In this article we discuss the cost of general building work, using actual prices from our renovations. If you are considering a larger project, we would invite you to read our advice page on major home renovation costs.
Cost of general building work
The costs we share here are based on actual tasks carried out, estimated at 2023 prices.
Cost to remove a chimney breast
Project 1: This included removing a chimney breast, supporting the remaining breast with steels in the loft space with stack above, then re-plastering the affected surfaces and repairing the floor: £3700 + VAT. Subsequent decoration of this bedroom cost £900 + VAT.
Project 2: Insert steel in roof space and remove chimney breasts through 2 floors beneath (with plastering and making good only): £5250 + VAT
Cost to remove wall and associated work
Cost to remove this structural wall (the wall with the radiator and fancy mirror in the left hand image), adjust heating pipes, insert an overhead steel, make good, with new electrics and decoration, to create an open plan living space: £19 500 + VAT
Structural engineering and other professional costs: £1900 + VAT
Cost of general plastering tasks
Strip and plaster skim a standard UK reception room – £650 + VAT
Fit false ceiling to small kitchen and skim – £1200 + VAT
Cost of steel work
Open up an intervening wall and insert steel: £3500 – £5850
We have a separate page on steels for home renovations.
Block up a door and re-plaster: £650 – £1000 + VAT
Cost to create a pathway
Excavate 1m wide walkway into high level garden over 5m length and construct retaining wall – £8000 + VAT
Cast 4 concrete steps 1m wide to lower garden – £1800 + VAT
Cost to lay a patio
To create a large patio concrete slab 4m by 6m: £2450 + VAT
To lay patio slabs (labour): £50/m2 + VAT
Indicative cost for 24m2 patio: £3600 + VAT.
Cost to build a wall
To build garden wall in concrete blocks 4m long by 1.5m high: £2400 + VAT
To render wall: £460 + VAT
Cost to Replace high level joinery
This relates to soffits, fascias etc, replacing timber items with maintenance-free products (assume front and rear of a UK terrace): £1600 – £2900 (scaffold extra)
Cost to erect a fence
6 foot fence to 3 sides of garden (6m x 15m) with kick boards and 4″ posts in concrete: £6250 + VAT.
Cost of Scaffold Hire
Assume £800 + VAT (single side) to £2000 + VAT for full scaffold to three sides of UK terraced house over 2 floors. Some companies then charge a weekly rate of around 20% per week.
Cost of skip hire
3yd skip – £150 + VAT
6yd skip – £300 + VAT
Add £45 for a license if the skip is to be kept on a public road.
Cost of repointing
Re-point a chimney – £700
Re-point front garden wall – £650
For information on other project costs, please see see our Property Renovation Costs page.
