Interior, Exterior, or Both

When appraising renovation expenses, it’s advantageous to split your focus into interior work, exterior work, or both, as each area affects costs differently.

Interior Renovation

A complete interior renovation, sometimes called an interior refurbishment, involves redoing floors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrical. It’s far more than a quick redecoration. In Lewisham, older Victorian terraces commonly undergo interior refits that open up ground-floor layouts, suiting modern tastes for open-plan living.

Industry data and prior examples show smaller interior refurbs might come in near £650 per m², while expansive or upscale ones can top £2,000 per m². An average figure of £1,100 per m² is frequently used, covering overall costs, including materials you might supply. Actual totals shift widely, dictated by style preferences and structural conditions.

Exterior Renovation

An exterior renovation might feature:

• Drainage or gutter improvements
• Insulating walls
• Re-pointing brick
• Rendering or cladding
• Roof replacement or restoration
• Fitting new windows or doors

Expenses vary considerably based on house size, materials, the number of floors, location, and necessary fixes. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is cited. Some simpler exteriors can be £250–£400, whereas premium or complex designs can surpass £700–£1,200+ per m². In Lewisham, some 1930s or mid-century estates might just need updated cladding or re-rendering to revitalise worn facades.

Both

Renovating both inside and outside inflates the final cost greatly. A combined project commonly begins near £1,500 per m², sometimes reaching £3,500 per m² for complicated refurbishments. Nonetheless, it’s still generally cheaper than constructing anew, because foundations and main structures remain. Industry data suggests new builds in the UK usually cost about £2,600 per m², inclusive of VAT—often used as a comparative measure.

Complete Home Renovation in Lewisham

A comprehensive renovation in Lewisham can rejuvenate older properties while making the most of this diverse southeast London borough. Lewisham boasts housing stock ranging from Victorian terraces in areas like Ladywell or Brockley to more modern homes near Catford or Sydenham. Many residents want to combine original character features with contemporary upgrades—turning smaller kitchens into open-plan kitchen-diners or adding an extra bathroom for growing households. If you’re near a conservation area (e.g., Brockley Conservation Area), external tweaks like re-roofing might require more local authority scrutiny.

Premium Prices

Labour costs align with the broader London premium—generally higher than UK averages, though less than the most central boroughs. Modernising older exteriors by re-pointing brick or adding insulation can also improve energy efficiency. Internally, integrating up-to-date boilers or double glazing can cut down heating bills in older Lewisham properties. Planning permission for interior changes is rarely needed unless structural work or listed status is involved.

Whether you’re renovating a Victorian semi near Hilly Fields or a post-war home off Lewisham High Street, thorough planning and trustworthy local trades can significantly enhance comfort and resale value. Loft conversions also feature prominently, transforming attics into living areas or offices. By employing firms that know Lewisham’s array of housing designs, you’ll more likely receive accurate quotes and timely job completion. Ultimately, a methodical renovation in Lewisham can merge the borough’s community feel with modern living standards, creating a home tailored to your current lifestyle needs.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

While per-m² estimates offer an approximate reference, a variety of aspects can tilt your final sum up or down.

Size
The total area greatly influences costs, and quotes are often proved per square metre or square feet.

Complexity
Any property featuring numerous bathrooms or structural peculiarities will demand higher labour time and cost compared to simpler layouts.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms regularly command some of the highest renovation costs. The Federation of Master Builders notes a full bathroom refurbishment generally lands £20,000–£32,000, linked to size and finish. Kitchens similarly raise per-m² costs above standard living rooms.

Structural modifications
Removing load-bearing walls or altering primary supports inflates budgets well beyond rearranging non-structural partitions. Such tasks often need planning checks or engineering advice.

Materials
Here, homeowners exert the most control. Standard construction supplies show limited cost fluctuations, but luxury appliances or bespoke kitchen/bath fittings can expand your overall budget.

Choice of contractor
Finally, selecting a contractor strongly affects cost and outcome. Obtain multiple quotes, review references, and ensure they hold valid accreditation. Membership bodies such as TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders help find dependable teams.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

It’s vital to clarify from the outset what your contractor’s estimate includes. Typically, it encompasses the entire renovation scope—labour for all trades plus essential building materials. “Finishing materials,” though, may be extra.

Finishing items typically comprise kitchen units, bathroom fixtures, taps, toilets, flooring, and tiles. As discussed, these vary greatly. A simple kitchen might be £5,000, whereas custom kitchens can run tens of thousands. Kitchen installation normally costs around £1,000–£3,000, arranged with the supplier.

Likewise, flooring and tiling fall under finishing. You could find bargains by seeking out promotional sales or using trade discounts. Basic tiles might be ~£20 per m², ascending for high-end lines.

Bathrooms share a similarly broad range. Contractors might offer certain supplier deals, yet shopping around is prudent. A petite bathroom can be roughly £1,000 at the low end, but many choose mid-range or higher. Installation work typically belongs in the main labour quote.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve addressed the per-m² approach for total renovation. Below is a sample cost outline from a 230 m² detached property that had both interior and exterior makeovers. While each job differs, it helps illustrate typical allocations:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 replacements + delivery): £27,000
• Creating new external window opening: £3,200
• Re-cladding + insulation externally: £33,000
• Roof refurb: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, plumber incl.): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber incl.): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber incl.): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber incl.): £10,800
• New plumbing throughout: £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
• Electrician (entire 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
  Subtotal (Contractor): £300,800

Homeowner’s direct purchases:

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

Grand total: £346,000

Hence, the project reached about £1,500 per m², slightly below the common midpoint for a project spanning both interior and exterior.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Significant home improvements must align with Building Regulations for safety, energy efficiency, and legality. Always consult Building Control in your local authority prior to starting.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural changes – Removing or adjusting load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new openings typically requires Part A compliance. Structural engineer input is common.
• Bathrooms + plumbing – Adding bathrooms or modifying drainage must meet Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or new circuits in wet areas must satisfy Part P (Electrical Safety). A registered electrician or building control sign-off is mandatory.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, fireplaces, or radiators must align with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe engineers handle boiler work.
• Windows/doors – Replacements require adherence to Part L (thermal) and Part K (safety glazing). FENSA or CERTASS typically handle these checks.
• Garage/basement conversions – Converting these spaces to living quarters triggers approvals for insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, ventilation, etc.

In Lewisham, converting a garage into a hobby room or spare bedroom can be popular, but always requires building control compliance for safety.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Larger open-plan configurations may need specific fire doors or alarm systems for safe escape corridors.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility spaces each require extractor fans.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Big refurbishments normally involve upgrading insulation in walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a property into flats or converting lofts/garages might need noise insulation measures.

You can choose a Full Plans application for prior confirmation or a Building Notice if simpler. A completion certificate arrives after successful final inspections.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission differs from Building Regulations. Typically, internal refurbishments do not require it unless:

• Listed buildings – Any works that affect a listed home’s character, inside or out, need Listed Building Consent.
• External changes – Adding windows, re-roofing, or swapping cladding, especially in conservation zones, may require approval.
• Change of use – Turning a single dwelling into multiple flats or from residential to commercial usage.
• Extensions or loft conversions – Interior reconfiguration usually avoids planning, but outward expansions or roof raises usually do not.

In Lewisham, places like Brockley Conservation Area can impose stricter guidelines on external facade changes, so consulting the council helps.

Purely interior upgrades—new kitchens/bathrooms, or redecoration—rarely need planning permission, though verifying with local authorities if uncertain is best.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Securing reputable, skilled trades is the cornerstone of a successful renovation. Though some dubious operators exist, many reputable contractors routinely oversee extensive refurbishments. TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders register vetted tradespeople, while TrustedBuilders reviews credit and references to match you with suitable experts.

Depending on your knowledge and time, you might hire individual trades or engage a single main contractor. A principal contractor centralises responsibility, though dividing tasks can save a bit if you’re prepared to coordinate schedules and deliveries yourself.

(Local Mention #10: In Lewisham, local recommendation websites or community forums often point homeowners to experienced building teams familiar with typical Victorian or 1930s houses in the borough.)

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Clearly define the scope and goals of your project
2. Investigate financing routes
3. Plan a budget, allowing an extra buffer
4. Check which Building Regulations apply
5. Confirm if planning permission is needed
6. Get at least three quotes
7. Examine references, credit, and professional accreditations
8. Hire trustworthy, approved trades
9. Agree on a realistic timeframe
10. Keep open communication with your contractor

Whichever route you choose, sourcing several quotes helps you weigh pricing and reliability. TrustedBuilders offer an efficient pathway to find contractors with solid credentials and fair rates.