How Much Does Home Renovation Cost in West London?

When determining renovation expenses, it’s useful to clarify if you’re focusing on the interior, exterior, or both.

Interior

A complete interior renovation, also referred to as an interior refurbishment, typically replaces floors, walls, and ceilings, while upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrical systems. This goes beyond a cosmetic overhaul. In West London, open-plan conversions are popular in older semis or terraces around places like Ealing or Acton, aligning with modern family living.

Industry data and completed projects suggest smaller interior revamps might hover near £650 per m², while more upscale or extensive ones might reach £2,000 per m². A common midpoint is roughly £1,100 per m², encompassing labour and materials (including those purchased by the owner). Real totals fluctuate significantly, depending on design, finishes, and any structural hiccups.

Exterior

An exterior renovation might involve:

• Drainage alterations
• Additional insulation
• Re-pointing or re-rendering walls
• Cladding
• Roof refurbishment
• Replacing doors and windows

Costs vary hugely based on property scale, chosen materials, number of floors, and repair needs. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) applies. At the simpler end, £250–£400 is possible, whereas high-end or complicated approaches can top £700–£1,200+ per m².

In West London, many period façades near Chiswick or Hammersmith only need careful re-pointing or limited rendering to maintain the area’s classic look.

Complete renovation

When both inside and outside get refurbished, costs rise substantially. A combined project usually begins around £1,500 per m², potentially hitting £3,500 per m² for intricate plans. Yet it’s normally cheaper than constructing anew, since the main structure remains. Industry data puts new-build houses in the UK at ~£2,600 per m² including VAT, a benchmark for comparing refurbishments to new builds.

Complete Home Renovation in West London

Renovating a home in West London brings together a suburban feel with proximity to the capital’s central zones. Areas such as Ealing, Acton, or Chiswick offer houses from different eras—Edwardian terraces, 1930s semis, or even older Victorian conversions—each presenting unique renovation opportunities. Many local homeowners aim to open up smaller kitchens, creating spacious kitchen-diners that suit family gatherings or entertaining guests. Exterior updates, like replacing windows or boosting insulation, can be particularly beneficial in older builds, reducing drafts and energy bills.

Labour Costs in West London

Labour costs remain aligned with London’s premium, though often a bit lower than the most central boroughs. If your property is in a conservation area or near listed structures (e.g., parts of Bedford Park in Chiswick), external changes (like façade alterations) may need planning approval. Internally, straightforward refurbishments generally only require Building Regulations checks unless structural or historically protected factors are involved. Adding a modern boiler, upgrading single glazing, or installing cavity wall insulation often yields notable savings in older homes across West London’s suburban streets.

Whether you own a 1930s semi in Hanwell or a Victorian terrace in Shepherd’s Bush, carefully planned renovations can amplify everyday comfort and boost your home’s value. Employing trades who know West London’s varied housing stock helps ensure accurate quotes and minimal surprises. Ultimately, a thoughtful overhaul in West London merges suburban tranquillity with modern amenities, enhancing daily life and long-term appeal.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

Though the per-m² ranges noted above provide a reference, various elements can push your bill higher or lower.

Size
Size is usually by far the most important factor deciding the total cost of the project.

Complexity
More bathrooms, bespoke design features, or unusual structures raise costs beyond simpler updates. Ornate period details also need specialist attention.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms usually cost the most to renovate. The Federation of Master Builders cites a comprehensive bathroom at £20,000–£32,000, depending on size/finishes. Kitchens similarly elevate average costs above basic living areas.

Structural modifications
Removing load-bearing walls or big structural changes increase the budget more than rearranging non-supporting partitions. These typically require engineering and potential planning checks.

Materials
Your choices in fittings (kitchens, bathrooms) can move the cost from budget-friendly to premium. Building basics show narrower price ranges, but high-end fixtures can leap significantly.

Choice of contractor
Finally, who undertakes the work matters. Gather multiple quotes, verify references, and confirm accreditations.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Being clear on what your builder’s quote covers is key from the start. Usually, it covers the main refurbishment labour plus standard materials. However, “finishing materials” might be excluded.

Finishing materials generally include kitchen cabinets, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, floors, tiles, etc. As described, these vary greatly in cost. A basic kitchen might be £5,000, while a bespoke or high-end one can climb tens of thousands. Kitchen installation generally costs £1,000–£3,000, arranged by the supplier.

Flooring and tiling also belong to the finishing group. You can find sales or trade discounts to trim expenses. Tiling might begin at £20 per m², rising for pricier lines.

Bathrooms show a similarly broad price range. While contractors may have special supplier deals, shopping around is still recommended. A tiny bathroom might cost ~£1,000 at the budget end, though most allocate more for a sleek outcome. Installation labour is usually in the contractor’s main quote.

Cost Breakdown

We covered the square metre approach for entire refurbishments. Below is a sample from a 230 m² detached home that underwent interior-exterior improvements. Actual figures can vary, but this indicates typical allocations:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Window replacements (20 + delivery): £27,000
• New facade window opening: £3,200
• External cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof renewal: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excl. tiles/fixtures, plumber incl.): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber incl.): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber incl.): £3,600
• Utility room (plumber incl.): £10,800
• New 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 (entire property): £29,600
• Single attached garage: £14,400
• Waste disposal: £4,800
• Demolition/site prep/scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Subtotal (Contractor): £300,800

Owner’s separate buys:

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

Overall: £346,000

Thus, the project totalled about £1,500 per m², which is slightly under standard rates for a combined renovation.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Major refurbishments must adhere to Building Regulations for safety, energy efficiency, and legality. Always liaise with Building Control prior to undertaking any large project.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural alterations – Removing load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new door/window openings (Part A). Typically involves a structural engineer’s plan.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding or moving bathrooms must meet Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or circuit additions in bathrooms/kitchens must comply with Part P (Electrical Safety). A qualified electrician or building control sign-off is crucial.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, fireplaces, or radiators must align with Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe is required for gas work.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must meet Part L (insulation) and Part K (safety glazing). FENSA or CERTASS typically manage approval.
• Garage/basement conversions – Converting these spaces into living quarters triggers checks on insulation, fire safety, damp-proofing, ventilation, and so forth.

In West London, older garages near narrow lanes in Chiswick or Acton can be turned into offices or spare rooms, requiring official compliance checks.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Open layouts may require specific fire doors or alarm systems to preserve escape routes.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Kitchens, bathrooms, and utilities each need extractor fans.
• Insulation/Energy (Part L) – Large refurbishments often feature improved insulation for walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a home or converting lofts/garages for living might demand acoustic measures.

You can file a Full Plans application or a Building Notice. Once everything passes inspection, you’ll be issued a completion certificate.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission differs from Building Regulations. Typically, interior changes don’t demand planning unless:

• Listed buildings – Any modifications impacting the listed structure’s character.
• External modifications – New windows, re-roofing, or re-cladding, especially in conservation or heritage areas.
• Change of use – From single-house to flats, or from residential to commercial.
• Extensions/loft builds – Interior reorganisations might skip planning, but outward expansions or adjusting the roof often need it.

In West London, certain roads in Hammersmith or Ealing impose local façade guidelines to maintain uniform streetscapes, so verify if you’re unsure.

For typical interior jobs—kitchens, bathrooms, or redecoration—planning permission is generally unnecessary, but check with local authorities for peace of mind.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Opting for skilled, credible trades is key to a smooth renovation. While some questionable operators exist, many reputable companies complete large makeovers successfully. TrustMark, the Federation of Master Builders, or TrustedBuilders all help pinpoint vetted specialists.

You may hire each trade independently or give a main contractor full oversight. The latter simplifies communication but might raise management fees. If you choose separate trades, you’ll do more hands-on project management.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Define your renovation scope
2. Investigate financing/loan options
3. Draft a budget with contingencies
4. Clarify which Building Regulations apply
5. Check if planning permission is relevant
6. Obtain multiple quotes (3 or more)
7. Verify references, credit checks, and accreditations
8. Hire trustworthy, accredited trades
9. Agree on a realistic timeline
10. Communicate regularly with your contractor

Gathering multiple bids is vital to compare cost, reputation, and references. With TrustedBuilders, you can locate dependable contractors at fair rates, simplifying a West London renovation from start to finish.