Interior, Exterior, or Both

Distinguishing between internal upgrades, external works, or a combination of both will help you outline your likely renovation costs.

Interior refurbishment

A complete interior refurbishment usually covers redoing floors, walls, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, and vital systems (plumbing and electrics).

Costs

• Data from finished projects suggests smaller, straightforward tasks might be around £650 per m², while elaborate or luxury refurbishments can approach £2,000 per m². An often-referenced average is about £1,100 per m². Final costs fluctuate based on personal material choices, labour rates, and any hidden complications discovered along the way.

Exterior renovation

Renovating a building’s exterior may include:

• Drainage or gutter fixes
• Adding or improving insulation
• Repointing brick facades
• Rendering or cladding walls
• Replacing the roof
• Fitting new doors and windows

Price Range

Typically, external work hovers between £400–£700 per m² of wall area. Simple repairs might be as low as £250 per m², whereas elaborate and high-spec finishes can exceed £700–£1,200 per m².

Along the riverside in Brentford, properties can endure more moisture exposure, so reinforcing or replacing older exteriors can be critical.

Both interior and exterior

Tackling both inside and out raises the total considerably. Combined refurbishments usually start from £1,500 per m², reaching £3,500 per m² if the specification is particularly exacting. Refurbishing is still generally cheaper than constructing a brand new building from scratch. The BCIS puts the average for new builds at around £2,600 per m² with VAT included, suggesting large-scale renovations often cost somewhat less, depending on how extensive the works get.

Complete Home Renovation in Brentford

Undertaking a renovation in Brentford can be especially appealing given the area’s recent developments and waterside charm. Many properties have period features that owners prefer to maintain—such as original brickwork or decorative cornicing—while bringing internal spaces up to modern standards. 

Brentford Costs

Because Brentford sits in West London, local renovation costs are generally in the medium-to-high bracket: still below some of the most upscale central neighbourhoods, yet above the overall UK average.

During your planning, expect that labour rates may be slightly higher than outer suburban zones. However, local contractors often possess valuable experience working on older Brentford housing stock, ensuring a smoother process for tasks like re-roofing or structural reinforcement. 

Planning and Other Potential Challenges in Brentford

Listed buildings or properties near conservation areas along the River Brent might have stricter guidelines to preserve external aesthetics, so double-check any official constraints if you are adjusting the facade.

You will also want to factor in potential logistic hurdles, such as on-street parking rules or limited space for skips, given certain narrow roads. If you are reworking a Victorian terrace, possibly adding a side return extension or converting a loft, be prepared for party wall agreements with neighbours. 

Many Brentford projects involve installing more efficient glazing, especially for homes overlooking water—both to insulate against chillier river breezes and to reduce noise.

Overall, a well-planned renovation in Brentford can enhance daily life and capitalise on the borough’s rising property values—just be sure to gather multiple quotes and stick to a comprehensive schedule to keep your refurbishment on time and within budget.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

While per-square-metre prices give general direction, final expenses vary depending on several key elements:

1. Size
   Bigger homes cost more in total, though unit prices sometimes decline slightly for large footprints.
2. Complexity
   Many bathrooms, tricky layouts, or specialized architectural features add to labour hours. In Brentford, it is not unusual for owners to enlarge the rear ground floor, creating bigger, open-plan kitchens that look onto gardens or the river if they are lucky enough to have such views. Such work, while rewarding, will add to the project’s complexity. 
3. Number of bathrooms
   A new bathroom, including all fittings and tiling, can cost between £20,000 and £32,000 if done comprehensively, per Federation of Master Builders.
4. Structural changes
   Removing load-bearing partitions or modifying the building’s integrity usually requires engineering and planning oversight, increasing costs.
5. Materials
   Upmarket fittings (bespoke cabinets or natural stone floors) push up budgets far more than standard alternatives.
6. Contractor selection
   Always compare a few quotes, verifying references. Firms differ considerably in pricing, especially in London. Reputable Brentford builders typically have examples of previous refurbishment projects near the river or in historic streets, so ask to see them.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Knowing what the quote covers is essential for accurate budgeting. Generally, the contractor’s fee includes:

• Labour for every aspect of the renovation
• Core materials like plasterboard, timber, basic piping
• Subcontracted work (plumbers, electricians) if needed

Nevertheless, “finishing items” often require the homeowner’s separate budget:

• Kitchen & bathroom suites: You might need to supply these or pay extra for premium models.
• Tiles, flooring: Costs vary widely, from inexpensive laminate to high-end hardwood or porcelain.
• Fixtures: Luxurious taps or lighting can inflate costs, so decide your priorities.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

To illustrate potential spending, here is an example from a 230 m² detached home’s interior-exterior overhaul. While details differ per project, it demonstrates how costs may add up:

• Replace 20 windows + delivery: £27,000
• New window opening in facade: £3,200
• External cladding & insulation: £33,000
• Roof refurb: £21,500
• Drainage improvement: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, plumber included): £19,000
• WC 1 (with plumber): £3,600
• WC 2 (with plumber): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• Fresh plumbing (whole house): £18,400
• New external + patio door: £4,800
• Ventilation system: £9,600
• Surfaces (floor, walls, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Full electrical installation: £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste + skip hire: £4,800
• Demolition, site prep, scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000

Total (Contractor): £300,800

Homeowner’s own purchases:

• Tiles for bathrooms, WCs, utility, hallway: £4,800
• Bathroom fixtures (1 bath + 2 WCs): £6,400
• Kitchen units: £24,000
• Flooring: £10,000

Subtotal (Owner): £45,200
Overall Cost: £346,000

At about 230 m², the total equates to roughly £1,500 per m², somewhat below average for combined projects.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Building Regulations ensure safety and legal compliance in large-scale home improvements. Consult your local authority Building Control:

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural works: Removing bearing walls, chimney breasts, or reinforcing floors.
• Plumbing & bathrooms: Adding new bathrooms or rearranging plumbing must meet drainage and ventilation guidelines.
• Electrical systems: Rewiring or adding circuits calls for Part P compliance, typically requiring certified electricians.
• Heating: Installing or swapping boilers, fireplaces, or stoves must meet safety and efficiency regulations.
• Windows & doors: Replacements must comply with thermal efficiency (Part L) and safety glazing (Part K).

Additional Points

• Fire safety: Part B demands suitable escape routes, fire-resistant materials, or alarms if major changes occur.
• Ventilation: Extractor fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas remain essential.
• Insulation: Part L can necessitate better insulation in older properties.
• Soundproofing: Creating separate living units triggers acoustic insulation requirements (Part E).

After final checks, Building Control issues a completion certificate, proving all work meets regulations. Brentford homeowners who for example are doing loft conversions along the river should coordinate early with Building Control, especially if raising roof lines or installing large dormer windows.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission is separate from Building Regulations. Usually, purely internal renovations do not require it, except:

• Listed buildings: Internal and external modifications need Listed Building Consent.
• Exterior changes: Adding windows or altering the roofline in a noticeable way may need approval, particularly in a conservation area or if changing materials drastically.
• Change of use: Transforming a single dwelling into multiple flats or using part of it commercially.
• Extensions/loft conversions: Larger builds might surpass Permitted Development limits, obliging you to apply.

Some pockets of Brentford fall within heritage zones or near Grade II-listed structures, so be mindful of preserving street character.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Locating high-quality trades is vital for a stress-free renovation. Though some disreputable operators exist, there are also many reputable contractors.

• Accreditations: TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders confirm professional standards.
• References: Ensure potential hires can show completed works or verify happy clients.
• Project management: Choose between one primary contractor or coordinating separate trades individually. The former simplifies oversight; the latter might yield cost savings but requires hands-on scheduling.

Checking local Brentford community forums may connect you with recommended builders who have successfully handled riverfront houses or older terraces.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Clarify your aims and specific remodel details.
2. Decide on funding routes.
3. Draft a careful budget, allowing for unexpected expenses.
4. Consult Building Control requirements.
5. Determine if you need planning consent.
6. Request several written quotations.
7. Investigate references and accreditations.
8. Select reliable contractors or a main builder.
9. Establish a timeline that accounts for possible delays.
10. Stay in close communication to prevent misunderstandings.

By following these steps, your home transformation in Brentford is more likely to proceed smoothly, deliver strong results, and remain within financial limits.

A full renovation can be both stimulating and daunting, but with disciplined planning and experienced professionals, the outcome is a fresh, updated home. By adhering to regulations and making wise decisions along the way, you will optimise your property’s potential in lively Brentford.