Since 2004, we have collected real cost data from our projects. We share this here to give you some idea of what things are likely to cost, so you are better informed as you embark on your home renovation.
Before looking at the numbers, it’s worth reading these few paragraphs to explain how we control cost for a successful property renovation. It would be easy to take our figures at face value, but that would miss the fact that they relate to a strict specification. We spend a lot of time getting this right, and you should do the same.
You’ll need time to design, specify, plan, contract, control and monitor. We have never exceeded a client’s budget because of our attention to detail. Our page on how to renovate a property gives more advice.
The key to keeping cost under control is to prepare thoroughly. Drawings are only part of the story; you also need a written specification for everything else: plumbing and heating, joinery, electrics and decoration. You also need a separate list of supply items – kitchen, flooring, bathroom suite, and so on. This gives you the total cost. You can read more about this in Controlling the cost of house renovation.
Planning applications and building control
Make sure you obtain the necessary consent for your project to avoid unwanted surprises and costs later on. We prepare and submit planning applications, and oversee Party Wall agreements, whilst a structural engineer produces building control and construction drawings. In a recent project, we also had to secure a no objections letter from the water authority by showing that construction was more than 3m from a public sewer running beneath our client’s garden.
Contracting for house renovation
For more extensive and expensive renovations we run a competitive tender. You can read more about choosing and working with contractors in our separate article.
During a recent tender we were able to negotiate a 20% saving for our clients (exceeding £17000) – just because we used our experience to spot work and products that weren’t essential. This, in itself, more than paid for our project management fee! You should consider engaging the right specialist at the right time; it can actually save you money.
Having agreed a fixed price for the defined scope of work, the next step is to formalise this in a contract. We usually use an off-the-shelf JCT minor works contract, which covers everything you should need.
Renovating the house
Then the work begins. Because you have taken the trouble to specify your detailed requirements, there will be little wriggle room for price increases. One or two elements may be expressed as prime cost (PC) sums or provisional sums, because, perhaps, they need to dig to find examine existing foundations. A wise client will have set aside a sensible risk provision (commonly called a contingency), so there should be no big surprises.
By monitoring progress and checking quality as you go, you will achieve your renovation for the stated price. You can read more on how to achieve success in our property renovation guide.
Home renovation cost calculator
This is the bit you’ve probably been waiting for. The figures in the links below are for guidance only, but should give you a reasonable budgetary estimate to get started.
The costs are from our renovations carried out in the Bath-Bristol area, which is moderately affluent. Typically, you can add 5-10% for projects in London and the South East; for the rest of the UK, you may find prices around 5% lower on average.
For older projects, we’ve estimated values at 2023 equivalent prices, assuming an average annual inflation rate of 3.5%, increased recently to reflect Brexit effects and higher inflation figures.
We hope you find this informative. We’ve carried out many house renovations over the years. If you feel that we can help with yours, please get in touch on 07711 857670 or use the contact form on this website.
Best wishes for a successful project.
