Interior, Exterior, or Both

When exploring renovation expenses, it helps to distinguish whether you’re focusing on the interior, exterior, or conducting both types of work.

Interior refurbishment

A complete interior renovation, also referred to as an interior refurbishment, often involves renewing all major surfaces (floors, walls, and ceilings), upgrading bathrooms and the kitchen, installing fresh plumbing, and updating electrics. Such a refurbishment goes beyond a simple decorative makeover or superficial improvements.

Based on industry data and carried-out projects, the simplest interior upgrades for smaller properties can come in at around £650 per square metre, while larger or more complex undertakings can reach £2,000 per square metre. On average, you might expect about £1,100 per square metre, covering full project expenses, including materials you might purchase yourself. Actual costs vary widely depending on personal choices and unforeseen factors.

In Camden, many period homes require careful interior refurbishments that preserve original features, while still modernising kitchens and bathrooms.

Exterior renovation

An exterior renovation can include work such as drainage improvements, adding insulation, re-pointing existing brickwork, re-rendering or cladding, roof renewal, and replacing doors and windows. For homes in Camden, older brick façades often need detailed re-pointing or repairs to maintain their historical charm, which can influence the budget.

Costs differ significantly, based on materials, house dimensions, number of storeys, location, and any structural repairs needed. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (of wall area) can be anticipated overall. At the simpler end, it might be £250–£400 per m², while more complicated designs with high-end materials could exceed £700–£1,200 per m².

Both 

When the project scope includes both interior upgrades and external improvements, costs naturally rise substantially. A combined renovation often begins around £1,500 per square metre, with more intricate work climbing to £3,500 per square metre. Typically, it remains slightly less expensive than constructing a new house from scratch, since fundamental components like foundations and structural parts stay in place. According to industry data, a newly built home in the UK costs roughly £2,600 per square metre including VAT, which is a helpful comparison when looking at complete refurbishment prices.

Complete Home Renovation in Camden

Renovating a property in Camden can be both exciting and challenging, given this central London borough’s diverse housing, from Victorian terraces to modern flats. Local homeowners frequently prioritise preserving traditional architecture while adapting interiors to modern standards. 

Many streets in Camden feature ornate brick or stucco façades, so any exterior changes must often align with conservation guidelines. As a result, it’s wise to check whether your home sits in a designated area before planning visible alterations.

Depending on location, labour and materials can carry a premium, reflecting higher city rates. With bustling roads and constrained building access, coordinating deliveries or managing skips can be more complex. Nevertheless, property values here mean owners usually see good returns from thoughtful renovations, especially those improving layouts or adding en-suites. Some Camden homeowners choose to open up smaller rooms, creating brighter, open-plan spaces that reflect modern living preferences in central London areas.

While interior refurbishment might top the list, many also invest in external improvements, such as energy-efficient windows or updated insulation, to reduce bills and enhance comfort. 

When you set a budget, factor in the possibility of needing listed building consent or extra approvals, as many neighbourhoods are under strict planning oversight. Coordinating with the council early on can streamline your schedule and help you comply with any local heritage requirements. Overall, the architectural richness of Camden can drive additional complexity, but the end result—a stylish home in a prime London borough—tends to justify the time and expense.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

The per-square-metre figures offer a reference point for estimating refurbishment costs. Yet within these broad ranges, many variables can shift final expenses higher or lower.

Size

Property dimensions play a crucial role. Even though the project is usually priced per square metre, the overall area significantly affects total expenditure. Generally, the cost per square metre can be somewhat reduced for larger homes, because a bigger building offers economies of scale in labour and materials.

Complexity

The building’s overall design and features also drive up the final bill. For instance, having several bathrooms, extensive decorative elements, or intricate layouts can raise costs substantially.

Number of bathrooms

Bathrooms or wet rooms are consistently among the most expensive rooms to renovate. According to the Federation of Master Builders, a fully refurbished bathroom (including all fixtures) usually falls between £20,000 and £32,000, depending on size and finish level. The more bathrooms involved, the greater the price per square metre becomes. Kitchens raise costs too, compared to simpler living or sleeping areas.

Structural modifications

If contractors must work on load-bearing elements of the structure, expect noticeably higher expenses than if just replacing partition walls. Such changes often require professional input and planning permission from the council, increasing total costs.

Materials

Your selection of finishes and fittings has a major influence on overall expenditure. Although basic building materials might not offer huge savings potential, choices for bathroom fittings and kitchen units can vary widely in price.

Choice of contractor

Finally, selecting who performs the work makes a big difference. It’s worth investing time to compare quotes, references, and qualifications. Opting for a capable contractor ensures a fair price and the reassurance of proper accreditation. Organisations such as the Federation of Master Builders or TrustMark can guide you toward vetted professionals, and TrustedBuilders can connect you to specialists suited to your specific project.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Defining precisely what the contractor’s quote entails should happen early. Typically, it covers every aspect of the planned works, spanning all required trades and basic construction materials. However, “finishing materials” might be excluded.

Finishing materials generally refer to items like kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, taps, toilets, flooring, and tiles. As noted, this is where huge cost differences can emerge due to homeowner preferences. For instance, an affordable kitchen might cost around £5,000, but a custom kitchen could run into tens of thousands. Kitchen installation, often arranged by the supplier, commonly ranges from £1,000 to £3,000 depending on scale.

Tiles and flooring also come under finishing materials. By monitoring promotional campaigns or using trade agreements, you could find substantial savings. Costs for tiles or hardwood floors can range from roughly £20 per square metre up to several hundred.

Bathroom fixtures, likewise, span a broad range. Here too, your contractor may get special supplier rates, but exploring multiple vendors is advisable. A basic small bathroom might be fitted out for around £1,000, though most homeowners invest more in modern comforts. Installation of these fixtures should be included in your builder’s quote.

In certain parts of Camden, you may find local specialist showrooms offering higher-end or period-appropriate bathroom fittings, which can raise the total cost if you opt for authentic design details.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve covered how the square metre approach provides an overall sense of renovation expense. Still, it’s helpful to consider the pricing of different components. Below is an illustrative example of a full internal-external renovation for a 230 m² detached property. Real costs differ substantially, but this shows general ballpark figures:

Price from contractor (labour + materials):

• Windows (replacement + delivery, 20 units): £27,000
• New window in external wall: £3,200
• Replacing external cladding + insulation: £33,000
• New roof: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excluding tiles/fixtures, with plumber): £19,000
• WC room 1 (with plumber): £3,600
• WC room 2 (with plumber): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• New plumbing overall: £18,400
• External + patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Surfaces (floors/walls/ceiling): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transition strips: £2,000
• Electrician (entire home): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste management: £4,800
• Demolition/site prep/scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Total (Contractor): £300,800

Owner’s own purchases:

• Tiles for bathroom/WC/utility/hall: £4,800
• Bathroom fixtures (1 bath + 2 WCs): £6,400
• Kitchen units: £24,000
• Flooring: £10,000
  Total (Self-purchased): £45,200

Combined total: £346,000

Overall, the renovation settled at around £1,500 per square metre, slightly below the average for a project covering both interior and exterior improvements in a detached house.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Any extensive home makeover in the UK must observe Building Regulations to guarantee safety, energy efficiency, and compliance with legal requirements. Always liaise with your local Building Control office before work begins.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or creating new openings (Part A – Structure). A structural engineer’s calculations are often necessary.
• Bathrooms and plumbing – Adding or relocating bathrooms demands compliance with drainage (Part H) and ventilation (Part F).
• Electrical work – Rewiring, adding circuits, or installing electrics in bathrooms must align with Part P (Electrical Safety). A registered electrician or Building Control sign-off is needed.
• Heating systems – Fitting or replacing boilers, radiators, or fireplaces must satisfy Part J (combustion) and Part L (efficiency). Gas boilers require a Gas Safe engineer.
• Windows and doors – Replacements must meet thermal (Part L) and safety glazing (Part K). FENSA or CERTASS registration helps avoid separate inspections.
• Garage and basement conversions – Transforming these areas into liveable rooms always needs approval, covering insulation, fire safety, ventilation, and emergency exits.

In Camden, basements are sometimes converted for extra living space, but this generally requires close scrutiny by Building Control and possibly additional planning checks.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Open layouts might require specific doors or alarms to preserve safe escape routes.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms need extractor fans.
• Insulation & Energy Efficiency (Part L) – Major overhauls must bring thermal performance up to modern standards.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Creating separate dwellings or converting loft/garage space may trigger acoustic insulation regulations.

To meet these requirements, you may submit a Full Plans application for prior approval or a Building Notice for simpler work. An official certificate is issued upon passing all inspections.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning consent differs from Building Regulations. Most interior refurbishments do not need planning permission unless:

• Listed buildings – Any change affecting a listed building’s character requires Listed Building Consent.
• External alterations – Cutting new windows, re-roofing, or changing external cladding materials could need permission, particularly in conservation areas.
• Change of use – Transforming a house into flats or altering its function (e.g. from residential to commercial).
• Extensions or loft conversions – Although interior changes are generally free of permission, expanding outward or raising the roof usually triggers an application.

Numerous streets in Camden form part of conservation areas, meaning even smaller external tweaks might be restricted or subject to council approval.

For purely internal changes—upgrading bathrooms, kitchens, or redecorating—planning permission isn’t typically required, although conservation areas or Article 4 directives might restrict certain alterations. It’s always advisable to confirm details with your local authority.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Selecting skilled, trustworthy specialists is vital for a successful renovation. Regrettably, some less reliable operators do operate in the building industry, risking subpar work and financial strain for homeowners. Tales abound of families encountering stress after hiring the wrong people.

Happily, many reputable construction firms have extensive experience in full refurbishments. In the UK, organisations such as TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders accredit and check contractors. Likewise, TrustedBuilders performs credit checks, accreditation verification, and references, connecting you to builders who fit your project’s demands. In Camden, word-of-mouth referrals often help identify respected local builders who are familiar with the borough’s distinctive housing stock and planning guidelines

You can organise the work in various ways, depending on your knowledge and confidence. Some homeowners recruit separate specialists for each task, effectively becoming their own project manager. However, most opt for a principal contractor, giving you a single company contact and often a dedicated project manager. This contractor will oversee subcontractors, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices. If you split the project between multiple trades, you’ll need to be more hands-on.

.

Checklist for Home Renovation

• Take adequate time to plan your renovation goals
• Explore financing options
• Draft a budget with a buffer for unforeseen costs
• Confirm which Building Regulations apply
• Check if planning permission is required
• Get multiple written quotes (at least three)
• Assess references, credit history, and accreditations
• Employ reliable tradespeople
• Agree on a realistic project schedule
• Maintain regular communication with your contractor(s)

No matter which approach suits you best, requesting quotes from several firms is crucial. Compare not just price but also key factors like reliability and references. Through TrustedBuilders, you can link up with vetted contractors offering fair rates and proven track records.