Renovation in South London

It’s helpful to classify renovation work as focusing on the interior, exterior, or a mixture of both to estimate costs accurately.

Interior Renovation

A complete interior renovation, sometimes called interior refurbishment, involves replacing floors, walls, ceilings, alongside updating kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics. This is deeper than a superficial re-style. In South London, homeowners often remove old dividing walls, turning ground-floor spaces into open-plan layouts that suit family living.

Industry data suggests more modest interior refurbs can start ~£650 per m², while extensive or higher-spec undertakings may reach £2,000 per m². On average, £1,100 per m² is frequently cited for all project costs, including materials you provide. Real totals vary, depending on personal design preferences and structural complexities.

Exterior Renovation

An exterior renovation might include:

• Drainage or gutter work
• Additional insulation
• Re-pointing brickwork
• Rendering or cladding
• Roof renewal
• Installing updated windows and doors

Costs fluctuate significantly, influenced by the property’s size, storey count, materials, location, and repair needs. Typically, you’d expect £400–£700 per m² (wall area). At simpler levels, it might be £250–£400, while more upscale or intricate projects can surpass £700–£1,200+ per m². Across South London, brick facades from Victorian or 1930s builds may only require careful re-pointing or targeted insulation to refresh exteriors effectively.

Complete Renovation

Addressing both interior and exterior inevitably boosts costs. A dual project commonly begins around £1,500 per m², rising to £3,500 per m² for complex ventures. Nevertheless, it’s cheaper than constructing anew, as foundational structures remain. Industry data indicates new builds in the UK generally cost about £2,600 per m², including VAT, which is a comparative measure.

Complete Home Renovation in South London

Renovating a home in South London allows you to combine the area’s laid-back suburban feel with modern practicalities. Stretching across boroughs like Wandsworth, Lambeth, or Croydon, South London features a range of houses, from post-war estates to grand Victorian terraces near the Thames. Many owners convert ground floors into open-plan family hubs, redoing kitchens and creating bright dining-living combos that match busy lifestyles. Exteriors might only need re-cladding or new windows to enhance insulation and appearance.

Labour rates track London norms—higher than the UK average, though often below the most central boroughs. If your home is near a conservation area, say around Clapham Old Town or certain pockets of Dulwich, external changes (like facade alterations) might require planning checks. Indoors, refurbishments typically only involve Building Regulations unless you’re making structural modifications or dealing with listed properties. Upgrades in older homes often include better insulation, new boilers, or double glazing, tackling winter draughts and lowering energy bills.

Whether you own a 1930s semi near Streatham or a Victorian cottage in Battersea, a carefully organised renovation can modernise your living space and elevate property value. Skilled contractors familiar with South London architecture can spot typical issues or hidden damp early on, streamlining quotes. Ultimately, a well-managed refurbishment in this part of the capital fuses historical character with up-to-date amenities, reflecting South London’s multicultural, family-oriented ambiance.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

While the per-m² approach provides a broad starting point, several factors can drive your total budget up or down substantially.

Size
The property’s total size significantly affects overall spending, and quotes often state cost as a price per square metre.

Complexity
Buildings featuring multiple bathrooms, distinctive architecture, or advanced features naturally cost more. Straightforward designs cost less, requiring fewer trades and man-hours.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms are among the costliest to refurbish. The Federation of Master Builders reports a complete bathroom typically runs £20,000–£32,000. Kitchens also boost the average beyond that for simpler living rooms.

Structural modifications
Removing load-bearing walls or adapting major supports inflates costs beyond rearranging non-structural partitions. This usually requires engineering or local planning involvement.

Materials
Choices regarding kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring can shift the final figure drastically. Standard building materials see narrower price differences, but premium features in high-traffic areas can escalate budgets.

Choice of contractor
Finally, your builder selection is pivotal. Gather several quotes, verify references, and confirm membership with bodies like TrustMark or the Federation of Master Builders

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Clarifying upfront what your contractor’s estimate covers is essential. Typically, it includes labour for all required trades plus fundamental building materials. However, “finishing materials” may be left for the homeowner.

Finishing materials generally include kitchen units, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, floors, and tiles. As discussed, pricing for these can vary dramatically. A modest kitchen might be around £5,000, whereas a bespoke or top-end kitchen could easily exceed tens of thousands. Kitchen fitting normally costs £1,000–£3,000, arranged separately.

Likewise, flooring and tiling also fall under finishing. By leveraging promotional sales or a contractor’s trade discounts, one can secure notable savings. Basic tiles might start around £20 per m², climbing for premium lines.

Bathrooms share this wide price range. While contractors often have supplier relationships, it’s smart to compare. A small bathroom can be ~£1,000 if you go budget, but many invest more for practical amenities. Typically, the builder’s labour quote includes fitting these items.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve gone through the per-m² logic for overall costs. Below is a specific breakdown from a 230 m² detached house that underwent a full interior-exterior renovation. Real totals vary, but this example shows standard allocations:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 units + delivery): £27,000
• Adding a new window opening: £3,200
• Replacing external cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof overhaul: £21,500
• Drainage improvements: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, plumber inc.): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber inc.): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber inc.): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber inc.): £10,800
• New plumbing system: £18,400
• External & patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Interior surfaces (walls, floors, 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, scaffolding, site prep: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Subtotal (Contractor): £300,800

Homeowner’s purchases:

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

Total project cost: £346,000

All in all, it averaged ~£1,500 per m², slightly lower than typical for a complete dual-phase job.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Substantial renovations must meet Building Regulations criteria around safety, insulation, and legal frameworks. Always consult your local Building Control before proceeding.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or introducing door/window openings (Part A). Commonly needs an engineer’s plan.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding or relocating bathrooms must adhere to drainage (Part H) and ventilation (Part F).
• Electrical – Rewiring or installing circuits, especially in kitchens or baths, should meet Part P (Electrical Safety). A registered electrician or local check is mandatory.
• Heating – Installing or swapping boilers, radiators, or fireplaces must comply with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe registration is legally required for gas work.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must meet Part L (insulation) and Part K (glazing safety). FENSA/CERTASS typically oversee compliance.
• Garage/basement conversions – Turning these areas into living spaces triggers checks on insulation, damp-proofing, ventilation, and fire safety.

In South London, partial garage conversions are often seen, requiring building control sign-off to ensure occupant safety and proper drainage.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Large open-plan floors may require additional fire doors or interconnected alarms.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms need extractor fans.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Major refurbishments typically add or improve insulation in walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Creating separate units or converting lofts/garages might demand noise insulation measures.

Either a Full Plans application or a Building Notice can be used. A completion certificate confirms compliance once inspections pass.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission is different from Building Regulations. Usually, interior refurbishments don’t demand it unless:

• Listed buildings – Any works that touch a listed property’s special character, inside or out, need Listed Building Consent.
• External modifications – Cutting in new windows, re-roofing, or re-cladding in certain areas might require official approval.
• Change of use – Splitting a single dwelling into multiple flats or switching from residential to business usage.
• Extensions/loft additions – Interior reorganisation often bypasses planning, but external expansions or adjusting the roof shape typically doesn’t.

In South London, areas like Dulwich Village or Clapham Old Town impose stricter façade guidelines, so verifying with the council is prudent.

Ordinary internal rearrangements—such as refreshing kitchens, bathrooms, or decorations—rarely need formal approval, but checking with local authorities remains wise if uncertain.

Selecting trustworthy, skilled trades is critical for a smooth renovation. Although some disreputable options exist, many established building firms manage large refurbishments reliably. The Federation of Master Builders TrustMarkhelp you locate accredited contractors.

You can either engage each trade separately or let a main contractor oversee everything. The latter simplifies communications, whereas the former might save a bit but requires more project management.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Pin down your renovation scope and targets
2. Consider financing or loan options
3. Set a budget, leaving room for contingencies
4. Check relevant Building Regulations
5. Verify if planning permission applies
6. Obtain multiple quotes (3 or more)
7. Examine references, credit, and accreditations
8. Hire reliable, accredited tradespeople
9. Decide on a feasible schedule
10. Keep regular communication with your contractor

No matter the approach, comparing multiple quotes ensures a better match of quality and cost. Platforms like TrustedBuilders connect you with reputable professionals, safeguarding your South London refurbishment from undue hassle.