Interior, Exterior, or Both

When planning renovation costs, it’s wise to note if it’s interior-only, exterior-only, or a dual project.

Interior

A complete interior renovation, sometimes called an interior refurbishment, generally updates floors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electric systems. This goes further than minimal redecorating. In Wimbledon, many 1930s semis benefit from internal rearrangements that create open-plan living-dining areas suited to the family-focused culture of the borough.

From industry data and done projects, smaller interior works might be around £650 per m², while larger or higher-spec tasks can hit £2,000 per m². A typical average is about £1,100 per m², which includes labour, materials, and items you procure yourself. Actual totals vary widely, depending on finishes and any structural complexities.

Exterior

An exterior renovation might cover:

• Drainage or gutter enhancements
• Additional insulation
• Re-pointing or re-rendering
• Cladding
• Roof upgrading
• New windows/doors

Costs can vary substantially, reflecting property dimensions, materials, floor count, location, and needed repairs. Typically, £400–£700 per m² (wall area) is cited. Some simpler exteriors might be £250–£400, while more luxury or complex treatments exceed £700–£1,200+ per m². In Wimbledon, external overhauls often just need re-pointing or new rendering, blending suburban aesthetics with modern performance.

Both

Doing both interior and exterior inflates budgets considerably. A combined job typically commences near £1,500 per m², potentially hitting £3,500 per m² for sophisticated designs. Nevertheless, it remains cheaper than a new-build, as core structures stay. Industry data shows new-builds in the UK at about £2,600 per m² including VAT, a reference for full refurb comparisons.

Complete Home Renovation in Wimbledon

Renovating in Wimbledon offers the chance to pair a quaint, family-friendly environment with modern home comforts. This sought-after area of Merton boasts older 1930s semis, Victorian cottages near Wimbledon Village, and contemporary flats close to transport links. Interiors often focus on creating spacious kitchen-diners, ideal for families, or upgrading bathrooms to suit the borough’s relatively high property standards. Meanwhile, exteriors might benefit from added insulation and replacing single-glazed sash windows, cutting down on heating bills in older homes.

Though labour costs reflect London’s general rates, they might be marginally lower than prime central districts. If your house is near Wimbledon Common or in a designated conservation area, external changes—like new cladding—could need additional planning checks. Internal refurbishments usually only need Building Regulations sign-off unless you’re dealing with a listed building or structural modifications. Many residents also choose to add improved glazing or advanced boilers, addressing the area’s winter temperature dips and aiming for eco-friendly living in line with local sustainability goals.

From a Victorian terrace near the Village high street to a newer build in Southfields, a carefully orchestrated renovation can elevate everyday comfort and property appeal. Hiring trades conversant with Wimbledon architecture—spanning Victorian dwellings to modern developments—usually results in better project coordination and fewer surprises. Ultimately, a thorough refurbishment in Wimbledon unites time-honoured suburban charm with contemporary practicality, attracting both families and professionals in this renowned SW19 locale.

What Drives the Cost in a Complete Renovation?

Though the per-square-metre figures form a good reference, many factors can push your actual budget higher or lower.

Size
The number of square-metres being renovated will undeniable shape shapes the ultimate sum.

Complexity
Properties with numerous bathrooms, structural hurdles, or high-end finishes raise labour and material outlays. Straight layouts with fewer wet rooms are cheaper to tackle.

Number of bathrooms
Bathrooms or wet rooms are some of the priciest. The Federation of Master Builders estimates a full bathroom from £20,000 to £32,000, based on luxury level. Kitchens also lift the average above simpler living areas.

Structural modifications
Removing load-bearing walls or reconfiguring main supports raises expenses over partition changes. Such structural work often involves engineers and possibly planning checks.

Materials
Your choices in fixtures—particularly kitchens, bathrooms, or flooring—can shift the overall cost dramatically. Basic building items see fewer fluctuations in price than premium bespoke fittings.

Choice of contractor
Finally, the contractor’s experience and pricing matter significantly. Always gather multiple quotes, verify references, and confirm membership in bodies like TrustMark or the Federation of Master Builders.

What's Included in the Contractor's Quote?

Agreeing on what the contractor’s quote entails at the outset is crucial. Typically, it covers labour for the entire refurbishment plus essential building supplies. However, “finishing materials” might be under your purview.

Those finishing materials ordinarily encompass kitchen cabinets, bathroom suites, taps, toilets, floorings, and tiles. As stated, these can vary dramatically in cost. A simple kitchen might cost ~£5,000, whereas an upper-range or bespoke kitchen might climb into tens of thousands. Kitchen installation typically £1,000–£3,000, arranged by the supplier.

Flooring and tiling also appear under finishing. Deals or trade discounts can aid in cost control. Basic tile might be £20 per m², with designer lines costing more.

Bathrooms share the same broad cost range. Contractors might propose supplier discounts, but it’s wise to compare multiple sellers. A small bathroom can be ~£1,000 if purely functional, though many invest more for aesthetic or comfort reasons. Installation labour typically belongs to the contractor’s quote.

Cost Breakdown for Individual Elements

We examined how square metre quotes guide overall refurbishment budgets. Below is an example from a 230 m² detached property undergoing a total internal-external upgrade. Real prices vary, but this shows a typical cost spread:

Contractor’s quote (labour + materials):

• Windows (20 + delivery): £27,000
• New facade window opening: £3,200
• External cladding + insulation: £33,000
• Roof rework: £21,500
• Drainage: £12,800
• Bathroom (excluding tiles/fixtures, includes plumber): £19,000
• WC 1 (plumber included): £3,600
• WC 2 (plumber included): £3,600
• Utility room (with plumber): £10,800
• New plumbing (whole property): £18,400
• External + patio doors: £4,800
• Balanced ventilation: £9,600
• Interior finishes (walls, floors, ceilings): £41,600
• Internal doors: £6,000
• Architraves, linings, transitions: £2,000
• Electrician (entire house): £29,600
• Single garage (attached): £14,400
• Waste management: £4,800
• Demolition, setup, scaffolding: £24,000
• Interior designer: £6,000
• Architect: £4,000
  Subtotal (Contractor): £300,800

Self-purchased items:

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

All-inclusive cost: £346,000

Hence, ~£1,500 per m², marginally below the average for a combined internal-external revamp.

Building Regulations for a Complete Home Renovation (UK)

Major home improvements must comply with Building Regulations to ensure safety, energy efficiency, and legality. Always check with Building Control before significant work begins.

When Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

• Structural changes – Removing or adapting load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or forming new doors/windows (Part A). Typically involves an engineer’s design.
• Bathrooms & plumbing – Adding or moving bathrooms must meet Part H (drainage) and Part F (ventilation).
• Electrical – Rewiring or circuit additions in wet areas must align with Part P (Electrical Safety). A certified electrician or Building Control sign-off is mandatory.
• Heating – Installing or replacing boilers, fireplaces, radiators must match Parts J (combustion) and L (efficiency). Gas Safe Registration is required for gas works.
• Windows/doors – Replacements must meet Part L (thermal) and Part K (safety glazing). FENSA/CERTASS typically confirm compliance.
• Garage/basement conversions – Changing these areas to living space triggers checks on insulation, fire safety, ventilation, etc.

In Wimbledon, many converted garages or basements add valuable living space but must pass building control scrutiny for damp-proofing, especially near the Common’s water table.

Additional Considerations

• Fire Safety (Part B) – Open-plan floors might require special fire doors or alarms for safe egress.
• Ventilation (Part F) – Extractor fans needed in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
• Insulation & Energy (Part L) – Major renovations normally upgrade insulation in walls, roofs, or windows.
• Soundproofing (Part E) – Splitting a house or converting lofts/garages might require acoustic insulation compliance.

You can file a Full Plans application for detailed approval or opt for a Building Notice if simpler. Once the work passes inspections, you receive a completion certificate.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission stands apart from Building Regulations. Typically, internal reworks only need it if:

• Listed buildings – Alterations that affect a listed property’s character require Listed Building Consent.
• External modifications – Adding new windows, re-roofing, or re-cladding in certain heritage or conservation zones.
• Change of use – Turning from single dwelling to multiple flats, or from residential to business.
• Extensions or loft conversions – Interior rearrangements typically bypass planning, but outward expansions or roof modifications usually need it.

In Wimbledon, conservation areas near the Village or Common can limit external facade changes, so verifying local rules is important.

For typical interior tasks—kitchens, bathrooms, or redecorations—planning permission is normally not required, though confirming with local authorities is always recommended if in doubt.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Opting for experienced, trustworthy trades is essential for a smooth project. While a few questionable operators exist, many building firms routinely complete large refurbishments to high standards. The Federation of Master Builders, TrustMark, or TrustedBuilders help you locate accredited professionals.

You may recruit each trade individually or employ a principal contractor who manages everything. The latter eases scheduling and oversight, while the former might be cheaper but requires more active involvement in project management.

Checklist for Home Renovation

1. Determine the scope of your renovation
2. Explore financing or loan opportunities
3. Establish a clear budget, accounting for contingencies
4. Identify applicable Building Regulations
5. Check if planning permission is necessary
6. Gather at least three quotes
7. Verify references, credit, and accreditations
8. Hire trustworthy, accredited contractors
9. Agree on a realistic timescale
10. Maintain good communication at all stages

Collecting multiple quotes helps balance cost against reliability. TrustedBuilders can match you to trustworthy trades with proven track records, ensuring your Wimbledon refurbishment proceeds smoothly.