Interior, Exterior, or Both

When calculating refurbishment expenses, it helps to separate interior improvements, exterior work, or a combination of both.

Interior refurbishment

A complete interior renovation—sometimes referred to as an interior refurbishment—generally encompasses upgrading floors, walls, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, plus plumbing and electrics if required. This exceeds a light decorative revamp.

Based on industry data and finished projects, more compact interior revamps might cost around £650 per m², whereas larger or premium ones can approach £2,000 per m². Commonly, about £1,100 per m² serves as an overall average, factoring in all job expenses plus materials homeowners buy themselves. Real totals differ widely, shaped by decisions made during the project. In Fulham, older Victorian or Edwardian terraces regularly gain value from thorough interior refurbishments that marry period charm with modern features.

Exterior renovation

An exterior renovation can include:

• Drainage alterations
• Insulation upgrades
• Re-pointing brick or stone
• Re-rendering or cladding
• Roof overhaul
• Replacing external doors and windows

Expenses vary enormously, tied to materials chosen, overall property size, storey count, location, and potential structural repairs. Usually, you might see £400–£700 per m² (wall area). More rudimentary schemes can be £250–£400, while premium or intricate styles could exceed £700–£1,200+ per m². Around Fulham, stucco-fronted houses are common, so external work may require specialist finishes to maintain a uniform street appearance.

Both interior and exterior

Undertaking both interior and exterior escalates costs significantly. A combined project often starts near £1,500 per m², heading up to £3,500 per m² for complicated undertakings. Yet it remains cheaper than constructing anew, as foundations and core structures stay. Industry data shows a new build in the UK typically runs ~£2,600 per m² including VAT, a useful reference for comparing.

Complete Home Renovation in Fulham

Carrying out a refurbishment in Fulham combines upscale city living with a heritage aesthetic that many property owners want to maintain. Streets like Fulham Road and Parsons Green boast vibrant communities where period terraces and mansion blocks nestle alongside modern developments. Homeowners frequently reconfigure cramped ground floors to form airy, open-plan kitchen-diners—ideal for entertaining guests who appreciate the borough’s cosmopolitan flair.

Given Fulham’s status as part of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, expect somewhat higher labour costs than more outer areas, yet still below prime central zones. If your property is near the Thames or specific conservation areas (like around Hurlingham Park), external changes might require extra scrutiny by the council. Meanwhile, many owners see interior renovations as a chance to boost property value in a highly desirable postcode. Luxury bathrooms, bespoke kitchens, and energy-efficient upgrades can resonate with Fulham’s housing market, which remains competitive.

Sustainability enhancements, such as better insulation or advanced heating systems, continue to gain traction, reflecting interest in lowering energy bills. Contractors in Fulham are experienced with older brick façades, bay windows, and architectural flourishes that need specialised care. By entrusting the job to a locally knowledgeable team, you can balance period aesthetics with modern convenience. Ultimately, a well-executed refurbishment in Fulham aligns timeless elegance with contemporary living, enhancing both comfort and long-term resale value.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

The per-square-metre ranges mentioned earlier act as a baseline, though many elements shift the final total considerably.

Size

Project size is usually the most important factor in terms of cost.

‍Complexity
If the house layout or features are intricate, you can expect costs to rise. Extra bathrooms, niche detailing, or unusual designs inflate labour time.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms remain among the costliest areas to refit. According to the Federation of Master Builders, a fully inclusive bathroom renovation commonly varies £20,000–£32,000. Kitchens similarly push average costs upward compared to bedrooms.

Structural modifications
Where builders must remove load-bearing walls or rework structural supports, expenses climb beyond reorganising small partitions. Such modifications typically need professional plans and possibly planning approval.

Materials
Here, owners have the biggest influence. Standard building components don’t shift much in price, but upgrading to premium fittings for kitchens or bathrooms can dramatically alter the project’s total.

Choice of contractor
Finally, who you hire matters enormously. Request multiple quotes, check references, and confirm that they’re accredited. TrustMark, the Federation of Master Builders, or resources like TrustedBuilders help you locate reputable teams.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Clearly stating which items the contractor’s bid covers in the beginning is critical. Normally, it accounts for all planned renovation tasks, including trades and standard materials. However, finishing materials might sit outside this scope.

Kitchen units, bathroom sets, taps, toilets, and flooring typically fall under finishing items. As mentioned, these can vary widely in price, depending on personal taste. A simple kitchen might be around £5,000, while bespoke solutions could cost tens of thousands. Installation usually sits around £1,000–£3,000 if arranged via the kitchen supplier.

Tiles and flooring also land in this group. Hunting for bargains or leveraging the contractor’s trade links may bring costs down. Basic tiling might be ~£20 per m², climbing far higher for upscale variants.

Bathrooms likewise exhibit a wide price spectrum. Contractors might propose favourable supplier terms, but you should still compare deals. A small, basic bathroom might total £1,000, yet most prefer to spend more on modern conveniences. Installation labour tends to be included in the main quote.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We examined how per-m² figures guide overall renovation costs. Below is an example from a 230 m² detached house comprehensively upgraded inside and out. Actual pricing differs from project to project, but it provides a frame of reference:

Price from contractor (labour + materials):

• Replacing windows (20 units + delivery): £27,000
• Installing new external window opening: £3,200
• Changing external cladding + insulation: £33,000
• New roof: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, plumber included): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber included): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber included): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• New plumbing total: £18,400
• External & patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation system: £9,600
• Surfaces (walls, floors, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Electrical (whole home): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste disposal: £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, hallway: £4,800
• Bathroom fixtures (1 main + 2 WCs): £6,400
• Kitchen units: £24,000
• Flooring: £10,000
  Subtotal (Self-bought): £45,200

Overall: £346,000

Hence, the project settled at roughly £1,500 per m², somewhat under standard rates for a dual interior-exterior refurbishment.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Major works must satisfy Building Regulations for safety, energy, and statutory compliance. Always contact Building Control prior to commencing.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural changes – Removing or modifying load-bearing walls, cutting new openings, or handling chimney breasts (Part A – Structure). A structural engineer’s plan is often vital.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding a bathroom or re-routing pipes triggers drainage (Part H) and ventilation (Part F).
• Electrical – Rewiring or installing circuits, particularly in kitchens/bathrooms, must meet Part P (Electrical Safety). Certified electricians handle sign-off.
• Heating – New or replaced boilers, radiators, or fireplaces must comply with Part J (combustion) and Part L (efficiency). Gas Safe registration is mandatory for gas systems.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must meet Part L (insulation) and Part K (safety). FENSA or CERTASS often covers these requirements.
• Garage/basement conversions – Changing these areas to living quarters needs oversight for insulation, fire safety, and damp-proofing.

In Fulham, some terraced houses feature basements that can be converted into gyms or media rooms, requiring robust building control approvals.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – If going open-plan, fire doors or alarms may be mandated for safe escape corridors.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Extraction fans must be fitted in kitchens, WCs, and utility spaces.
• Insulation/Energy (Part L) – Larger refurbishments typically raise overall insulation to modern standards.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a home or converting a loft often requires acoustic treatments.

Either submit a Full Plans application prior to work or use a Building Notice if the project is simpler. A completion certificate is issued after final inspections pass.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission differs from Building Regulations. Most interior makeovers don’t need permission unless:

• Listed buildings – Any changes impacting a listed structure’s character, inside or out, need Listed Building Consent.
• External alterations – Introducing new windows, re-roofing, or cladding can require approval, especially in conservation zones.
• Change of use – If converting from single dwelling to multiple flats or changing to commercial usage.
• Extensions or loft conversions – While interior revamps alone generally avoid planning scrutiny, outward expansions or raising rooflines often need formal consent.

Many Fulham streets fall into conservation areas, so adjusting a front façade or roof might be restricted without prior council permission.

Ordinary internal layout changes, bathroom/kitchen revamps, and redecoration rarely need planning approval. Still, verifying with your local authority ensures no unexpected hurdles.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Opting for skilled, trustworthy tradespeople is vital for a smooth refurbishment. Though substandard operators exist, numerous construction firms perform large-scale renovations capably. TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders register contractors who meet standards. TrustedBuilders checks finances, qualifications, and references to match homeowners with appropriate experts.

You might hire individual trades on your own, or more commonly, choose a main contractor to manage the entire scope. The latter option streamlines communication and ensures oversight of subcontractors. If you split the job among different contractors, you’ll likely be more involved in daily coordination.

Fulham locals sometimes rely on personal referrals in community groups, pinpointing builders used to dealing with the area’s period terraces and heritage façades.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Clearly plan your renovation vision
2. Explore financing avenues
3. Draft a budget, allocating for contingencies
4. Identify applicable Building Regulations
5. Check if planning permission is required
6. Collect at least three quotes
7. Evaluate references, credit checks, and accreditations
8. Hire accredited, reliable tradespeople
9. Agree on a realistic schedule
10. Remain in close dialogue with your contractor(s)

Regardless of approach, multiple quotes help you weigh both cost and reliability. Using TrustedBuilders simplifies the process of finding quality-assured professionals with fair pricing and proven records.