroom update with new fixtures and tiling can keep costs down, while a luxury installation with premium materials may cost more.

  • Living room (£3,000-£10,000+). You may need to budget for flooring, lighting, redecorating and any built-in storage or feature walls.

  • Bedrooms (£2,000-£6,000 per room). Costs typically cover flooring, decoration, built-in wardrobes and updated lighting.

  • Exterior and landscaping (£5,000-£20,000). This can include driveways, patios, fencing and garden design work.3

Structural changes and hidden costs

Home renovation can uncover unexpected issues once work begins. You may also need to consider costs for the following:

 

  • Rewiring

  • Plumbing upgrades or replacements

  • Insulation improvements

  • Removing or moving internal walls

  • Treating damp

  • Replacing roof timbers

  • Addressing foundation issues

Many homeowners exceed their initial renovation budget due to unforeseen structural problems or changes to the original plan. Before committing to a renovation, a survey can help identify potential issues.

Renovating vs buying

When deciding whether to renovate or move, it's important to consider more than just the upfront costs. Renovating may be more affordable initially, but older homes sometimes require ongoing maintenance. New homes are expected to meet modern building standards and could potentially require lower initial maintenance, depending on the property and individual circumstances.

 

The following table highlights some of the key differences between renovating and purchasing a new-build home:

 

Aspect

Renovation

New-build home

Upfront cost

Costs can be difficult to predict. Hidden issues can increase expenses beyond your initial budget.

Everything is usually brand new, so there could be lower initial maintenance and repairs required. However, there may be some snagging issues.

Disruption and time

Work can disrupt your daily life, especially if you live on-site during renovations.

You move in upon completion, though construction can be subject to delays and completion dates may change.

Energy efficiency

May require investment in insulation, heating and windows to meet modern standards

Built to modern construction standards, which typically means enhanced thermal performance.

Warranties

Warranties vary by contractor and long-term protection may be limited

Many new builds come with NHBC Buildmark warranty and insurance (terms and conditions apply)

Long-term running costs

Older systems can be less efficient, which may result in higher monthly costs. However, this depends on the property's condition and whether any upgrades have been made.

Modern homes are often designed with energy efficiency in mind, though actual running costs depend on individual use, occupancy and energy tariffs.

Considering alternatives to home renovations

Exploring both renovation and buying options can help you understand which approach aligns with your goals, finances and long-term priorities. Some homeowners opt for properties that already meet modern energy efficiency standards or offer the features they're looking for.

 

Because new homes are expected to comply with current building standards, they often include improved insulation, modern heating systems and contemporary designs. These features vary by plot and development. While they're designed to support lower running costs, actual savings depend on personal usage and the individual home.

Planning, timelines and disruption

Home renovation timelines can vary significantly depending on the scale of work. Here's an approximate guideline:

 

  • Initial planning and design. 4-8 weeks to finalise plans, obtain quotes and secure necessary permissions.

  • Securing contractors. 2-6 weeks, depending on availability and demand.

  • Light renovation work. 4-8 weeks for cosmetic updates, such as redecorating or new flooring.

  • Major renovations. 3-6 months for full kitchen or bathroom refits, structural changes or extensions.

  • Full house renovation. 6-12 months or more for comprehensive overhauls involving multiple rooms and structural work.

  • Post-completion snagging. 2-4 weeks to address any final issues or adjustments.

Common renovation challenges

Even well-planned renovation projects can encounter difficulties. Being aware of common pitfalls can help you prepare:

 

  • Snagging and finishing issues. Contractors may miss small details or leave minor imperfections that require follow-up work. Snagging can also sometimes uncover deeper structural problems.

  • Cost overruns. Material price increases, unforeseen structural problems or design changes can push costs beyond your original budget.

  • Delays. Supply chain issues and the weather can cause timelines to change.

  • Contractor availability. Skilled tradespeople can be booked months in advance.

  • Material shortages. Specific products or finishes may be out of stock or discontinued, requiring last-minute substitutions or delays.

When should you consider renovating?

Whether you should buy or renovate depends on your individual circumstances.

 

Renovation can be a good choice in some cases. For example, if you own a heritage property with distinct architectural features, careful renovation can help preserve its character. For buyers attached to a specific location, perhaps due to schools, family or work, renovating can let you stay in your current home while improving your living space.

 

However, renovation may not always be a suitable choice. If your home requires extensive structural work, has outdated wiring or falls below energy-efficiency standards, the costs can quickly rival or exceed the price of purchasing a new property.

FAQs about home renovation costs 

  • A full house renovation can cost between £40,000 and £100,000+, depending on the property's size, condition and finishes.4 Smaller projects, such as single-room updates, usually cost less.

Thinking about buying a new home? Explore our Readymade homes today and speak to our Sales Experts to learn more.

 

Disclaimer:

Our Guides and Inspiration blog aims to provide information you may find useful as you explore your homebuying options. However, the articles are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial, legal or mortgage advice. Speak with independent financial and legal advisers regarding your specific circumstances.

 

Scheme availability, eligibility criteria and property details are subject to change. Please check with our Sales Experts for the most current information on available homes and support options.

 

References:

  1. https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/house-renovation-costs/ ↩
  2. https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/for-owners/house-extension-costs/ ↩
  3. https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/house-renovation-costs/ ↩
  4. https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/cost-renovating-house/ ↩

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