How Much Does Renovation in Merton Cost?

When working out your renovation budget, it’s helpful to categorise whether you’re focusing on interior, exterior, or both.

Interior Renovation

A complete interior renovation, also known as an interior refurbishment, typically sees floors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics updated. This is more thorough than minimal redecorations. In Merton, many 1930s properties around Morden or Raynes Park are prime for interior transformations that add modern living-dining areas.

Industry data and real experiences indicate that simpler interior projects might cost about £650 per m², while bigger or premium refurbs might near £2,000 per m². On average, £1,100 per m² is commonly cited, encompassing labour, materials, and items procured by you. Actual totals vary widely, reflecting design tastes and structural conditions.

Exterior Renovation

An exterior renovation might comprise:

• Adjusting drainage
• Adding insulation
• Re-pointing brick
• Rendering or cladding
• Roof refurbishments
• Upgrading windows and doors

Costs swing considerably, driven by size, materials, building height, location, and needed fixes. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is usual. Simpler schemes may be £250–£400, while more intricate or luxurious approaches can surpass £700–£1,200+ per m². In Merton, certain streets feature pebble-dash exteriors that might require dedicated re-rendering to harmonise with the borough’s suburban style.

Interior and Exterior

When both interior and exterior works occur together, costs climb. A joint renovation commonly starts at £1,500 per m², ascending to £3,500 per m² for complex tasks. Despite that, it’s generally cheaper than a brand-new build, since foundations and structure remain. Industry data suggests a new-build house in the UK often costs ~£2,600 per m² including VAT—a yardstick for comparing complete refurbishments.

Complete Home Renovation in Merton

Renovating a home in Merton gives you the opportunity to mix suburban tranquillity with modern convenience. This borough includes areas like Wimbledon, with its elegant period homes, as well as more contemporary estates in places like Mitcham. Residents often reorganise ground floors—removing old partitions to accommodate open-plan kitchens or living rooms that suit the bustling, family-oriented culture. Meanwhile, older exteriors might benefit from added insulation or new cladding, bringing energy savings and aesthetic improvements.

Cost in Merton

Labour rates echo London-wide premiums, though still cheaper than the most central boroughs. If you’re renovating near Wimbledon Village or any of Merton’s conservation areas, external changes (like new windows or roof updates) might demand extra planning oversight. Internal refurbishments typically avoid permission unless structural modifications occur. Many Merton homeowners also prioritise upgrading older boilers or adding double glazing, crucial for tackling winters and improving energy efficiency.

Whether your focus is a Victorian terrace near Colliers Wood or a 1930s semi in Raynes Park, a well-planned overhaul can enhance daily comfort and raise property value. By hiring trades accustomed to Merton architecture—spanning period homes to post-war builds—you’ll likely avoid misestimation or unforeseen site conditions. Ultimately, a carefully orchestrated, modernising refurbishment in Merton melds the borough’s suburban calm with contemporary, functional design, ensuring a stylish and family-friendly living environment.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

The per-square-metre estimates provide a rough measure, but multiple elements can nudge your final sum higher or lower.

Size
Contractors often quote on an m² basis, and a home’s total area heavily affects end costs.

Complexity
Buildings with extensive features—multiple bathrooms, architectural quirks—naturally lead to a bigger bill, as labour demands are higher. Straightforward spaces cost less.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms consistently remain the priciest to refurbish. The Federation of Master Builders suggests a complete bathroom can be £20,000–£32,000, depending on spec. Kitchens also elevate average per-m² expenses.

Structural modifications
Altering load-bearing walls or major supports pushes your outlay above simpler reconfigurations. Such tasks often need engineer sign-off and possibly planning checks.

Materials
Material choices have a large impact—budget vs. premium kitchens or bathrooms can widen your total significantly. Core building materials show fewer price extremes than luxury fittings.

Choice of contractor
Your selected firm strongly influences both overall price and results. Gather multiple quotes, verify references, and ensure professional accreditations. Membership bodies like the Federation of Master Builders, help in finding credible experts.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Confirming from the start what the builder’s quote entails prevents confusion later. Generally, it covers labour for all renovation stages plus standard building resources. “Finishing materials,” though, might be outside the quote.

These finishing materials usually include kitchen cabinets, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, flooring, and tiles. As explained, they can range widely. A simple kitchen might be about £5,000, while high-end designs surpass tens of thousands. Kitchen installation typically costs £1,000–£3,000, often handled by the supplier.

Likewise, flooring and tiling count as finishing. By capitalising on promotional offers or a contractor’s discounts, you might reduce costs. Base tile might start at £20 per m², rising with more premium lines.

Bathrooms also run a broad cost spectrum. While contractors may have supplier deals, it’s wise to compare a few. A small, simple bathroom might be £1,000, but many spend more for attractive, comfortable designs. Installation labour typically forms part of the main quote.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve discussed how square metre estimates guide overall budgets. Below is a sample from a 230 m² detached property undergoing both interior and exterior works. While each job differs, it demonstrates potential cost groupings:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

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

Client’s own purchases:

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

Grand total: £346,000

Overall, the project cost works out at about £1,500 per m², somewhat below an average for a dual renovation job.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Extensive home improvements must comply with Building Regulations, addressing safety, energy efficiency, and legality. Always liaise with Building Control before commencing significant works.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural modifications – Removing or adapting load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or adding new openings under Part A. Typically needs a structural engineer’s plan.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding new bathrooms or adjusting drain lines calls for Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation) adherence.
• Electrical – Rewiring or new circuits, especially in wet areas, must meet Part P (Electrical Safety). A certified electrician or building control sign-off is needed.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, radiators, fireplaces must comply with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe engineers handle boiler tasks.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must conform to Part L (insulation) and Part K (safety glazing). FENSA or CERTASS typically manage these.
• Garage/basement conversions – Converting these areas to living space triggers checks for insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, ventilation, etc.

In Merton, garage conversions often appear in areas like Morden or Colliers Wood, helping expand living space without a formal extension, but building control still applies.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – A large open-plan design might require specific fire doors or alarms for safe escape corridors.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms each need extractor fans.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Big renovations normally incorporate improved insulation for walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a house or converting lofts/garages for habitation necessitates noise insulation compliance.

You might submit a Full Plans application or use a Building Notice if simpler. A completion certificate is granted after final inspections confirm compliance.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning consent differs from Building Regulations. Typically, interior renovations don’t require it, except where:

• Listed buildings – Any alterations to a listed home’s character (inside or out) demand Listed Building Consent.
• External modifications – New windows, re-roofing, or different cladding, especially in conservation areas, may require official approval.
• Change of use – Converting a single dwelling to multiple flats or from residential to commercial usage.
• Extensions or loft builds – Although interior reworks might avoid permission, outward expansions or raising roofs typically need it.

In Merton, certain wards near Wimbledon or older village zones have stricter guidelines on exterior changes, so verifying with the council is wise.

For straightforward interior tasks—kitchens, bathrooms, redecoration—planning permission is generally not necessary. However, if uncertain, always check with local planning officials.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Hiring reliable, certified trades is crucial for a smooth renovation. Though some dubious operators exist, many established building companies handle complete overhauls effectively. TrustMark and the Federation of Master Builders confirm accredited contractors, while TrustedBuilders checks finances, credentials, and references, matching you with trustworthy specialists.

You might engage each trade yourself or pick a main contractor to oversee everything. The latter simplifies communication, whereas the former might save some cost but demands a more hands-on role for scheduling and coordination.

In Merton, local community forums frequently help homeowners locate tradespeople accustomed to typical suburban housing and area-specific guidelines.

Checklist for Home Renovation

• Set your renovation scope and objectives
• Investigate financing options
• Draft a budget, leaving space for unexpected costs
• Identify relevant Building Regulations
• Find out if planning permission applies
• Obtain at least three quotes
• Validate references, credit scores, and accreditations
• Hire reputable, accredited trades
• Agree on a workable timeline
• Communicate regularly with your contractor(s)

Regardless of strategy, collecting multiple quotes helps weigh quality and cost. TrustedBuilders offers an efficient route to proven contractors who meet high standards at fair prices.