A realistic budget for a full house renovation in the UK ranges from £1,000 to £2,000 per square metre for a standard finish, and £2,500 to £3,500+ per square metre for a premium or luxury finish. For a typical three-bedroom UK house, a realistic full renovation budget is between £35,000 and £80,000.
Key cost breakdowns to consider when planning your budget include:
- Kitchen Renovation: £8,000 to £25,000+, depending on cabinetry, quartz worktops, and integrated appliances.
- Bathroom Renovation: £4,000 to £12,000 per bathroom for plumbing, tiling, and sanitaryware.
- Structural and Utility Upgrades: Rewiring costs £4,000 to £8,000; a new central heating system costs £3,500 to £6,000; plastering costs £3,000 to £6,000.
- Professional Fees: Budget 10% to 15% of total costs for architects, structural engineers, and local authority building control fees.
- Contingency Fund: Always set aside a 15% to 20% cash buffer. Unseen issues like hidden rot, poor subfloors, or old wiring are common in British homes.
- VAT (20%): Most tradespeople, materials, and services incur 20% Value Added Tax, which must be calculated from the start.
Obtaining three detailed, itemised quotes from vetted contractors helps ensure your project stays within your financial parameters.
