Interior, Exterior, or Both

When thinking about renovation costs, determine if your focus is interior, exterior, or both, as that shapes your total outlay.

Interior Renovation

A complete interior renovation, also known as an interior refurbishment, generally requires redoing floors, walls, ceilings, plus installing new bathrooms, kitchens, plumbing, and electrics. This goes well beyond basic redecorating. In Hounslow, 1930s semi-detached homes frequently undergo interior remodels that integrate open-plan kitchens for contemporary family living.

From industry data and real jobs, smaller interior efforts might begin at £650 per m², with larger, upmarket tasks hitting £2,000 per m². A commonly cited average is roughly £1,100 per m², accounting for everything, including any homeowner-purchased materials. Actual totals vary widely, based on personal selections and onsite hurdles.

Exterior Renovation

An exterior renovation may involve:

• Drainage fixes
• Added insulation
• Re-pointing or repairing brick
• Rendering or cladding
• Roof replacement or repair
• Installing new doors and windows

Costs here vary greatly due to material type, property scale, storey count, location, and repair level. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is normal. Simpler undertakings could fall to £250–£400, whereas intricate or premium solutions can surpass £700–£1,200 per m². In Hounslow, many suburbs feature brick exteriors that might simply need re-pointing or new insulation layers to meet modern standards.

Both Interior and Exterior

Renovating both inside and outside naturally increases the price substantially. Such combined projects often start near £1,500 per m², sometimes rising to £3,500 per m² for complex layouts. Still, it’s typically cheaper than building anew, given that foundations and structural frames stay intact. According to industry data, new builds in the UK usually cost about £2,600 per m² with VAT, which can be used as a reference point for comprehensive refurbishments.

Complete Home Renovation in Hounslow

Renovating a property in Hounslow enables you to balance suburban comfort with a location that’s well-connected by the Piccadilly line and various bus routes. Housing here ranges from early 20th-century terraces around Hounslow Central to newer developments near the town centre. Homeowners often opt to open up ground floors and install modern kitchens, catering to the diverse population that favours spacious, family-friendly layouts. Meanwhile, older exteriors might need fresh rendering or roof updates to boost both energy efficiency and curb appeal.

Labour rates remain in line with broader London expectations—slightly less than central boroughs but still above UK averages. If you own a property near conservation areas such as Osterley Park, changes to external finishes could require extra oversight from the council. However, standard internal refurbishments—like redoing bathrooms or installing a new boiler—rarely need planning permission. Many residents also enhance insulation, double glazing, or central heating systems to handle colder months more effectively.

Whether your goal is an entirely updated semi in Cranford or a terraced home near Hounslow West, thorough planning and skilled local trades can produce notable boosts in both comfort and future resale potential. Loft conversions, in particular, remain popular as they transform unused attics into practical workspaces or spare bedrooms. Overall, a carefully managed renovation in Hounslow merges a relaxed suburban vibe with the convenience of strong transport links, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a modern home environment.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

Though per-square-metre numbers provide a broad measure, several influences can shift your final bill in either direction.

Size
The total amount of space that is being renovated will be the most important cost factor. Bigger dwellings can sometimes access minor cost benefits by distributing setup and overhead more efficiently.

Complexity
Structures boasting multiple bathrooms or intricate layouts entail higher spending, compared to simpler plans. Unique architectural flourishes or heritage features equally push up the budget.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms consistently top renovation cost charts. The Federation of Master Builders estimates a complete bathroom refit might be £20,000–£32,000, influenced by finish level. Kitchens similarly raise average costs more than standard living areas.

Structural modifications
If you remove load-bearing walls or significantly alter structural supports, expect to pay extra. This sort of work often requires a structural engineer and possibly local authority permission, raising the overall total.

Materials
Your choices for fittings and finishes, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, can move the total cost notably. Though base construction materials remain similar, premium fixtures can widen the spending gap.

Choice of contractor
Lastly, the firm you hire crucially shapes cost and results. Obtain multiple quotes, check credentials, and confirm references. Platforms like TrustedBuilders, along with TrustMark or the Federation of Master Builders, help find reputable pros.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Establishing what is and isn’t included in the builder’s bid is vital upfront. Typically, it covers all refurbishment tasks and associated labour, plus basic materials. “Finishing materials,” however, might be excluded.

Kitchen cabinets, bathroom units, taps, toilets, flooring, and tiles often fall under finishing. As previously mentioned, these can vary dramatically in price. A functional kitchen may be around £5,000, while customised or top-tier versions cost tens of thousands. Kitchen installation typically runs £1,000–£3,000, handled by the kitchen supplier or subcontractor.

Similarly, flooring and tiling rank as finishing items. You could find bargains by following store promotions or using trade discounts. A standard tile might be £20 per m², but higher-end lines climb much further.

Bathrooms present an equally broad price range. While contractors might pass on supplier deals, it pays to shop around. A small bathroom might be done for £1,000 if very basic, but many invest more for comfort. The contractor’s labour quote typically covers fitting.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We covered the per-m² cost approach for a total refurbishment. Below is an illustrative breakdown from a 230 m² detached home that underwent both interior and exterior upgrades. Real totals fluctuate, but this shows how you might allocate costs:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 + delivery): £27,000
• Installing a new window opening: £3,200
• Replacing cladding + insulation externally: £33,000
• Roof renewal: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excluding tiles/fixtures, incl. plumber): £19,000
• WC room 1 (with plumber): £3,600
• WC room 2 (with plumber): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• All-new plumbing: £18,400
• External/patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation system: £9,600
• Interior surfaces (walls/floors/ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves/linings/transitions: £2,000
• Electrician (whole property): £29,600
• Single garage (attached): £14,400
• Waste management: £4,800
• Demolition, setup, scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Contractor subtotal: £300,800

Homeowner’s own purchases:

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

Combined total: £346,000

Hence, the renovation closed at ~£1,500 per m², slightly below typical averages for a full-scope project.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Significant home refurbishments must comply with Building Regulations for safety, energy efficiency, and legality. Always speak with local Building Control before commencing.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing or adapting load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new openings (Part A). A structural engineer typically provides calculations.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding or relocating bathrooms must follow Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or installing circuits, particularly in wet areas, must meet Part P (Electrical Safety). A certified electrician or local authority check is mandatory.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, fireplaces, or radiators must align with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe engineers handle gas boiler tasks.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must comply with Part L (thermal) and Part K (glazing safety). FENSA/CERTASS typically handle these checks.
• Garage/basement conversions – Changing these spaces to habitable rooms triggers inspections for insulation, damp-proofing, ventilation, and fire safety.

In Hounslow, converting a garage near Heathrow might involve extra insulation due to aircraft noise, requiring building control sign-off.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Large open-plan layouts can require fire doors or alarms to ensure safe exits.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility spaces each need extractor fans.
• Insulation/Energy (Part L) – Bigger renovation schemes generally incorporate updated insulation for walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a property into multiple units or converting lofts/garages often demands noise insulation measures.

You can submit a Full Plans application to get prior approval or a Building Notice if simpler. A completion certificate is granted after final checks.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning consent differs from Building Regulations. Interior changes don’t often require permission, aside from:

• Listed buildings – Any alteration affecting a listed home’s character needs Listed Building Consent.
• Exterior changes – Cutting new openings, re-roofing, or re-cladding might need approval, particularly in designated areas.
• Change of use – Turning a house into flats or from residential to commercial usage.
• Extensions or loft conversions – Internal works typically avoid planning, but outward expansions or raising rooflines typically require it.

In Hounslow, some streets near Osterley Park or conservation zones might enforce extra conditions on external modifications.

For straightforward kitchen, bathroom, or decorative improvements, planning permission is rarely necessary, although you should confirm with local authorities if uncertain.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Selecting reliable, qualified trades is crucial for a trouble-free renovation. Though substandard providers exist, many established firms handle full makeovers smoothly. TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders endorse trustworthy contractors, while TrustedBuilders verifies credit status, qualifications, and references, guiding you to a suitable choice.

Your approach can vary: you might hire each trade individually or designate a main contractor to coordinate everything. The latter option simplifies project management, though if you split tasks yourself, you might reduce overhead at the cost of extra oversight responsibility.

(Local Mention #10: In Hounslow, community networks or social media often yield recommendations for builders who understand typical suburban homes and local planning nuances.)

Checklist for Home Renovation

• Define your renovation scope and objectives
• Explore financing or loan options
• Draft a budget, with a contingency allowance
• Identify any Building Regulations that apply
• Confirm whether planning permission is needed
• Collect at least three quotes
• Check references, credit, and accreditations
• Choose reputable, accredited trades
• Agree on a realistic timeline
• Maintain open communication with contractors

Whichever path you choose, gathering multiple quotes is essential to balance cost and expertise. TrustedBuilders connects you with reputable teams who offer fair rates and proven track records.