How Much Does Home Renovation in Kensington Cost?

When contemplating renovation costs, it’s helpful to identify whether your project covers only the interior, only the exterior, or both.

Interior Renovation

A complete interior renovation, often referred to as an interior refurbishment, generally includes replacing or renewing floors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics. It’s more involved than a simple decorative uplift. In Kensington, older period flats often gain from complete interior updates that combine luxury finishes with preserved architectural details, reflecting the borough’s prestigious vibe.

According to industry data and actual projects, smaller interior upgrades might cost around £650 per m², with larger or high-end schemes reaching £2,000 per m². On average, £1,100 per m² is a frequently cited figure, covering overall costs, including any materials sourced by the homeowner. Real-world totals vary widely, shaped by design choices and unforeseen conditions.

Exterior Renovation

An exterior renovation might consist of:

• Drainage adjustments
• Adding or improving insulation
• Re-pointing masonry
• Re-rendering or cladding
• Roof repairs or replacements
• Installing upgraded doors and windows

Prices vary substantially, depending on materials, the property’s scale, floor count, location, and any repairs. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is standard. Simpler works might be around £250–£400 per m², while more premium or elaborate solutions can exceed £700–£1,200+ per m². In Kensington, stucco-fronted terraces near Holland Park often need specialist re-rendering to retain uniform streetscapes in conservation areas.

Both

When tackling both interior and exterior, costs naturally climb. A combined refurbishment commonly begins at £1,500 per m², escalating to around £3,500 per m² for more intricate plans. Still, it’s often cheaper than building anew because fundamental structures remain. Industry data indicates new builds in the UK frequently cost about £2,600 per m² including VAT, a benchmark when weighing a total overhaul.

Complete Home Renovation in Kensington

Undertaking a major renovation in Kensington presents the opportunity to merge luxury features with heritage architecture. This exclusive area features elegant Victorian and Georgian terraces, plus modern developments closer to high-end shopping streets. Homeowners often reconfigure interiors to create open, spacious zones reflecting contemporary tastes, yet must be mindful of external alterations that might need conservation approval—especially near areas like Kensington Palace or the Royal Borough’s many listed streets.

High Prices

Labour costs here are among the highest in London, given the premium environment and greater property values. However, a well-executed renovation can boost future resale significantly, aligning with a market that values high-spec bathrooms and bespoke kitchens. If your house lies in a conservation area, external changes—such as re-cladding or a new dormer—may require extra steps with the local council. Internally, though, owners typically enjoy more freedom to introduce smart home systems, underfloor heating, or integrated storage.

Period features such as original plaster cornices, bay windows, or decorative ironwork can be restored or upgraded as part of a thorough refurbishment, merging tradition with modern comfort. Meanwhile, an emphasis on energy efficiency has grown, prompting many homeowners to add improved insulation or advanced glazing to older structures. By working with contractors accustomed to Kensington’s unique aesthetic and planning context, you’ll likely avoid unexpected setbacks or misaligned design. Ultimately, a thoughtful, meticulously planned renovation in Kensington unites the borough’s sophisticated heritage with state-of-the-art living standards.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

Though per-square-metre figures can provide a ballpark, several key factors can raise or reduce your final total considerably.

Size
Size is decisive for the final price, quite naturally. In Kensington, larger townhouses may be costly, and multiple floors can also add to complexity and labour requirements.

Complexity
If a property has many bathrooms, period cornices, or distinctive structural features, expect increased time and resources, pushing up expenses relative to simpler layouts.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms remain among the highest-cost rooms. The Federation of Master Builders suggests a fully furnished bathroom can land between £20,000 and £32,000, depending on finishes. Kitchens similarly hike the average more than basic living areas.

Structural modifications
When contractors address load-bearing walls or similar elements, costs surpass simpler internal partition changes. Such modifications usually need engineering plans and local approval.

Materials
Material choices, especially for kitchens and bathrooms, can significantly shift the budget. Standard building supplies exhibit modest cost variation, but premium fixtures or specialist finishes can widen the total drastically.

Choice of contractor
Finally, who executes the work has a major impact. Get multiple quotes, check references, and confirm memberships in groups like TrustMark or the Federation of Master Builders. TrustedBuilders can also help pair you with reliable professionals.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Spelling out exactly what’s in the builder’s proposal is crucial. Commonly, it covers the stated refurbishment works, spanning labour for all trades and standard construction resources. However, “finishing materials” might be separate.

Those finishing materials typically include kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, taps, toilets, flooring, and tile. As discussed, costs in these areas can fluctuate hugely. A simple kitchen might be £5,000, while bespoke designs exceed tens of thousands. Kitchen fitting, often handled by the supplier, may cost £1,000–£3,000.

Flooring and tiling also count as finishing. Keeping an eye on promotions or using contractor trade discounts can yield substantial savings. Basic tile could start at £20 per m², with premium options costing more.

Bathrooms show a similarly broad price spectrum. Contractors may have deals with specific suppliers, yet shopping around is wise. A small bathroom might be around £1,000 if very basic, but many invest more for upscale comfort. Installation labour usually appears in the main quote.

In Kensington, high-end bathrooms often incorporate marble tiles, exclusive fittings, or underfloor heating to match the area’s luxurious feel.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve touched on how square metre figures can hint at overall expense. Here’s a sample breakdown from a 230 m² detached home that had interior-exterior updates. Actual figures vary across projects, but this illustrates typical allocations:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 + delivery): £27,000
• Creating a new window in the exterior wall: £3,200
• External cladding + insulation upgrade: £33,000
• Roof overhaul: £21,500
• Drainage improvements: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, plumber incl.): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber included): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber included): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• New plumbing system: £18,400
• External/patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Surfaces (walls/floors/ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Electrical (whole house): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste disposal: £4,800
• Demolition, site prep, scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Subtotal (Contractor): £300,800

Owner’s purchases:

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

Combined overall: £346,000

Hence, the entire project totalled around £1,500 per m², somewhat below average for a comprehensive internal-external scheme.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Large-scale home improvements must comply with Building Regulations, ensuring they meet safety, energy, and statutory requirements. Always speak with Building Control before commencing.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural modifications – Removing load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new openings (Part A). A structural engineer’s plan is generally needed.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding bathrooms or moving drains should satisfy Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or additional circuits, especially in wet areas, must conform to Part P (Electrical Safety). A registered electrician or building control inspection is mandatory.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, fireplaces, or radiators must align with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe engineers do gas boiler work.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must comply with Part L (thermal) and Part K (safety). FENSA/CERTASS typically handle these verifications.
• Garage/basement conversions – Turning these areas into living rooms triggers requirements for insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, and ventilation.

In Kensington, basement excavations or conversions can be more complex due to concerns over subsidence and local restrictions, requiring thorough checks.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Open-plan designs might require special fire doors or alarm systems to keep escape corridors safe.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Extractor fans are essential in kitchens, WCs, and utility rooms.
• Insulation & Efficiency (Part L) – Larger refurbishments usually incorporate upgraded wall, roof, and window insulation.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a home into flats or converting lofts/garages for living may entail acoustic insulation.

You can submit a Full Plans application or a Building Notice if simpler. A completion certificate confirms final compliance after inspection.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission is separate from Building Regulations. Most internal renovations do not need it unless they involve:

• Listed buildings – Alterations that affect a listed home’s character require Listed Building Consent.
• External works – Inserting new windows, re-roofing, or cladding in conservation zones may need official approval.
• Change of use – For instance, from a single dwelling to multiple flats.
• Extensions/loft conversions – Though internal rearrangements normally skip permission, outward expansions or raising the roof typically do not.

In Kensington, strict conservation rules near Kensington Palace or other protected streets can restrict facade modifications heavily.

Purely internal updates—like bathroom or kitchen refits, or redecorating—generally bypass planning approval. Nonetheless, confirm with local planning if you’re unsure.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Selecting capable, trustworthy trades is fundamental for a smooth renovation. Though certain poor operators exist, many reputable building companies manage large refurbs effectively. In the UK, TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders register vetted trades, while TrustedBuilders performs checks on credit, accreditation, and references to find a suitable contractor for your project.

You may hire trades individually or use a main contractor who oversees everyone. The latter method centralises responsibility and simplifies communications. If you split tasks, you’ll handle coordination across various specialists.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Define your renovation scope and plans
2. Explore financing options
3. Develop a realistic budget, including contingency
4. Research applicable Building Regulations
5. Confirm if planning permission is required
6. Get multiple quotes (3 or more)
7. Evaluate references, credit rating, and accreditations
8. Hire reputable, accredited contractors
9. Agree on a workable schedule
10. Maintain clear communication with your builder(s)

Whatever approach you pick, collecting multiple quotes ensures balanced costs and reliable standards. Through TrustedBuilders, you can find companies offering transparent, proven expertise.