The housing market of London is one of the richest and the most rapidly moving in the world. Homeowners are always confronted with a huge dilemma; shall I renovate, extend or begin afresh with another building?
We are experts in house renovation London, house extension London and new builds London at BBS Construction UK, where we assist families to realize the full potential of their homes. Here, you will be guided on what customers need to know before they make a decision, cost details, schedules, legal obligations, and information on how to go about it to prevent typical pitfalls.
1. House Renovation in London
Renovation is the upgrading, repairing or modernization of your house without disturbing the major structure of the house. A lot of properties in London especially the Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian homes are in need of renovation.
Benefits of Renovation
- Maintains historic nature and incorporates modern elements.
- Many times more affordable than construction.
- Has potential to increase property value massively.
- Enhances comfort and consumption of energy.
Typical Renovation Costs in London
|
Type of Renovation |
Average Cost (per m²) | Timeframe (Approx.) | Notes |
|
Cosmetic renovation (paint, flooring, fixtures) |
£400 – £800 | 4–8 weeks | Quick refresh, minimal disruption |
| Full refurbishment (kitchen, bathrooms, rewiring, plumbing) | £1,200 – £2,500 | 3–6 months |
Requires skilled trades & planning |
| Structural renovation (walls, roof, layout changes) | £2,000 – £4,000 | 6–12 months |
Often requires building control approval |
Tip for Customers: Always have an additional 10–15% extra unforeseen expenses such as damp or concealed wiring or building repairs.
2. House Extension in London
When you do not want to move and want to have additional space, extensions are the best choice. They enable you to retain your location and neighborhood and customize your house to the needs of your family.
Popular Types of Extensions
- Rear Extension – Creates an extension of the kitchen/living room to the garden.
- Side Return Extension – It uses unused alley space.
- Wrap-Around Extension – Combines rear + side return for maximum space
- Double-Storey Extension – This extends the house with bedrooms or offices to the upper floor.
- Loft Conversion – Converts the attic space into rooms.
Extension Cost Guide
|
Type of Extension |
Average Cost (per m²) | Total Project Range | Timeframe |
|
Rear extension |
£1,500 – £2,500 | £30,000 – £70,000 | 3–6 months |
|
Side return extension |
£1,800 – £3,000 | £40,000 – £80,000 | 4–7 months |
| Wrap-around extension | £2,000 – £3,500 | £60,000 – £120,000 |
6–9 months |
| Double-storey extension | £1,800 – £3,000 | £70,000 – £150,000 |
8–12 months |
| Loft conversion | £1,200 – £2,500 | £25,000 – £65,000 |
3–6 months |
Tip for Customers: Planning permission is usually needed in London when extending, particularly when the extension is in a conservation area. You should never forget to check with your local borough council.
3. New Builds in London
In some cases, it is always better to begin afresh. A new construction in London gives total freedom of designing and laying out and energy saving.
Benefits of New Builds
- Custom made design, as a lifestyle choice.
- Power-efficient (modern insulation, windows, renewable)
- Minimal maintenance as compared to the older properties.
- No hidden structural issues
New Build Cost Guide
|
Size of New Build Home |
Average Build Cost (per m²) | Total Estimated Cost | Timeframe |
|
Small house (100m²) |
£1,800 – £2,800 | £180,000 – £280,000 | 9–12 months |
| Medium house (150m²) | £1,800 – £3,200 | £270,000 – £480,000 |
12–18 months |
| Large house (200m²+) | £2,000 – £3,500 | £400,000 – £700,000+ |
18–24 months |
Tip for Customers: When considering a new build, consider not only construction costs, but also land purchase costs, planning permission fees, architect fees and site surveys.
4. Key Considerations Before Choosing
|
Factor |
Renovation | Extension | New Build |
|
Cost |
Usually cheaper than new build | Moderate to high depending on scope | Most expensive overall |
| Timeframe | 1–6 months (small to medium projects) | 3–12 months |
9–24 months |
| Planning Permission | Sometimes required | Usually required |
Always required |
|
Disruption |
Can live in property (some phases) | Partial disruption | Full relocation during build |
|
Value Increase |
Moderate to high | High | Very high |
| Design Freedom | Limited by existing structure | Moderate flexibility |
Maximum flexibility |
5. Legal & Regulatory Requirements in London
- Planning Permission – Most extensions and new buildings.
- Building Regulations Approval – In case of a building being close to or on a common boundary.
- Party Wall Agreements – If building near or on a shared boundary.
- Listed Building Consent – Renovations/ extensions of heritage-listed houses.
- Site Safety Regulations – The contractors will be required to adhere to the UK construction safety standards.
Tip for Customers: Hire a contractor who has dealt with borough councils in London before- he knows how to work the planning red tape.
6. Common Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid
|
Mistake |
Why It’s a Problem | How to Avoid |
|
Underestimating budget |
Unexpected costs (hidden damage, material upgrades) | Keep a 10–15% contingency |
|
Poor planning |
Layout doesn’t meet future needs |
Work with architects early |
| Choosing cheapest contractor | Risk of poor quality, delays, hidden costs |
Check references, past work, accreditations |
| Ignoring permissions | Can lead to fines or demolition orders |
Always apply for permits |
| Over-customization | May not add resale value | Balance personal taste with market appeal |
7. How BBS Construction UK Helps
At BBS Construction, we provide:
- Complimentary consultations to discuss.
- Seamless quotes, breakdowns.
- Project management to save time and stress.
- Experts in extensions and new constructions, London.
- Post sales service and guarantees.
You can trust our team, whether you are renovating an old townhouse, extending it with modern glass, or constructing a dream house by yourself, to achieve good quality, reliability, and outstanding outcomes.
Let’s Create Your Dream Home
The choice between house renovation London, house extension London and new builds London is based on your budget, needs on lifestyle, and long term objective. All the paths are characterized by their own benefits, costs, and difficulties.
We have simplified the process by taking you through all the stages at BBS Construction UK, including consultation and planning it to final handover.
👉 Ready to start your project? Call us today and be expertly advised and have a no obligation quote.