Interior and Exterior Renovation

When calculating renovation expenses, it’s beneficial to classify whether you’re focused on the interior, exterior, or both areas of the property.

Interior Renovation

A complete interior renovation, also called an interior refurbishment, usually involves replacing floors, walls, and ceilings, plus revamping kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics. It surpasses a quick cosmetic refresh.

Industry data and previous projects show that smaller interior jobs might be ~£650 per m², while more high-end or extensive refurbs can climb to £2,000 per m². An average figure is often about £1,100 per m², covering total costs (including materials you may purchase). Final totals vary considerably with personal preferences and any structural issues found.

(Local Mention #1: In Stratford, many post-war terraces benefit from interior overhauls that create open-plan kitchen-diners, aligning with modern family demands.)

Exterior Renovation

An exterior renovation can incorporate:

• Drainage or gutter fixes
• Improved insulation
• Re-pointing or re-rendering walls
• Applying cladding
• Roof repair or replacement
• New windows and doors

Costs range significantly due to property size, chosen materials, height, location, and repairs. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is standard. Some simpler tasks can be £250–£400, while premium or elaborate approaches can exceed £700–£1,200+ per m².

(Local Mention #2: In Stratford, exteriors near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park may just need updated rendering or insulation to match nearby rejuvenated developments.)

Complete Home Renovation

Doing both interior and exterior naturally boosts overall expenditure. A combined renovation commonly begins at £1,500 per m², going up to £3,500 per m² for more complex undertakings. Nonetheless, it remains less costly than a full new-build, as main structures stay. Industry data often quotes £2,600 per m² (including VAT) for new houses in the UK, a benchmark comparing refurb to new-build expense.

Complete Home Renovation in Stratford

Renovating in Stratford offers the appeal of an evolving east London hub, thanks to the 2012 Olympic legacy that continues to shape the area. Properties range from older, modest terraces in neighbourhoods like Maryland to modern flats around Stratford City and the Olympic Park. Many local homeowners transform closed-off living rooms into expansive, open-plan layouts, perfect for hosting or family gatherings. On the exterior side, re-cladding or upgrading doors and windows can be especially helpful if your property is near new developments, maintaining consistent aesthetics and boosting energy efficiency.

While labour costs track London’s premium, they can be somewhat lower than central boroughs. If your home is situated close to heritage buildings or within a conservation area near Stratford Village, external alterations might need planning checks. Internally, refurbishments usually only call for Building Regulations oversight—unless structural modifications or listed elements come into play. Additions such as a modern boiler or insulating older walls fit well with Stratford’s push towards greener, energy-efficient living.

For families or investors seeking an appealing location with robust transport links (Elizabeth line, Jubilee line), a well-thought-out renovation can yield excellent returns. Hiring trades familiar with Stratford’s varied building stock—ranging from Victorian terraces to newer builds—can result in more accurate quotes and minimal surprises. Ultimately, a carefully executed revamp in Stratford can balance the area’s legacy and modern vibrancy, producing a comfortable, up-to-date home that resonates with its dynamic surroundings.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

Even with the square metre guidelines outlined above, numerous variables can sway your final invoice significantly.

Size
Quotes generally use per-m² figures as the total property area greatly affects overall cost.

Complexity
A house with multiple bathrooms, structural quirks, or premium finishes will cost more than a simple layout. Intricate designs or heritage features add extra labour and materials.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms are consistently pricier to upgrade. The Federation of Master Builders suggests a fully updated bathroom typically costs £20,000–£32,000, depending on size and fittings. Kitchens also increase average costs over less intensive rooms.

Structural modifications
If you’re removing load-bearing walls or recalibrating structural supports, expect higher expenses than if just adjusting internal partitions. Such work might require planning approval and engineering input.

Materials
Material selection—particularly in kitchens or bathrooms—can shift costs considerably. Standard building items fluctuate less in price, whereas bespoke features escalate totals.

Choice of contractor
Finally, which tradespeople you hire is pivotal. Gather multiple quotes, verify references, and check for accreditation. The Federation of Master Builders and TrustMark provide useful accreditations.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Clarifying from the outset what’s in your contractor’s quote is vital. Typically, it comprises all refurbishment tasks plus standard materials. Yet “finishing materials” may be at your discretion.

Finishing materials commonly include kitchen units, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, floors, and tiles. As stated, these can vary hugely in cost. A straightforward kitchen might be around £5,000, while designer or custom versions may run tens of thousands. Installation typically costs £1,000–£3,000, often arranged via the supplier.

Likewise, flooring and tiling are finishing items. You might reduce expenses through promotional offers or a contractor’s trade discounts. Basic tile might begin at £20 per m², climbing for higher-end lines.

Bathrooms too cover a broad spectrum. While contractors often have supplier connections, shopping around remains prudent. A small bathroom can be ~£1,000 if extremely basic, but most owners spend more for quality. The contractor’s labour figure normally includes installation.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve discussed per-m² estimates for full refurbishments. Below is an example from a 230 m² detached home that underwent both interior and exterior work. Actual costs vary, but it highlights how funds might be allocated:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Window replacements (20 + delivery): £27,000
• New window opening in facade: £3,200
• External cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof replacement: £21,500
• Drainage upgrades: £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
• Replumbing overall: £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 (whole house): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste disposal: £4,800
• Demolition, scaffolding, setup: £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 total: £45,200

All-in cost: £346,000

Hence, the project equated to roughly £1,500 per m², marginally below average for a dual inside-outside renovation.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

A comprehensive home makeover must meet Building Regulations for safety, energy, and statutory compliance. Always contact Building Control before starting.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural changes – Removing or altering load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or creating new openings typically falls under Part A. Usually involves an engineer’s design.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding bathrooms or readjusting plumbing must comply with Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or circuit additions in wet rooms must follow Part P (Electrical Safety). A certified electrician or local building control must sign off.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, fireplaces, or radiators must align with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe Registration is needed for Gas Work.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must fulfil Part L (thermal) and Part K (safety). FENSA/CERTASS typically handle these.
• Garage/basement conversions – Changing these spaces into living quarters triggers checks on insulation, ventilation, fire safety, and damp-proofing.

In Stratford, some older garages around Maryland or Forest Gate are converted to add living space, requiring sign-off from building control to ensure compliance.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission differs from Building Regulations. Usually, interior upgrades aren’t subject to permission except in scenarios like:

• Listed buildings – Alterations affecting a listed property’s character, inside or out, require Listed Building Consent.
• External modifications – Installing new windows, re-roofing, or re-cladding may need approval, especially in conservation zones.
• Change of use – Converting from single dwelling to multiple flats or from residential to commercial usage.
• Extensions/loft conversions – Although interior changes typically bypass planning, outward expansions or roof raises do not.

In Stratford, properties near heritage assets (like some older community buildings) might face extra constraints on exterior alterations.

For standard interior tasks—kitchens, bathrooms, or redecorations—planning permission is generally not required, but verifying with local authorities is sensible if uncertain.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Choosing high-calibre trades is pivotal for a smooth renovation. While some substandard firms exist, many reputable companies handle extensive refurbishments effectively. TrustMark, the Federation of Master Builders, or TrustedBuilders help identify reliable contractors.

You can coordinate each trade personally or assign a main contractor to handle it all. The latter makes oversight and scheduling simpler, but if you go the separate route, you must manage the timeline yourself.

In Stratford, local online groups and word-of-mouth recommendations are common ways to find experienced contractors who understand older east London housing specifics.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Define your renovation scope and aims
2. Look into financing
3. Draft a budget with contingency
4. Check which Building Regulations apply
5. Confirm if planning permission is required
6. Gather multiple quotes (3 minimum)
7. Verify references, credit checks, and accreditations
8. Hire reliable, accredited pros
9. Establish a feasible timeline
10. Keep continuous communication with contractors

No matter the plan, requesting several quotes assists in balancing cost versus reliability. TrustedBuilders helps link you with builders who have strong references and fair pricing, making your Stratford refurbishment smoother.