Interior, Exterior, or Both

When structuring your renovation, consider whether you’re dealing with the interior, exterior, or undertaking both, as that affects cost levels.

Interior Renovation

A complete interior renovation, also known as interior refurbishment, goes beyond mere decoration. It entails redoing floors, walls, ceilings, and upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics.In Kingston, many interwar or 1960s semis benefit from a full internal overhaul to produce open-plan living spaces that align with modern family needs.

Drawing on industry data and done projects, basic interior refurbishments might start near £650 per m², while high-spec or larger jobs can reach £2,000 per m². A typical figure is £1,100 per m², encompassing all expenses, including materials you buy directly. Actual spending may shift dramatically, influenced by personal preferences and site complexities.

Exterior renovation

An exterior renovation can include:

• Drainage improvements
• Boosting insulation
• Re-pointing or rendering facades
• Re-cladding or painting
• Roof work
• Installing updated doors and windows

Prices can vary widely, based on property scale, materials, storeys, local labour costs, and structural repairs. Usually, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is the norm. Some simpler tasks might be £250–£400, whereas premium or intricate solutions could exceed £700–£1,200+ per m². Near Kingston riverside, older brick exteriors might require careful re-pointing or external insulation to cope with damp from the Thames environment.

Both interior and exterior

Renovating both the inside and outside greatly increases overall cost. Such projects generally start at £1,500 per m², sometimes hitting £3,500 per m² for detailed proposals. It’s still commonly cheaper than building anew, as the core structure and foundations remain. Industry data suggests new builds in the UK cost roughly £2,600 per m², including VAT, which serves as a comparison point.

Complete Home Renovation in Kingston

Renovating a home in Kingston combines suburban living with riverside charm. Properties around Kingston upon Thames can include 1930s semis, Victorian terraces in the older centre, or modern developments near the Bentall Centre. Many residents carry out interior updates to open up smaller kitchens and lounges for more sociable layouts, reflecting the area’s growing population of families and professionals commuting into London.

Cost in Kingston

Labour costs track with general Greater London rates—higher than the national norm but still often below inner boroughs. If your property is by the river or in a conservation zone such as Coombe, external modifications (like re-roofing or cladding) may require prior council review. Simple interior refurbishments, however, typically don’t need planning permission unless major structural changes are made or the building is listed. Insulation upgrades or new energy-efficient windows remain especially beneficial in older Kingston houses, given the area’s sometimes chilly, damp winter climate.

Whether you own a mid-century semi in Tolworth or a period home near Kingston Bridge, a carefully orchestrated renovation can markedly enhance comfort and future property value. Upgrading plumbing or electrics as part of a total refurbishment ensures the home meets contemporary standards—something increasingly essential as families seek modern amenities. By enlisting tradespeople familiar with Kingston housing styles, you’re likely to get more accurate quotes and timetables. Ultimately, a well-planned refurbishment in Kingston fuses suburban convenience and scenic riverside living with up-to-date interior design.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

Though the per-square-metre benchmarks offer an overall gauge, many components can adjust your final bill considerably.

Size
Costs commonly appear per m², and a property’s entire size influences the total spend greatly. ‍

Complexity
Any house with many bathrooms or elaborate structural quirks costs more. A basic layout entails fewer labour hours and simpler processes.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms typically top renovation budgets. Per the Federation of Master Builders, an all-inclusive bathroom redo often lies £20,000–£32,000. Kitchens also raise average costs more than bedrooms or living rooms.

Structural modifications
If your contractor must adapt load-bearing walls or other essential supports, you’ll pay more than if only moving non-structural elements. This type of work may require engineering input and official checks.

Materials
This is where you as the owner wield influence. Standard building supplies differ little, but premium or designer fittings in kitchens or bathrooms can significantly swell the total.

Choice of contractor
Ultimately, who does the job matters hugely. Seek multiple quotes, look up references, and confirm accreditation. Federation of Master Builders or TrustMark can help locate trusted specialists.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Confirm at the outset exactly what the quote includes. Normally, it captures the entire renovation’s labour across all trades plus essential materials. “Finishing materials,” however, may not be covered.

Those finishing materials typically involve kitchen units, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, flooring, and tiles. As discussed, cost differences here can be huge. You could buy a simple kitchen for £5,000, whereas bespoke ranges cost tens of thousands. Installation often runs £1,000–£3,000, handled separately.

Flooring and tiling also count as finishing. Sticking to budget lines or sourcing deals can trim overall costs. Basic tile is about £20 per m², with luxury lines costing a good deal more.

Bathrooms present a similar price range. Contractors might pass on supplier discounts, but comparing a few vendors never hurts. A very basic small bathroom might land near £1,000, but many spend considerably more for added comfort. Typically, the contractor’s labour quote includes fitting these items.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve discussed the square metre approach to gauging complete renovation costs. Below is an example from a 230 m² detached residence seeing both interior and exterior works. Actual figures vary per project, but this example provides a baseline:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Window replacements (20 + delivery): £27,000
• Creating a new exterior window opening: £3,200
• Replacing cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof renewal: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, includes plumber): £19,000
• WC 1 (with plumber): £3,600
• WC 2 (with plumber): £3,600
• Utility room (with plumber): £10,800
• Replumbing the entire house: £18,400
• External + patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Interior surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Electrical work (whole house): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste management: £4,800
• Demolition/site prep/scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Total (Contractor): £300,800

Owner’s personal purchases:

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

Complete total: £346,000

That equates to ~£1,500 per m², slightly under typical benchmarks for a dual interior-exterior refurbishment.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Major remodels must comply with Building Regulations for safety, energy, and legality. Always consult your local Building Control prior to commencement.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing load-bearing walls, modifying chimney breasts, or creating new door/window openings under Part A. Usually needs an engineer’s input.
• Bathrooms/plumbing – Adding new bathrooms or relocating drains must align with Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or putting in circuits, particularly in wet areas, must meet Part P (Electrical Safety). A qualified electrician or building control oversight is mandatory.
• Heating – Installing or swapping boilers, fireplaces, or radiators must follow Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas boiler installations require Gas Safe certification.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must satisfy Part L (thermal) and Part K (safety). FENSA/CERTASS commonly handle these checks.
• Garage/basement conversions – Converting these to habitable rooms requires checks on insulation, ventilation, fire safety, etc.

In Kingston, garages attached to older suburban homes often become additional bedrooms or home offices, subject to building control compliance.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Open-plan arrangements might need additional fire doors or alarms for safe escape paths.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas require extractor fans.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Large overhauls usually involve raising insulation performance in walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a house into flats or converting lofts/garages might necessitate acoustic insulation measures.

You can file either a Full Plans application for prior confirmation or a Building Notice for simpler work. A completion certificate finalises once everything passes

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning consent is distinct from Building Regulations. Most internal refurbishments need no permission unless:

• Listed buildings – Changes affecting a listed building’s character, inside or out, require Listed Building Consent.
• External modifications – Cutting new openings, re-roofing, or changing cladding often calls for permission, especially in conservation areas.
• Change of use – Converting a single house into multiple flats or from residential to commercial.
• Extensions or loft conversions – Interior reworks typically skip planning, but outward or upward expansions typically don’t.

In Kingston, zones near the riverside or older conservation pockets may impose extra rules on visible external changes.

For standard internal changes—like redoing kitchens, bathrooms, or aesthetics—planning permission is generally not required. However, verifying with local planning authority is recommended if in doubt.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Selecting a capable, trustworthy building team is crucial for a hassle-free renovation. Though some subpar companies exist, many reputable firms regularly tackle entire refurbishments successfully. TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders verify professional standards, while TrustedBuilders checks finances, accreditations, and references, pairing you with a suitable fit.

Depending on your experience, you can either hire each trade individually or opt for a main contractor to oversee it all. The latter approach simplifies communication, though the former might cost less but demands more active coordination on your part.

In Kingston, local community networks frequently share builder recommendations, especially for typical suburban houses that dominate the borough.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Define your renovation scope and desired outcomes
2. Investigate financing options
3. Construct a budget, including a contingency
4. Check Building Regulations
5. Determine if planning permission is applicable
6. Acquire multiple quotes (3 minimum)
7. Validate references, credit, and accreditations
8. Hire accredited, reliable trades
9. Agree on a realistic schedule
10. Sustain regular communication with contractors

Regardless of your strategy, collecting multiple bids helps weigh both cost and trustworthiness. Through TrustedBuilders, you’ll find teams that offer fair prices and proven records, streamlining the refurbishment journey.