Type of Renovation and Cost

When planning a complete house refurbishment, it’s useful to categorize projects by whether you’ll focus on the interior, the exterior, or both. In certain cases, owners might only need an inside makeover, while in other instances, the roof, walls, windows, or landscaping all factor into the total cost. This guide covers all-inclusive renovations that transform your home inside and out.

Whether you reside in a contemporary city flat, a suburban semi-detached house, or a historic cottage, it’s crucial to get realistic quotes and prepare thoroughly. Many Barking homeowners, for example, appreciate upgrading older post-war semis, which often benefit from new kitchens, bathrooms, and fresh insulation. A fully informed approach helps you see where expenses arise, enabling more accurate budgeting and avoiding unwelcome surprises later.

Interior, Exterior, or Both - How Much Does It Cost?

Interior Refurbishment

An interior refurbishment usually involves replacing or updating most (if not all) internal surfaces, such as floors, walls, and ceilings. Typically, homeowners also renovate the kitchen, bathroom(s), and often electrics and plumbing as part of the project. Sometimes called a complete interior overhaul, it goes far beyond paint and new furniture—it addresses your property’s core features and systems.

Cost Estimates
Based on industry data and successfully finished renovations, smaller-scale interior projects might cost roughly £650 per square metre on the low end. Extensive, high-spec undertakings can climb closer to £2,000 per square metre. A commonly cited average is about £1,100 per square metre. These figures generally encompass total project costs, including labor, materials, and possibly items you purchase yourself. However, variations may arise depending on the nature of your home, personal design choices, and your location.

Exterior Renovation

Exterior renovations may consist of updating the house’s outer surfaces or structural elements, including:

• Fixing or upgrading drainage
• Adding or improving insulation
• Re-pointing existing brickwork
• Re-rendering walls or applying new cladding
• Replacing roofs
• Installing new doors or windows

Cost Estimates
For such external work, you might anticipate paying £400–£700 per square metre of wall area. The lower cost band of roughly £250–£400 per square metre tends to apply when materials are simple and the work is straightforward. Conversely, if you choose specialized cladding or have a multi-storey house with difficult access, the price can rise to £700–£1,200+ per square metre.

In Barking, many houses from the post-war era have brick facades that require re-pointing or thoughtful restoration—this can preserve that traditional look while enhancing property value.

Both Interior and Exterior

Undertaking both interior and exterior renovations at once naturally multiplies your budget. A combined refurbishment typically starts near £1,500 per square metre, with more complex, design-intensive projects inching toward £3,500 per square metre. Although brand-new construction in the UK is often more expensive (averaging around £2,600 per square metre, inclusive of VAT and all fees, a substantial remodel can approach new-build costs if structural work is extensive.

Complete Home Renovation in Barking

A full home renovation in Barking has become increasingly popular as more buyers and existing homeowners see the potential in the area’s housing stock, much of which dates back to the post-war period. These solidly constructed homes, frequently built with brick exteriors, can gain a fresh lease on life with contemporary refurbishments, especially when upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces to suit today’s lifestyles. 

From the vantage of location, Barking boasts excellent transport links—an important consideration for those balancing building schedules and deliveries, since contractors can access materials from across Greater London without too much hassle.

Cheaper than inner London

One of the appealing qualities of renovating a house in Barking is the relatively lower cost of entry compared to inner London. The labour rates might be slightly lower than those seen in central boroughs, allowing you to stretch your renovation budget further. 

At the same time, property values have been on the rise, so investing in significant improvements can yield substantial returns if you decide to sell later. Typical upgrades might include open-plan living areas that merge the kitchen with a dining or lounge space—perfect for modern family life.

Upgrading wiring and heating systems

Many Barking homeowners find that older wiring or heating systems need to be fully updated. While this adds to costs, it’s a worthwhile investment that ensures safety, reliability, and compliance with building regulations. 

Planning Permission in Barking

If you decide to convert a loft into an extra bedroom or expand a ground-floor footprint, check with the local planning department to determine whether your project falls under Permitted Development or needs explicit planning approval. Keeping official guidelines in mind not only avoids potential fines or teardown orders but also helps your home become more energy efficient—especially if you’re adding or replacing windows under Part L regulations.

Contractors in Barking

Finally, Barking’s diverse community means there’s a range of local trades and specialists, from general contractors to carpenters adept at working on 1950s-style homes. By choosing professionals who know the area’s housing character, you can minimize unexpected costs or design pitfalls. As with all renovations, planning diligently, adhering to regulations, and being prepared for occasional surprises will set you on the path to a successful, future-proof makeover. In essence, Barking homeowners can truly unlock their property’s potential by blending thoughtful modern upgrades with the sturdy framework these properties already possess.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

The above square metre estimates provide a helpful baseline, but multiple factors either increase or decrease your final price tag. Key influences include:

1. Size
   Larger homes generally leverage economies of scale, lowering cost per square metre (since setup and logistical costs spread out). Smaller properties might see higher rates because certain base costs remain fixed regardless of size.
2. Complexity
   Structural intricacies, the number of bathrooms, layout designs, and architectural features all play a role. Buildings with advanced customization or older homes needing specialized care usually cost more to renovate. Renovators in Barking often find that redoing internal layouts can significantly boost light flow—especially in typical 1950s terraces that benefit from opening up the kitchen and living area. This does, however, increase the complexity of the project. 
3. Number of Bathrooms
   Bathrooms drive up renovation budgets due to plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, and fixture expenses. A Federation of Master Builders report suggests a full bathroom redo can range from £20,000 to £32,000, depending on scale and finish.
4. Structural Alterations
   Whenever load-bearing walls are modified or major extensions are included, the renovation requires specialist input from structural engineers and possibly planning permission. This process can significantly increase overall expenses.
5. Materials
   High-end materials (like bespoke cabinetry or top-tier bathroom suites) escalate costs, whereas standard or mid-range options keep things more budget-friendly.
6. Choice of Contractor
   It’s paramount to obtain multiple quotes. Rates differ widely, and going for the cheapest bid isn’t always best if it compromises quality. Accredited professional organizations like the Federation of Master Builders or TrustMark can point you to reputable builders.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

A major question for homeowners is what precisely the builder’s quote covers. Typically, your contractor’s estimate should encompass all labor costs, from demolition to final inspections, along with standard construction materials. However, items we often call “finishing materials” might be left out or given as provisional sums.

• Finishing Materials
  Kitchen units, bathroom fixtures, taps, toilets, floors, and wall tiles are sometimes excluded from the builder’s base quote, because personal style choices can vary considerably. This approach allows you to shop around for specific brands or designs you want. Basic kitchens can be acquired for under £5,000, yet bespoke or luxury kitchens can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
• Kitchen Installation
  Fitting a new kitchen, including assembling cabinetry and installing appliances, might be handled by the kitchen supplier or included as an add-on service by your builder. Costs generally range between £1,000 and £3,000, correlating with kitchen size and complexity.
• Tiles and Flooring
  Hardwood floors, tile, parquet, or laminate each come at different price points. The range can be anywhere from £20 per square metre to several hundred, based on quality and design.
• Bathroom Fixtures
  Similar to kitchens, the variety in price is vast. A modest bathroom suite can be had for as little as £1,000, while mid- to high-end choices can surpass that amount quickly. Installation is typically included in your contractor’s labor quote, but the fixtures themselves often come at your expense.

If you live in Barking, try seeking contractors acquainted with typical local housing stock—particularly if you own a property from the 1930s to 1950s, as there may be specific structural nuances.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

Previously, we explored how square metre pricing helps provide a ballpark figure. Below is a sample breakdown from a real-life full internal and external renovation of a detached property measuring around 230 square metres. While your home may differ, this example gives a sense of where typical budget lines may land.

Example Contractor Quotation (Labour + Materials)

• Window replacements (20 units) & Delivery: £27,000
• Install new exterior window opening: £3,200
• Re-clad and insulate external walls: £33,000
• Roof replacement: £21,500
• Drainage upgrades: £12,800
• Full bathroom (plumber + basic materials, excluding personal fixture choices): £19,000
• First WC (with plumber): £3,600
• Second WC (with plumber): £3,600
• Utility room overhaul (plumber included): £10,800
• New plumbing throughout: £18,400
• New external door & patio door: £4,800
• Ventilation system (balanced): £9,600
• Surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Full electrical works (house-wide): £29,600
• Single attached garage building: £14,400
• Waste disposal & skip hire: £4,800
• Demolition/site setup/scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect (design & drawings): £4,000

Subtotal (Contractor): £300,800

Homeowner Purchases (Separately)

• Tiles (bathroom, WC, utility, hallway): £4,800
• Bathroom fixtures (1 main bath + 2 WCs): £6,400
• Kitchen units: £24,000
• Flooring of choice: £10,000

Subtotal (Owner’s Items): £45,200

Grand Total: £300,800 + £45,200 = £346,000

With roughly 230 m², final costs ended up at around £1,500 per square metre, which is a bit under the midpoint for a dual interior-exterior renovation.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Major home makeovers in the UK have to comply with Building Regulations. These rules ensure that all structural, electrical, and plumbing works meet safety and efficiency standards. You’ll need to coordinate with your local council’s Building Control department ahead of—or at the start of—any significant work.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural Alterations
  Removing or amending load-bearing walls, beams, or chimney breasts typically triggers approval under Part A (Structure). You may need a structural engineer’s input.
• Bathroom & Plumbing Changes
  Adding a new bathroom or rerouting drainage demands compliance with Parts H (Drainage) and F (Ventilation).
• Electrical Work
  Adding circuits or rewiring (especially in bathrooms or kitchens) must satisfy Part P. Certified electricians can self-certify or you can seek inspection from Building Control.
• Heating Systems
  Upgrading boilers or radiators falls under Part L (energy efficiency) and Part J (combustion), typically requiring a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas boilers.
• Windows & Doors
  Replacing windows/doors must meet thermal insulation (Part L) and safety glazing rules (Part K). Using FENSA or CERTASS installers helps avoid separate local inspections.
• Garage/Basement Conversions
  Changing a garage or cellar into living space automatically mandates Building Regulations for insulation, ventilation, and fire safety.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B): If you have an open-plan design, you may need extra fire doors or alarms to ensure a clear escape route.
• Ventilation (Part F): Bathrooms and kitchens require extractor fans.
• Insulation & Efficiency (Part L): A large-scale renovation often requires you to bring insulation up to current standards.
• Soundproofing (Part E): Dividing a house into flats or altering partitions may prompt acoustic insulation compliance.

After the council verifies you’re meeting all relevant parts, a completion certificate is issued, documenting your renovation’s compliance.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Beyond Building Regulations, certain renovations call for planning permission. Interior reconfigurations typically don’t—unless the building is listed—but external changes can be a different story.

• Listed Buildings
  Any modifications to the architectural or historical character of a listed building (either inside or out) necessitate Listed Building Consent.
• Alterations to Exterior Appearance
  Cutting new openings for windows or changing roof shapes might need planning consent, notably in conservation areas.
• Change of Use
  If you’re transforming a single home into multiple units or changing from residential to commercial usage, official permission is needed.
• Extensions & Loft Conversions
  Though many minor extensions fall under Permitted Development rights, bigger additions or dormers may require full applications.

Portions of Barking fall under protected zones, so double-check local policies if you’re extending or modifying the exterior, especially near any designated conservation areas.

How to Find the Right Professionals

A renovation’s success depends heavily on selecting the right people. While there are unscrupulous operators in the construction trade, plenty of dependable and skilled professionals exist.

• Accreditations
  TrustMark, the Federation of Master Builders, and other certification bodies maintain membership standards. Verifying them can be a strong starting point.
• Hiring Strategy
  Some homeowners prefer employing a principal contractor who subcontracts trades, allowing for one main point of contact. Others manage separate trades themselves, which can reduce costs but demands more project management effort.

In Barking, talk with neighbors who have renovated recently. They may refer you to local builders familiar with mid-century homes. Personal recommendations carry weight in communities where word spreads fast. Also, if you’re renovating a terraced property, staying in touch with next-door neighbors can help stave off disputes about noise or scaffolding placements.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Plan Your Improvements
   Define what you truly want from this renovation—do you need extra bedrooms, a modernized kitchen, or improved energy efficiency?
2. Explore Financing
   Evaluate mortgages, personal loans, or possible grants.
3. Draft a Budget
   Be realistic. Include a buffer (around 10%) for unplanned issues like hidden defects.
4. Investigate Building Regulations
   Identify necessary approvals for structural changes or installing new boilers, etc.
5. Check if You Need Planning Permission
   Confirm with local authorities, especially for external alterations or expansions.
6. Collect Multiple Quotes
   At least three quotes offer a more accurate sense of competitive pricing.
7. Validate References & Accreditations
   Ask about completed projects, check with previous clients, or review testimonials.
8. Choose Reliable Trades
   Ensuring they’re trustworthy prevents stressful delays or substandard work.
9. Agree on a Sensible Timeline
   Factor in potential disruptions—like waiting for materials—to avoid conflicts.
10. Communicate Continuously
    Keep lines open with your contractor, discussing progress, any changes, or unexpected discoveries.

Also, remember: Because Barking is part of the wider London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, certain financial incentives or council recommendations might be available, particularly if you’re planning energy-saving measures like better insulation or solar panel integration.