Renovating a house in London is one of the most effective ways to increase property value, upgrade tired interiors, improve energy efficiency, and create a home tailored to modern lifestyle needs. But London is also one of the most expensive cities in the world for construction and home improvement. Labour costs, materials, planning restrictions, and property types all influence renovation budgets—so knowing what to expect financially is essential before starting.

Whether you’re planning a simple makeover or a full-scale renovation with structural work, this comprehensive cost guide will help you understand every expense involved when hiring a company of house renovation in London.

 

Why Renovation Costs in London Are Higher Than the Rest of the UK

London typically has the highest renovation costs in the UK for several clear reasons:

1. High Labour Rates

Prices for London tradespeople—builders, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters—are significantly higher due to demand and living costs.

2. Older Properties Needing More Work

London is filled with Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian homes that often require:

• Rewiring
• Replumbing
• Structural reinforcement
• Damp-proofing
• Roof repairs

This increases renovation time and cost.

3. Strict Planning and Building Regulations

Many central and suburban London areas fall under conservation rules.
Renovations often require:

• Planning permission
• Structural engineer reports
• Party wall agreements
• Fire safety inspections

These add extra fees and time.

4. Premium Material Choices

London homeowners often prefer modern, premium, or luxury finishes, increasing material costs.

5. Limited Access and Site Constraints

Narrow streets, limited parking, terraces, and flats require:

• Special delivery costs
• Extra labour time
• Waste removal logistics

All these factors contribute to the overall renovation budget.

 

Average Costs of House Renovation in London

Below is a detailed breakdown of major renovation costs you can expect based on London pricing.

1. Full House Refurbishment Costs

A full house refurbishment is ideal for properties needing a full refresh or modernisation.

What’s Included:

• Flooring installation
• Painting & decorating
• Rewiring & electrical updates
• Plumbing upgrades
• New doors & skirting
• Plastering & rendering
• Bathroom & kitchen refresh
• Heating improvements

Costs:

• Basic refurbishment: £25,000 – £40,000
• Mid-range: £40,000 – £70,000
• High-end refurbishment: £70,000 – £150,000+

Factors Affecting the Price:

• Size of the property
• Material quality
• Labour complexity
• Age and condition of the home
• Any hidden structural issues

2. Kitchen Renovation Costs

Kitchen renovations are popular because they dramatically change the look and function of a home.

Cost Breakdown:

• Budget Kitchen: £6,000 – £10,000
• Mid-Range Kitchen: £12,000 – £20,000
• Luxury Kitchen: £20,000 – £40,000+

What Affects Kitchen Prices:

• Structural changes (removing walls)
• Plumbing relocation
• Premium appliances
• Quartz, granite, or marble worktops
• Bespoke cabinetry

A kitchen in London typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on scope.

3. Bathroom Renovation Costs

Bathroom installations require plumbing, electrics, tiling, waterproofing, and ventilation.

Costs:

• Standard bathroom: £4,500 – £7,500
• Mid-range bathroom: £7,500 – £12,000
• Premium bathroom: £12,000 – £20,000+

Key Cost Drivers:

• Tile quality (porcelain/marble cost more)
• Underfloor heating
• Walk-in showers or wet rooms
• Lighting & extractor fans
• Relocating pipework

A bathroom renovation takes 1–3 weeks on average.

4. House Extension Costs

Extensions are a major investment but offer huge value by increasing living space.

Cost Per m² in London:

• Rear extension: £1,800 – £3,500 per m²
• Side return extension: £2,000 – £3,800 per m²
• Wrap-around extension: £2,500 – £4,200 per m²
• Double-storey extension: £2,500 – £4,000 per m²

Additional Costs:

• Planning permission
• Structural engineering
• Architect fees
• Bi-fold or sliding doors
• Roofing
• Insulation
• Finishing and decorating

Timeline:

10–16 weeks depending on weather, access, and design.

5. Loft Conversion Costs

Loft conversions are extremely popular in London due to limited space.

Types & Prices:

• Velux Conversion: £25,000 – £35,000
• Dormer Conversion: £45,000 – £60,000
• Hip-to-Gable Conversion: £55,000 – £80,000+
• Mansard Conversion: £70,000 – £100,000+

Includes:

• New flooring
• Insulation
• Windows or dormers
• Stair installation
• Electrics & heating
• Ensuite bathrooms (optional)

Timeline:

6–10 weeks depending on complexity.

6. Structural Renovation Costs

If your project involves removing walls, adding beams, or changing layouts, expect higher costs.

Prices:

• Small structural work: £2,000 – £8,000
• Medium structural changes: £10,000 – £30,000
• Full structural renovation: £50,000 – £150,000+

Structural Components:

• RSJ steel beam installation
• Chimney breast removal
• Wall knock-through
• Floor reinforcement
• Foundation adjustments

Structural renovations require building regulations approval and sometimes planning permission.

 

Detailed Cost Breakdown by Work Type

To give you an even deeper understanding, here is a work-by-work breakdown.

Plumbing Costs

• Full house replumbing: £3,000 – £8,000
• New boiler installation: £1,800 – £3,500
• Radiator installation: £150 – £350 each

Electrical Costs

• Full rewire: £3,500 – £8,000
• New sockets and switches: £50 – £150 each
• LED spotlights: £40 – £80 per light

Flooring Costs

• Laminate: £20 – £40/m²
• Engineered wood: £60 – £120/m²
• Porcelain tiles: £50 – £120/m²
• Carpet fitting: £20 – £40/m²

Painting & Decorating

• Full house repaint: £2,500 – £8,000+
• Feature walls or high ceilings cost extra.

Roofing Costs

• New pitched roof: £5,000 – £12,000
• Flat roof: £2,000 – £5,000
• Tile replacement: £500 – £2,000

Windows & Doors

• UPVC windows: £400 – £900 each
• Aluminium bi-folds: £2,000 – £6,000+
• Internal doors: £100 – £400 each
  

Unexpected Hidden Costs to Prepare For

Renovations often uncover issues not visible during initial inspections. These may include:

1. Damp & Mould

Treatment costs £500 – £5,000 depending on severity.

2. Wood Rot or Insect Damage

Repairs range from £300 – £3,000.

3. Asbestos Removal

Removal costs £500 – £3,000 depending on area size.

4. Poor Existing Plumbing or Electrics

Old properties often need complete updates.

5. Party Wall Agreements

Fees: £800 – £2,000 (shared properties).

6. Structural Weaknesses

May require new beams or floor reinforcement.

7. Extra Design or Architectural Fees

Revisions can increase total costs.

Solution: Always set aside 10–20% contingency.

 

How Long Does a House Renovation in London Take?

Below is a realistic timeline:

Renovation Type	Typical Duration
Bathroom	1–3 weeks
Kitchen	2–4 weeks
Internal Refurbishment	4–12 weeks
Loft Conversion	6–10 weeks
House Extension	10–16 weeks
Full Renovation	12–32+ weeks

External factors such as weather, material supply, or planning approvals may extend the timeline.

 

Tips to Reduce Renovation Costs in London

1. Plan Your Design Before Starting

Avoid mid-project changes—they increase labour and material costs.

2. Use an Experienced Renovation Company

A skilled contractor prevents costly errors and delays.

3. Choose Cost-Effective Materials

You can still achieve a luxury look with mid-range options.

4. Request Detailed Quotes

Make sure quotations include:

• Labour
• Materials
• Waste removal
• Timelines
• Contingency terms

5. Consider Phased Renovation

Spread costs across several months.

6. Reuse Structural Layout Where Possible

Moving plumbing and walls increases cost.

7. Compare 2–3 Contractors

But don’t pick the cheapest—quality matters.

 

Why Hiring the Right London Renovation Company Matters

Choosing the right renovation company ensures:

• Smooth project management
• High-quality workmanship
• Accurate pricing
• Compliance with London regulations
• Safety and structural soundness
• Transparent communication
• On-time delivery

Renovations are expensive, but hiring the wrong contractor can make them even costlier.

A professional company like BBS Construction handles everything from design and planning to construction, finishing, and final inspection.

 

Wrapping Up

House renovation in London is an investment that can transform your home’s comfort, aesthetics, and market value. However, costs can vary significantly based on the property’s age, location, size, and complexity of work. Knowing what to expect—and planning accordingly—helps you avoid unexpected expenses and ensures a smooth renovation journey.

Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen, redoing a bathroom, building an extension, or completing a full house refurbishment, having a clear cost guide allows you to make informed decisions and stay within your budget.

If you’re ready to renovate your home with a trusted, experienced team, BBS Construction UK offers full house renovations, extensions, loft conversions, kitchens, bathrooms, and more across Harrow, London, Wembley, and surrounding areas.