Interior, Exterior, or Both

When exploring total renovation expenses, it helps to differentiate whether you are focused on the interior, exterior, or undertaking both.

Interior refurbishment

A complete interior refurbishment—sometimes referred to as a full interior renovation—goes further than cosmetic redecorating. Typically, this includes replacing all primary surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings), renovating bathrooms and the kitchen, upgrading plumbing, and modernising electrical systems.

Using industry data and documented results, smaller interior projects might begin around £650 per square metre, while more extensive or higher-end work can climb to £2,000 per square metre. The average figure is roughly £1,100 per square metre, factoring in all project costs, including materials purchased directly by the client. Final sums vary based on individual choices and any unexpected conditions on site. In East London, some older terraces feature hidden issues like outdated wiring or concealed damp that might only surface once walls are opened up.

Exterior renovation

An exterior renovation can involve:

• Improving drainage
• Adding or upgrading insulation
• Re-pointing brick
• Re-rendering or cladding
• Roof repairs or replacement
• New windows and doors

These costs vary greatly, depending on materials, the building’s dimensions, storey count, and any repairs. Overall, a £400–£700 per m² (of wall area) range is typical. Simpler works might cost £250–£400 per m², whereas premium materials or complex designs may exceed £700–£1,200 per m². In East London, Victorian-era facades around areas like Bow or Forest Gate often need careful re-pointing to preserve their historic brick pattern.

Both interior and exterior

Undertaking both interior and exterior upgrades naturally inflates costs substantially. A combined renovation commonly starts near £1,500 per square metre and may escalate to £3,500 per square metre for detailed schemes. However, it remains less expensive than building entirely new, since existing foundations and structures remain. According to industry data, a new build in the UK averages about £2,600 per m² including VAT, and you can use that as a benchmark when comparing to a total renovation.

Complete Home Renovation in East London

Carrying out a major renovation in East London can be an appealing option, given the area’s ongoing development and more affordable property prices compared to central districts. Many homes here are Victorian terraces or post-war estates, so refurbishing the interior can add real value. With projects such as the Olympic Park legacy spurring growth, properties in areas like Stratford or Hackney Wick have seen notable investment potential. Homeowners can often maximise open-plan living to suit a younger demographic, creating spacious kitchen-lounges out of formerly cramped layouts.

Labour costs tend to remain a bit lower than in certain central boroughs, although they’re still classed as London rates. An advantage is the diversity of local suppliers, enabling you to find competitive deals on finishes, whether you’re after a sleek modern kitchen or more traditional fittings to complement a period house. Exterior works, such as repairing a London stock brick façade, often require experienced local builders to match brick colour and style accurately.

Before updating exteriors, it’s worth checking if the property lies in a conservation area, particularly in places like Victoria Park Village, where strict guidelines can apply. For standard interiors, though, planning permission is rarely necessary unless you’re listed. With many transport links improving over the past few years, property values have grown, encouraging even first-time buyers to invest in complete overhauls. Whether you have a maisonette off Roman Road or a terraced house in Plaistow, a well-planned renovation can substantially enhance comfort and long-term value in East London.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

The per-square-metre guide above provides an indication, but a range of elements can influence your final expenditure significantly.

Size
Quotes are typically given by square metre, and the property’s overall floor area plays a substantial role in total cost.

Complexity
Structural features and the layout strongly affect costs. For instance, a home containing several bathrooms, or with intricate architectural details, will exceed the cost of simpler designs.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms, or wet rooms, regularly rank as the most expensive interior spaces to renovate. The Federation of Master Builders indicates that an all-inclusive bathroom upgrade ranges £20,000–£32,000, tied to size and finish. Kitchens also raise the per-m² figure, compared to simpler bedrooms or living spaces.

Structural modifications
If a project involves altering load-bearing elements, you can anticipate higher spending than just rearranging non-structural partitions. Such alterations usually require permission and professional design, boosting the budget.

Materials
Material selection is one of the most direct ways for owners to adjust costs. Although core building supplies see limited price fluctuations, bathroom fixtures and kitchen fittings can differ massively in cost.

Choice of contractor
Lastly, who undertakes the work matters. Be sure to request numerous quotes, checking references and ensuring the contractor is accredited. Bodies like TrustMark or the Federation of Master Builders help locate dependable professionals.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Clarify from the beginning what your contractor’s quote consists of. Typically, it covers all planned works and necessary trades. However, “finishing materials” are often excluded.

These finishing items incorporate things like kitchen cupboards, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, floor coverings, and tiles. As already noted, these can vary a lot in cost. You might buy a low-budget kitchen for around £5,000, or spend tens of thousands on a customised set. Kitchen installation is frequently arranged through the supplier, usually between £1,000 and £3,000 depending on scale.

Tiling and flooring also come under the finishing category. As a homeowner, you could achieve big savings by checking for supplier deals. Costs range from roughly £20 per m² up to the hundreds for more luxurious types.

Bathroom fixtures run a wide gamut. While a basic set may cost roughly £1,000, many opt to invest more for premium comfort. Typically, your contractor’s labour covers the installation portion.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We covered the per m² estimate for an entire renovation. Below is an example from a 230 m² detached house given a total interior-exterior upgrade. Real costs differ, but it illustrates approximate amounts:

Price from contractor (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 replaced + delivery): £27,000
• Creating a new window opening: £3,200
• Replacing external cladding + insulation: £33,000
• New roof: £21,500
• Drainage adjustments: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, incl. plumber): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber included): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber included): £3,600
• Utility room (with plumber): £10,800
• New plumbing overall: £18,400
• External & patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Electrical (entire house): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste management: £4,800
• Demolition, site setup, scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Total contractor quote: £300,800

Self-procured items:

• Tiles (bathroom, WC, utility, hallway): £4,800
• Bathroom fixtures (1 bathroom + 2 WCs): £6,400
• Kitchen units: £24,000
• Flooring: £10,000
  Subtotal of own purchases: £45,200

Grand total: £346,000

Hence, the job concluded at about £1,500 per m², slightly under average for a comprehensive refurbishment of this magnitude.

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Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Major home refurbishments in the UK must comply with Building Regulations to ensure safety, efficiency, and legal adherence. Contact your local Building Control before initiating.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new openings for windows/doors typically falls under Part A (Structure). A structural engineer’s work is often needed.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding a fresh bathroom or shifting plumbing demands compliance with drainage (Part H) and ventilation (Part F).
• Electrical – Rewiring, adding circuits, or bathroom electrics must satisfy Part P (Electrical Safety). A certified electrician or local authority sign-off is crucial.
• Heating systems – Installing or replacing boilers, radiators, or fireplaces must align with Parts J (combustion) and L (energy efficiency). Gas-fitting work must be done by Gas Safe professionals.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must achieve thermal efficiency (Part L) and safety glazing (Part K). FENSA or CERTASS installers typically manage this.
• Garage/basement conversions – Transforming these spaces into liveable rooms always needs Building Regulations approval, covering adequate insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, ventilation, and exits.

In East London, converting a garage into extra living space is common in areas like Leyton, but it must be checked for compliance, especially with insulation requirements.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – If you create open-plan zones, extra fire doors or alarms may be required for safe exit routes.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms need extractor fans.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Large-scale renovations should boost insulation to current standards.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Adding new dwellings or converting lofts/garages may require noise insulation.

You can either file a Full Plans application in detail prior to the project or submit a Building Notice for simpler work. On successful inspection, a completion certificate is issued.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission differs from Building Regulations. Most basic internal renovations do not need permission unless they involve:

• Listed buildings – Any modifications impacting a listed property’s character, inside or out, requires Listed Building Consent.
• External changes – Adding new doors, windows, re-roofing, or new cladding might require permission, especially in conservation zones.
• Change of use – If converting a single dwelling into flats or switching from residential to commercial.
• Extensions or loft conversions – While interior changes alone typically escape planning control, outward expansion or raising roofs usually needs consent.

In certain East London conservation pockets, you must confirm rules on front window alterations or external painting to adhere to local design guidelines.

For straightforward interior refurbishments—bathroom/kitchen updates or redecoration—no planning permission is ordinarily required. Yet if your home sits in a special designation area, it’s wise to consult the local authority.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Selecting capable, dependable trades is the key to a trouble-free renovation. While some questionable operators exist, many construction firms excel in large-scale refurbishments. TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders in the UK vet and register contractors, while TrustedBuilders cross-checks credit, accreditation, and references to link you with a suitable fit.

How you organise the job depends on your level of expertise. You might hire each specialist trade yourself, or more commonly, engage a principal contractor for a single point of contact, who manages subcontractors. The latter approach streamlines communication and helps assure adherence to regulations. If you split tasks yourself, you’ll take on the project management role, scheduling trades and coordinating deliveries.

Checklist for Home Renovation

• Plan carefully what changes you want
• Research financing pathways
• Establish a realistic budget, including contingency
• Check which Building Regulations apply
• Determine if planning permission is necessary
• Gather multiple quotes (at least three)
• Scrutinise references, credit, and accreditations
• Hire accredited, trustworthy tradespeople
• Agree on a workable timeline
• Keep open communication with contractors

Whichever route you pick, comparing quotes from different firms remains important. Review pricing alongside credentials and references. Through TrustedBuilders, it’s easy to find validated contractors who offer reasonable prices and strong reputations.