How Much Does Renovation in Richmond Cost?

When planning a renovation, it’s beneficial to distinguish whether you’ll be focusing on the interior, exterior, or both.

Interior Renovation

A complete interior renovation, or interior refurbishment, typically covers upgrading floors, walls, ceilings, along with kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics. This goes well beyond merely redecorating. In Richmond, period cottages and larger villas both see added value from interior renovations that blend traditional charm with modern layouts.

Based on industry data and real-world projects, more modest interior makeovers might cost around £650 per m², while bigger or top-end refurbishments can climb to £2,000 per m². On average, £1,100 per m² is often cited, encompassing labour, materials, and any items you acquire yourself. Actual spending can vary greatly, depending on design preferences and any structural complications discovered.

Exterior Renovation

An exterior renovation can include:

• Drainage enhancements
• Additional insulation
• Re-pointing brick or stone
• Applying render or cladding
• Roof repair or replacement
• Fitting new windows and doors

Costs differ significantly according to property size, chosen materials, storey count, location, and required repairs. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is standard. Some simpler updates might come in at £250–£400, while more premium or complex solutions can exceed £700–£1,200+ per m². In Richmond, many Georgian or Victorian façades need precise re-pointing or sensitive external insulation to preserve the borough’s historic aesthetic.

Both interior and exterior

Tackling both the inside and outside pushes costs higher. A dual renovation frequently starts at about £1,500 per m², going up to £3,500 per m² for more intricate schemes. Nevertheless, it remains cheaper than building anew, as foundations and main structure are retained. Industry data suggests new-build homes in the UK generally cost ~£2,600 per m² including VAT, serving as a reference for major refurbishments.

Complete Home Renovation in Richmond

Renovating a property in Richmond allows homeowners to enhance older dwellings while capitalising on the borough’s scenic charm and upscale character. This area stretches along the River Thames, featuring period terraces, grand Georgian homes, and more contemporary builds in outlying districts. Interior upgrades often aim to preserve original details—such as sash windows, fireplaces, or cornices—while introducing contemporary kitchens or enlarged living zones for families.

Labour rates align with upper-tier London prices, yet well-executed refurbishments in Richmond typically yield strong resale and living benefits. If your property stands near conservation areas like Richmond Green or Richmond Hill, external modifications like re-roofing or new rendering may require additional planning checks. Inside, though, standard refurbishments usually only need Building Regulations compliance unless they affect structural walls or a listed façade. Adding underfloor heating or boosted insulation is common, tackling both comfort and energy costs.

Whether you own a period cottage in Petersham or a 1930s semi near Kew, a carefully scheduled overhaul can significantly heighten comfort and property value. Many residents also add loft conversions, especially near popular school catchments, to accommodate growing families. By partnering with contractors experienced in Richmond architecture and planning protocols, you’re more likely to avoid hidden snags or delayed approvals. Ultimately, a methodical renovation here merges the borough’s refined heritage with contemporary convenience, delivering an elegant living space that thrives in this prime riverside location.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

Though the per-square-metre metrics provide a general gauge, multiple aspects can push your final total higher or lower.

Size
Costs are typically quoted per m², and the property’s total square footage strongly affects overall spending.

Complexity
Homes with several bathrooms, intricate design details, or structural quirks require added time and higher material expenses. A straightforward structure demands fewer resources.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms rank among the most expensive to renovate. Data from the Federation of Master Builders puts a full bathroom between £20,000 and £32,000, depending on size and spec. Kitchens also lift the average beyond that of simpler rooms.

Structural modifications
Altering load-bearing walls or major supports expands project costs compared to shifting partition walls. Such modifications generally need engineering and potential planning checks.

Materials
Your choice of finishes for kitchens, bathrooms, and floors influences budget significantly. Standard building items vary less in price than luxury fittings.

Choice of contractor
Finally, the builder you select matters. Secure multiple quotes, check references thoroughly, and confirm accreditations. Organisations like TrustMarkthe Federation of Master Buildershelp locate reputable professionals.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Determining from the start what the contractor’s proposal covers prevents ambiguity. Typically, it spans all agreed refurbishment work, including trades and standard building materials. However, “finishing materials” may be excluded.

Such finishing materials often include kitchen units, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, flooring, and tiles. As noted, price ranges can be huge. A basic kitchen might cost £5,000, while bespoke designs can shoot into the tens of thousands. Kitchen installation often sits around £1,000–£3,000, arranged separately.

Likewise, tiles and flooring are finishing items. Keeping an eye on promotions or leveraging trade discounts can cut costs. Base tile starts near £20 per m², rising for premium lines.

Bathrooms exhibit a similarly large price spectrum. Contractors sometimes have supplier deals, but exploring multiple shops is wise. A simple bathroom can be ~£1,000, though many opt for higher-budget solutions. The contractor’s labour typically encompasses the installation phase.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve discussed how per-m² estimates inform total budget. Below is an example from a 230 m² detached house that underwent both interior and exterior renovations. Real numbers vary per project, but it illustrates typical cost allocations:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 units + delivery): £27,000
• Creating a new external window opening: £3,200
• External cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof renewal: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, plumber included): £19,000
• WC room 1 (with plumber): £3,600
• WC room 2 (with plumber): £3,600
• Utility room (with plumber): £10,800
• New plumbing: £18,400
• External + patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation system: £9,600
• Surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Electrical (entire house): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste management: £4,800
• Demolition/site setup/scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Subtotal (Contractor): £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
  Sum of self-procured items: £45,200

Grand total: £346,000

Thus, the project amounted to roughly £1,500 per m², slightly below standard for a combined inside-outside plan.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Extensive home makeovers must comply with Building Regulations to ensure safety, efficiency, and legality. Speak with Building Control before you begin.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural changes – Removing or altering load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new openings typically requires Part A compliance and an engineer’s input.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding or repositioning bathrooms must satisfy drainage (Part H) and ventilation (Part F).
• Electrical – Rewiring or adding circuits in wet zones must follow Part P (Electrical Safety). A registered electrician or official sign-off is mandatory.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, fireplaces, or radiators must align with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe accreditation is essential for boiler work.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must meet Part L (thermal) and Part K (safety). FENSA/CERTASS commonly oversee these checks.
• Garage/basement conversions – Changing these spaces to living areas requires ensuring insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, and ventilation compliance.

In Richmond, basement conversions around the riverside might necessitate advanced waterproofing measures, verified by building control.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Large open-plan spaces can need fire doors or alarms for safe evacuation routes.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Extractor fans are mandatory in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility zones.
• Insulation/Energy (Part L) – Major renovations typically add or upgrade insulation in walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a house into flats or converting lofts/garages for living often calls for acoustic insulation compliance.

Either submit a Full Plans application or use a Building Notice for simpler tasks. A completion certificate issues after final inspections confirm compliance.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission is different from Building Regulations. Typically, interior refurbishments don’t require it, except where:

• Listed buildings – Any changes that affect a listed home’s character (inside or out) demand Listed Building Consent.
• External modifications – Adding windows, changing roofs or cladding, potentially in conservation zones.
• Change of use – Switching from single dwelling to multiple flats or from residential to business.
• Extensions/loft conversions – Internal changes alone generally skip planning, but outward expansions or raising the roof typically don’t.

In Richmond, areas near the park or riverside might have extra local rules restricting façade alterations, so check with the council.

For normal internal reconfigurations—like upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, or decor—planning permission is rarely needed, but always verify with local authorities if in doubt.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Choosing accredited, trustworthy trades is crucial for a seamless renovation. Although there are substandard options, reputable building companies routinely handle substantial overhauls well. The Federation of Master Builders, TrustMark, and TrustedBuilders can help identify contractors who meet professional standards.

You can manage trades individually or pick a main contractor to oversee the entire effort. The latter streamlines accountability and scheduling but might cost a bit more. If you self-coordinate, anticipate increased logistical work.

Many homeowners in Richmond rely on local personal recommendations to locate builders familiar with older architecture plus modern finishing demands.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Decide the scope and goals of your renovation
2. Investigate financing or loan options
3. Set a budget, allowing for unexpected costs
4. Determine any Building Regulations needed
5. Check if planning permission applies
6. Gather several quotes (3 minimum)
7. Verify references, credit, and accreditations
8. Hire reliable, accredited professionals
9. Agree on a feasible timeline
10. Keep communication flowing with your contractor(s)

Regardless of how you approach it, multiple quotes let you gauge cost, quality, and compatibility. TrustedBuilders simplifies finding reputable contractors at fair prices, making your Richmond refurbishment a more efficient experience.