Interior, Exterior, or Both

When calculating a renovation budget, figuring out if it covers the interior, exterior, or both aspects will clarify cost expectations.

Interior Refurbishment

A complete interior renovation, or interior refurbishment, typically renovates all surfaces—floors, walls, ceilings—plus key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrics. This is more comprehensive than a superficial refresh.

Industry data and past jobs indicate simpler interior makeovers start ~£650 per m², while larger or top-spec undertakings can approach £2,000 per m². A frequently cited median is about £1,100 per m², inclusive of labour, materials, and any homeowner-purchased items. Actual totals differ widely, reflecting personal tastes and structural complexity. In Sutton, many 1930s or 1950s semis undergo interior transformations to produce bigger kitchen-diners that cater to family life.

Exterior Renovation

An exterior renovation may encompass:

• Upgrading drainage
• Adding insulation
• Re-pointing brick or applying render
• Re-cladding or repairing the facade
• Replacing or fixing the roof
• Installing newer doors and windows

Prices fluctuate based on property scale, materials, number of floors, local labour costs, and needed structural fixes. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is normal. Simpler exteriors might be £250–£400, while premium or intricate ones can exceed £700–£1,200+ per m². In Sutton, many mid-century exteriors simply need re-rendering or insulation to achieve modern efficiency and an updated look.

Interior and Exterior

Renovating both inside and out raises the total cost significantly. A combined project commonly starts at £1,500 per m², with complex designs climbing up to £3,500 per m². Nevertheless, it’s often cheaper than constructing a new house, because fundamental structures remain. Industry data says a new-build in the UK typically sits around £2,600 per m² (including VAT), a reference to compare large-scale refurbishments.

Complete Home Renovation in Sutton

Renovating a property in Sutton enables homeowners to modernise older, suburban-style houses while benefiting from this South London borough’s strong community spirit. Sutton is known for its pleasant streets, good schools, and green spaces, attracting families. Interiors often get reworked to incorporate open-plan kitchens or extended living areas, responding to the need for more flexible home layouts. Exterior improvements—such as better insulation or re-cladding—can reduce heating costs and increase curb appeal.

Labour expenses in Sutton align with broader London norms but can be a bit lower than central boroughs. If you live in or near a conservation area or listed building, for instance around Carshalton Village, you might need planning checks for external updates. Meanwhile, internal refurbishments usually only require Building Regulations sign-off, unless structural or historically protected details are affected. Installing a new boiler, upgrading windows, or adding insulation are all popular moves to tackle cooler winters and rising energy costs.

Whether you own a 1930s semi near Cheam or a modern home around Hackbridge, a carefully planned renovation can heighten daily comfort and property value. Engaging contractors who already know Sutton architecture—ranging from post-war estates to more upscale suburban homes—makes for more precise quotes. Ultimately, a thoughtful, well-managed refurbishment in Sutton merges the borough’s suburban tranquillity with functional, contemporary living—ideal for those wanting space and comfort within easy reach of London’s core.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

While the per-square-metre guidelines offer a rough measure, several variables can shift your final bill substantially in either direction.

Size
Size is usually the most important factor deciding cost - the larger the project, the higher the cost, quite naturally.

Complexity
Properties with numerous bathrooms or intricate structural aspects require additional labour and materials, hiking overall spend. Straight layouts are simpler and usually cost less.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms remain among the costliest refurbishments. The Federation of Master Builders suggests a fully fitted bathroom can be £20,000–£32,000, tied to size and design. Kitchens also inflate the average more than bedrooms or lounges.

Structural modifications
If the plan includes removing load-bearing walls or adjusting fundamental supports, budgets climb. Such tasks generally need engineering and possibly planning checks.

Materials
Homeowner decisions about finishes in kitchens, bathrooms, or floors can strongly shape overall cost. Standard building supplies show narrower price ranges than premium custom fittings.

Choice of contractor
Lastly, the builder you hire heavily influences the result. Collect several quotes, verify references thoroughly, and look for professional accreditation such as The Federation of Master Builders or TrustMark.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

It’s crucial to clarify at the beginning exactly what your contractor’s estimate involves. Typically, it includes all necessary labour for the refurbishment, plus standard materials. “Finishing materials” often remain separate.

Kitchen units, bathroom fixtures, taps, toilets, floors, and tiles count as finishing elements. As stated, these can vary dramatically in cost. A basic kitchen may be £5,000, whereas customised or luxury styles can reach tens of thousands. Kitchen fitting generally sits around £1,000–£3,000, arranged by the supplier.

Flooring and tiling similarly fall under finishing. Sourcing these via promotions or trade discounts can help you economise. Base tile might begin near £20 per m², with premium lines costing more.

Bathrooms reflect the same wide price spectrum. Though contractors might have supplier discounts, it’s always worth shopping around. A small bathroom could be ~£1,000 if basic, yet many spend more for quality or style. The contractor’s labour portion typically accounts for installation.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We’ve explored the per-m² approach for overall budgets. Below is a real-world style example from a 230 m² detached house that underwent a full interior-exterior makeover. Actual figures vary, but it demonstrates typical allocations:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 + delivery): £27,000
• Creating a new facade window opening: £3,200
• Replacing external cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof renewal: £21,500
• Drainage improvements: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, plumber included): £19,000
• WC 1 (with plumber): £3,600
• WC 2 (with plumber): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber included): £10,800
• Full plumbing across house: £18,400
• External + patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation system: £9,600
• Interior surfaces (walls/floors/ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves/linings/transitions: £2,000
• Electrical works (whole property): £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

Owner’s separate purchases:

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

Grand total: £346,000

At ~£1,500 per m², this is slightly under the common average for a combined refurbishment.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Extensive home improvements must follow Building Regulations to ensure safety, energy compliance, and legal standards. Always consult Building Control early on.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing or amending load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new openings (Part A). Usually needs an engineer’s involvement.
• Bathrooms + plumbing – Adding bathrooms or moving drains must fulfil Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or circuit extensions, particularly in wet areas, must comply with Part P (Electrical Safety). A registered electrician or building control sign-off is mandatory.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, radiators, or fireplaces must align with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe Registration is legally required for gas work.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must satisfy Part L (insulation) and Part K (safety glazing). FENSA/CERTASS generally cover these approvals.
• Garage/basement conversions – Altering such spaces into living rooms requires checks on insulation, damp-proofing, ventilation, and fire safety.

In Sutton, converting integrated garages into extra bedrooms or offices is common, though building control oversight is necessary to ensure compliance.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Large open-plan floors might demand fire doors or alarms for safe evacuation.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Extractor fans in kitchens, bathrooms, utilities.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Major overhauls typically incorporate improved insulation, window upgrades, etc.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Creating separate units or converting lofts/garages might trigger acoustic insulation rules.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission is distinct from Building Regulations. Generally, interior remodels only require it if:

• Listed buildings – Any changes that affect a listed structure’s special character.
• External modifications – Major facade changes, new windows, re-roofing, especially in conservation areas.
• Change of use – From single dwelling to multiple flats, or from residential to business.
• Extensions/loft builds – Internal rearrangements might avoid permission, but outward expansions typically do not.

Certain parts of Sutton, near Carshalton or Cheam Village, impose stricter heritage constraints for external changes to retain local ambiance.

For standard interior tasks—kitchen/bathroom upgrades, redecoration—planning permission is generally not needed, though verifying with local authorities is sensible if you’re uncertain.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Selecting reliable, skilled tradespeople ensures a smoother renovation. Though some dubious operators exist, many established companies handle full overhauls successfully.

You can hire each trade separately or award the entire project to a main contractor. The latter streamlines communications, whereas the former might save money but demands more scheduling on your side.

(Local Mention #10: In Sutton, local community groups or neighbourhood boards frequently recommend builders who know typical 1930s suburban homes and can offer tailored solutions.)

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Define your renovation scope and objectives
2. Investigate financing or loan routes
3. Formulate a clear budget, including contingency
4. Verify relevant Building Regulations
5. Check if planning permission is necessary
6. Request multiple quotes (3 minimum)
7. Assess references, credit checks, and accreditations
8. Hire accredited, trustworthy trades
9. Agree on a realistic timescale
10. Communicate regularly with your contractor(s)

Collecting several quotes helps weigh cost and expertise. TrustedBuilders connects you to contractors with dependable records and transparent rates, making your Sutton renovation more seamless.