Interior, Exterior, or Both

When exploring renovation costs, it helps to distinguish whether the work is primarily interior, exterior, or both.

Interior refurbishment

A complete interior renovation, also known as an interior refurbishment, usually covers upgrading floors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics. This is more extensive than a straightforward decorative update. In Havering, 1930s or 1950s houses often benefit from reconfiguring ground-floor layouts to produce modern kitchen-diners.

Industry data and real cases suggest simpler interior projects might be around £650 per m², while more elaborate or upscale approaches can near £2,000 per m². On average, expect roughly £1,100 per m², covering labour, materials, and items you may buy personally. Actual spending differs substantially, reflecting personal preferences and site conditions.

Exterior renovation

An exterior renovation can involve:

• Drainage improvements
• Adding insulation
• Re-pointing brickwork
• Re-rendering or cladding
• Roof updates
• Replacing doors and windows

Prices vary according to property size, the number of storeys, chosen materials, site accessibility, and any structural defects. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) applies. On the lower end, £250–£400 may apply; higher-end solutions could surpass £700–£1,200+ per m². Around Havering, certain post-war exteriors might need fresh rendering or insulation to meet modern efficiency standards.

Both interior and exterior

Carrying out both interior and exterior simultaneously raises the project’s cost significantly. A combined renovation generally starts at about £1,500 per m², reaching £3,500 per m² for complex designs. Despite that, it’s still generally cheaper than constructing anew, given that the property’s structural elements stay intact. Industry data indicates new builds in the UK often cost around £2,600 per m² with VAT, handy for comparison.

Complete Home Renovation in Havering

Renovating a property in Havering frequently appeals to families and commuters alike, thanks to the borough’s quieter suburban feel and robust connections into central London—particularly with the Elizabeth line serving Romford. Housing styles in Havering vary from older terraces in places like Rainham to modern flats around Romford’s commercial centre. Many homeowners set out to combine older design features with updated kitchens or living areas, creating a blend of tradition and convenience. Adding ground-floor extensions is a favourite for those wanting extra space, especially as typical garden sizes here can accommodate moderate expansion.

Local labour rates often stay a notch below inner London but remain higher than the national average. If your home is near a conservation area (like parts of Hornchurch or Upminster), external changes could need additional council scrutiny. Internal refurbishments, however, generally don’t require planning permission—unless you’re making substantial structural modifications or your property is listed.

Because many 1930s-1960s builds in Havering lack modern insulation, upgrading walls, windows, and boilers is common, significantly cutting down on heating costs. Loft conversions also appear frequently, adding an extra bedroom or office. In areas like Gidea Park, known for its garden suburb history, you may find architectural guidelines encouraging sympathetic updates that maintain the district’s character. By collaborating with contractors who know local housing types, your project can likely stay on budget and schedule. Overall, a full renovation in Havering merges suburban comfort with a prime location for commuting—making it a rational choice to enhance property value while meeting contemporary standards.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

While per-m² references are a handy baseline, several considerations can tilt your final outlay higher or lower.

Size
Quoting is often per square metre, and the project size is the most important cost factor Big properties might see slightly reduced per-m² rates, thanks to bulk buying and more efficient workflows.

Complexity
A property’s design intricacies, number of bathrooms, and extra details all shape costs. A simpler structure typically runs less expensive than an elaborate one.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms remain significantly pricier than typical rooms. The Federation of Master Builders pegs a full bathroom refit at £20,000–£32,000, depending on size and spec. Kitchens similarly elevate your average per-m² figure more than bedrooms.

Structural modifications
If the builder must handle load-bearing walls or major supports, the budget grows, compared to moving light partitions. Such work commonly demands an engineer’s plans and official consent, adding to costs.

Materials
Homeowners can affect budgets by choosing basic or higher-end finishes for bathrooms, kitchens, and floors. Standard building items might not shift costs drastically, while premium fittings can grow the total.

Choice of contractor
Ultimately, your chosen contractor significantly influences both price and quality. Obtain several quotes, confirm references, and ensure the firm has reputable accreditations. TrustedBuilders, or organisations like TrustMark or the Federation of Master Builders, help in finding vetted trades.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Knowing exactly what’s in a contractor’s bid is crucial at the outset. Typically, it covers all planned work and labour plus core materials. Finishing materials, however, might be the owner’s responsibility.

Such finishing items include kitchen units, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, and various floors or tiles. As mentioned, these can vary massively in price. A standard kitchen may be £5,000, whereas a top-end design could stretch into the tens of thousands. Kitchen installation typically costs £1,000–£3,000 if handled by a specialist supplier.

Flooring and tiling also come under finishing. One can find major deals through store promotions. Basic tiles might be ~£20 per m², escalating for expensive lines.

Bathrooms exhibit a broad cost spectrum. Contractors might offer supplier discounts, yet it’s wise to explore multiple vendors. A modest bathroom might cost only £1,000 if simplistic, but most invest more. Installation labour typically sits within the contractor’s quote.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We examined how per-m² estimates guide you on total expenses. Here is a typical cost division for a 230 m² detached house receiving a complete interior-exterior refurbishment. While specifics differ, it illustrates likely distributions:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Window replacement (20 units + delivery): £27,000
• Adding a new exterior window opening: £3,200
• Changing cladding + insulation externally: £33,000
• Roof renewal: £21,500
• Drainage modifications: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, with plumber): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber included): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber included): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• New plumbing overall: £18,400
• External & patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Interior surfaces (walls/floors/ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Electrical (entire property): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste removal: £4,800
• Demolition/setup/scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Subtotal (Contractor): £300,800

Owner’s separate purchases:

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

Grand total: £346,000

This equates to around £1,500 per m², slightly under the average for a dual interior-exterior renovation.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Major overhauls must conform to Building Regulations, ensuring safety, energy standards, and legal compliance. Consult your council’s Building Control prior to initiating.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing or adapting load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new openings (Part A). Typically requires an engineer’s design.
• Bathrooms + plumbing – Creating new bathrooms or moving drainage must align with Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or installing circuits (especially in bathrooms/kitchens) must comply with Part P (Electrical Safety). A licensed electrician or local sign-off is essential.
• Heating systems – Fitting or replacing boilers, fireplaces, radiators must meet Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe accreditation is mandatory for boiler work.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must satisfy Part L (thermal) and Part K (safety glazing). FENSA/CERTASS generally covers these checks.
• Garage/basement conversions – Turning these spaces into living areas demands compliance with insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, ventilation, etc.

In Havering, residents frequently convert integral garages into expanded living zones, needing thorough oversight for compliance.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – If creating open-plan layouts, extra fire doors or alarm systems might be necessary.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, WCs, and utility rooms need extractor fans.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Large refurbishments usually raise insulation levels for walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a dwelling or converting lofts/garages into habitable areas may trigger acoustic insulation regulations.

You can opt for a Full Plans application or a Building Notice if simpler. A completion certificate is issued once everything passes.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission stands apart from Building Regulations. Generally, internal refurbishments do not require permission unless they involve:

• Listed buildings – Alterations influencing a listed property’s character (in or out) need Listed Building Consent.
• External modifications – Adding windows, altering roofing, or re-cladding often requires council approval, especially in protected zones.
• Change of use – From single dwelling to flats, or from residential to business.
• Extensions or loft conversions – Though interior works alone usually skip planning, building outwards or up typically needs official consent.

In Havering, areas like Hornchurch or Upminster might have local policies restricting changes to the external look of period houses.

Internal layout changes, upgrading kitchens/bathrooms, or redecoration typically avoid planning permission. Still, confirm with local planning if you’re uncertain.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Choosing reputable, capable trades ensures a smooth refurbishment. While some dubious operators exist, numerous building companies capably handle full-scale projects. TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders verify contractor standards, while TrustedBuilders performs background checks to connect you with suitable pros.

Your project management style varies: either hire each trade individually or employ one main contractor to oversee everything. The second approach simplifies communications but might cost slightly more. If you divide tasks, you’ll manage scheduling and oversight yourself.

(Local Mention #10: People in Havering often cite local references or online groups to pinpoint contractors adept at upgrading typical suburban properties in the borough.)

Checklist for Home Renovation

• Outline the renovation scope and aims
• Examine financing or loan possibilities
• Draft a budget with an extra buffer
• Identify Building Regulations
• Check if planning permission is needed
• Get several quotes (3 or more)
• Confirm references, credit, and accreditation
• Hire dependable tradespeople
• Agree on a feasible timescale
• Communicate regularly with contractors

Whichever route you choose, multiple quotes let you weigh costs and credentials. TrustedBuilders simplifies finding quality teams at fair rates, helping ensure a successful outcome.