Renovating in Ealing

When appraising overall costs, it helps to separate interior renovation, exterior work, or a combination of the two.

Interior refurbishment

A complete interior renovation—also called an interior refurbishment—generally replaces floors, walls, and ceilings, renovates the kitchen and bathrooms, updates plumbing, and brings electrical systems up to date. Such refurbishments go beyond superficial decorating and involve in-depth improvements.

Based on industry data and finished projects, smaller interior jobs might total around £650 per m², while higher-end or larger upgrades can reach about £2,000 per m². The average figure tends to be roughly £1,100 per m², covering all project costs, including homeowner-bought materials. Final numbers differ a lot, depending on style preferences and any hidden challenges. In Ealing, many 1930s semi-detached homes benefit from full interior renovations that unify older layouts, delivering contemporary open-plan dining areas.

Exterior renovation

An exterior renovation may include:

• Drainage improvements
• Insulating external walls
• Re-pointing brick facades
• Re-rendering or cladding
• Roof replacement
• Fitting new windows/doors

Prices can differ widely, taking into account material quality, house size, the number of storeys, location, and potential repairs. In total, an exterior revamp often falls in the £400–£700 per m² bracket for wall area. Some simpler jobs might be £250–£400 per m², while premium or complex approaches can climb above £700–£1,200 per m². Many Ealing properties showcase prominent bay windows, so external renovations might involve matching period details to preserve the suburb’s character.

Both interior and exterior

Refurbishing both inside and out sharply increases the project’s scope. A combined renovation typically starts around £1,500 per square metre, reaching approximately £3,500 per m² for more intricate designs. Still, it’s often less costly than constructing a new house, as the foundations and structural framework stay intact. Industry figures suggest new-build homes in the UK average £2,600 per m² including VAT, for comparison.

Complete Home Renovation in Ealing

Renovating a home in Ealing often appeals to families and commuters seeking a suburban feel with excellent transport links—thanks to stations like Ealing Broadway or the new Elizabeth line connections. Housing stock here is diverse, from Edwardian terraces to 1930s semis and post-war apartments, meaning refurbishment approaches can vary. Many owners upgrade dated wiring, cramped layouts, or old fittings to create bright, open-plan spaces that suit modern lifestyles. Some Ealing neighbourhoods, particularly around Ealing Common, boast large detached properties that can handle significant renovations, including loft conversions with en-suites or media rooms.

Because Ealing lies in west London, labour rates run above national levels, but often remain somewhat lower than central boroughs. Any exterior changes may require consultation with local planning, especially if your home is in a conservation area such as the Haven Green district, or near heritage buildings. Meanwhile, Ealing’s council encourages sustainable improvements—so adding insulation or upgrading windows often receives a favourable response.

Carrying out a total refurbishment in Ealing can deliver strong returns, as property values have risen in recent years. Families appreciate newly expanded living zones, revitalised bathrooms, and up-to-date heating systems for better efficiency. The area’s suburban character still means potential constraints, such as reserved street parking or rules on skip permits, which need to be factored into scheduling and budgets. All in all, Ealing homeowners who combine meticulous planning with reputable trades often achieve a stylish, spacious upgrade aligned with modern needs—and benefit from a home that remains highly desirable in west London’s competitive property market.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

The square metre costs cited above provide an initial guideline, but several considerations can shift final amounts notably.

Size
Pricing is commonly quoted per m², and overall building area will naturally greatly affects total cost. In Ealing, a larger 1930s house wspread costs more efficiently compared to a small terrace with fewer rooms.

Complexity
The complexity of the building, such as how many bathrooms or special features it holds, can noticeably escalate expenses. More elaborate design elements lead to higher budgets.

Number of bathrooms
Wet rooms are invariably pricier to renovate than typical living areas. According to the Federation of Master Builders, a fully overhauled bathroom—fixtures included—usually ranges £20,000–£32,000 based on scale. Kitchens also raise the per-m² cost, relative to straightforward bedrooms.

Structural modifications
When contractors must alter load-bearing components, expenditures climb compared to switching just partition walls. These structural changes often demand professional design assistance and official permission, amplifying the overall figure.

Materials
Material selection is one domain where property owners hold considerable sway. Standard building materials may not yield huge savings, but high-end kitchen or bathroom fittings vary greatly in price.

Choice of contractor
Finally, who carries out the work is crucial. Gathering multiple quotes, verifying references, and checking professional memberships is time well spent. TrustMark or Federation of Master Builders listings can help identify qualified teams.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Identifying precisely what’s in the contractor’s quote at the start prevents misunderstandings. Typically, it covers all tasks set out in the complete renovation, encompassing every trade and core materials. “Finishing materials,” however, might be an exception.

Finishing materials refer to items like kitchen units, bathroom fixtures, toilets, taps, flooring, and tile. This category sees major cost differentials based on personal taste. A modest kitchen might be around £5,000, yet a bespoke design runs into tens of thousands. Installation often isn’t included in the initial quote, incurring about £1,000 to £3,000 depending on scope.

Flooring and tiling similarly come under finishing. Price tags begin at £20 per m² and can soar into hundreds for premium choices. Special deals or trade discounts can yield considerable savings.

Bathrooms also carry broad cost ranges. As with kitchens, your contractor might offer favourable supplier rates, but exploring multiple showrooms is prudent. A small bathroom may cost around £1,000 at the lowest end, but most invest more for upgraded comfort. Fitting those fixtures should be part of the builder’s labour.

Residents note that Ealing contractors with local know-how can streamline permissions or design choices, lowering stress in large-scale renovation plans.

Cost Breakdwon

Earlier, we covered the per-m² estimate for a total renovation. Below is a sample cost distribution for a 230 m² detached house dealing with both interior and exterior revamps. Use it only to understand approximate figures:

Price from contractor (labour + materials):

• Replacing windows (20 units + delivery): £27,000
• Installing new exterior window opening: £3,200
• Upgrading external cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof replacement: £21,500
• Drainage works: £12,800
• Bathroom (excluding tiles/fixtures, includes plumber): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber included): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber included): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• New plumbing throughout: £18,400
• External door + patio door: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Interior surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transition strips: £2,000
• Full electrical installation: £29,600
• Single garage (attached): £14,400
• Waste management: £4,800
• Demolition, site preparation, scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Total (Contractor): £300,800

Homeowner’s own purchases:

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

Grand total: £346,000

Overall, that works out at roughly £1,500 per square metre, slightly under average for a project covering internal and external improvements of a detached home.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

A comprehensive refurbishment must satisfy Building Regulations for safety, energy, and legality. Always consult local Building Control prior to starting.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing load-bearing walls, modifying chimney breasts, or forming new openings. This relates to Part A (Structure). Typically involves a structural engineer’s design.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding or relocating bathrooms must comply with Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Any rewiring or installing circuits in bathrooms/kitchens should meet Part P. Certified electricians or inspections are mandatory.
• Heating systems – Putting in or replacing boilers, radiators, or fireplaces must align with Part J (combustion) and Part L (efficiency). Gas boilers require Gas Safe certification.
• Windows/doors – Replacements have to meet thermal (Part L) and safety glazing (Part K) standards. FENSA or CERTASS registration streamlines approvals.
• Garage/basement conversions – Transforming these spaces into liveable rooms always needs Building Regulations sign-off (insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, ventilation).

In Ealing, integrated garages on 1930s houses are frequently converted to work-from-home offices, requiring compliance with building regs.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Large open-plan extensions or layouts may demand specific doors or alarms to keep escape routes intact.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms require extractor systems.
• Insulation + Efficiency (Part L) – Major renovation typically entails increasing insulation levels in roofs, walls, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Creating fresh living units or converting outbuildings might require acoustic measures.

You may submit detailed Full Plans in advance or opt for a Building Notice if the work is simpler. A completion certificate is granted once the job passes inspections.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission stands apart from Building Regulations. Most interior refits do not demand approval, unless:

• Listed buildings – Any work affecting a listed home’s character, interior or exterior, needs Listed Building Consent.
• External changes – Adding new windows, re-roofing, or shifting cladding materials might require permission, especially in conservation zones.
• Change of use – Splitting a house into multiple flats or changing from residential to commercial usage.
• Extensions/loft conversions – Standard interior work is fine, but extending the footprint or lifting the roofline usually triggers an application.

Various parts of Ealing, such as around Ealing Green, have conservation restrictions so even modest exterior alterations might require consultation with the planning authority.

For straightforward interior renovations—redesigning layouts, upgrading kitchens/bathrooms, or painting—planning permission isn’t normally required unless you’re in a listed or heavily protected spot. Still, it’s prudent to contact your council if unsure.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Selecting dependable, experienced professionals underpins a successful renovation. Although some less reputable trades operate, the majority of building companies are capable and have a track record of full refurbishments. In the UK, organisations including TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders provide accreditation. TrustedBuilders checks finances, certifications, and references, connecting homeowners with the best contractor for their job.

You can arrange work differently, depending on your understanding of construction. Some clients hire each specialist individually, but others choose a main contractor for overall control—one firm managing subcontractors. This option eases communication and ensures the entire renovation follows a single plan. If you do break up tasks, you’ll become the project manager, engaging more closely with scheduling and coordination.

Checklist for Home Renovation

• Define exactly what you hope to achieve
• Consider financing methods
• Draw up a realistic budget, including contingencies
• Learn which Building Regulations apply
• Check if planning permission is required
• Solicit multiple quotes (ideally three or more)
• Verify references, credit checks, and accreditations
• Hire trustworthy trades or a principal contractor
• Establish a feasible timeline
• Keep communication channels open at all stages

Regardless of which path you take, getting various quotes helps you compare both cost and credentials. Through TrustedBuilders, you can find qualified trades with solid references and fair pricing, ensuring a smoother renovation outcome.