How Much Do Home Renovations Cost?
Home renovation covers a multitude of projects. It can mean anything from renovating a single room such as a kitchen right though to building a new extension on the house.
If you are thinking about buying a run down house for renovation or just want to enhance your existing house the crucial issue is home renovation costs.
Home renovation can also include projects such as fitting new central heating around the house, having the exterior rendered or replacing all the windows in the property.
In this guide we will look at some of the factors involved in home renovation costs in the UK and the best ways to save money and have good quality work done on your home.
Is It A Good Idea To Renovate A House?
If you are planning to stay in your house for five years or more you may decide that renovating is a good idea simply for your own comfort.
However, if you are doing a renovation to increase the value of the house before selling there are some caveats.
Certain improvements, such as new windows, will usually add value to a property but the value of your home will also depend on many other factors such as the property location and the age. In other words, home renovations are not always a magic fix to increase the value of your home.
If you are considering a total renovation, such as buying a derelict property for sale and rebuilding the entire property, discuss the matter with qualified professionals first as large scale renovation projects can easily get out of hand if not closely monitored.
You should also be aware of any planning permission issues you face. For example, if your property is a listed building, this may mean you need listed building consent before any work can begin. If in any doubt, talk to your local authority before beginning any renovation work.
Adding a downstairs cloakroom is one of the most popular changes people make to their houses. A cloakroom can cost around £2,500 and can add as much as £10,000 to the value of a home. Conversely, changing a small bedroom into an en-suite to the master bedroom may not improve the value as you are losing an entire room.
Before starting any home renovations it is most important to make sure that the structure of the property is safe.
Concentrate on issues such as damp, the roof and safe electrics before starting any cosmetic changes. If required, commission a damp survey or talk to a professional property surveyor.
Have professional structural checks and surveys done on your property before finalising any home renovation costs.
Budgeting For Home Renovation Costs
When calculating home renovation costs you might want to adjust your spending so that the end result brings the value of your home in line with others in the area.
Some of the projects that add the greatest value to a property are an extra bedroom (12%), conservatory (6%), new kitchen (10%) and new bathroom (5%). Unless the changes are for your own benefit stick to standard products as high end fixtures will not necessarily add extra value to your home.
Bringing in an expert is essential if you are making huge changes to a property and a professional will be able to help you avoid unexpected costs.
Unless you plan on doing the work yourself get multiple renovation quotations (not estimates which can change).
If you are doing some of the work leave the serious stuff to the professionals. Unless you are completely confident of your abilities get experts for plumbing, electrical work and structural changes.
How much does a typical home renovation cost in the UK?
The cost of a home renovation in the UK varies widely, typically ranging from £20,000 to £50,000, depending on the scope and quality of materials used.
What is the average cost of renovating a kitchen in the UK?
Renovating a kitchen in the UK generally costs between £5,000 and £25,000. The price varies based on the size of the kitchen and the quality of fixtures and fittings.
Are there any grants available for home renovations in the UK?
Homeowners in the UK can access various grants for renovations, especially for improvements that increase energy efficiency. Examples include the Green Homes Grant and local council grants.
How can I keep my home renovation costs down?
To reduce home renovation costs, prioritise improvements, reuse materials, and do some of the work yourself if feasible. Get multiple quotes and negotiate with contractors to ensure competitive pricing.
It is not unusual for the best laid plans to change so keep a reserve of at least 10% in case your home renovation costs run over budget.
Tips For Keeping Home Renovation Costs Under Control
Take a look at our top ten tips for keeping the cost of home renovation under control for your forthcoming project:
- Define Your Goals: Clearly identify the main objectives of your renovation, whether it’s improving functionality, increasing property value, or simply updating the style.
- Establish a Budget: Carefully plan your finances, accounting for materials, labour, and unexpected costs. Include a contingency fund of at least 20% for unforeseen expenses.
- Check for Permissions: Always verify whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval from your local council, especially for structural changes or extensions.
- Hire the Right Professionals: Choose experienced contractors, architects, and builders who have good reviews and can provide references. Ensure they are insured and qualified for the specific work you require.
- Consider the Timing: Plan the renovation for a time that will cause the least disruption to your daily life, and consider weather conditions for any external work.
- Focus on Energy Efficiency: Incorporate energy-saving features like double glazing, insulation, or solar panels to benefit from long-term savings and potential government incentives.
- Plan the Design: Ensure your design is timeless and functional. Consider hiring an interior designer to maximise the use of space and ensure the aesthetic aligns with your vision.
- Research Materials: Source high-quality materials that offer durability and visual appeal. Be mindful of lead times and availability, especially with current supply chain issues.
- Think About Resale Value: If you plan to sell in the future, consider the appeal of your renovations to potential buyers. Avoid overly personalised designs that might not increase market value.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of contracts, receipts, warranties, and design plans. These documents will be invaluable for insurance purposes and future renovations.
The Cost Of New Central Heating
Heating a home is very important and can waste a large amount of money if the heating system is very old and inefficient.
This is one of the most important home renovation projects you can do to your house. So, is it worth replacing an old heating system and how much does new central heating actually cost?
Changing from electric storage heaters to gas central heating can save you hundreds of pounds each year. Installing new gas central heating to a two bedroom property is typically around £3,500. For a larger 4/5 bedroom house the cost would be around £5,500.
The latest gas central heating systems are between three and four times cheaper to run than an electric heating system so the outlay will soon be recouped. Even in the first year you will see the benefits with lower heating bills.
The Cost Of New Kitchens And Bathrooms
Installing a new kitchen is often a priority as the kitchen is often at the heart of a home. The costs for fitting a new kitchen will, of course, depend upon the design, appliances and fittings you choose.
There are some designer brands that will run into many thousands before you even pay anything out to have them fitted. Typically, home renovation costs for fitting a new standard kitchen are around £8,000.
Even though the costs of standard bathroom suites can be lower than in the past, installing a new bathroom can be expensive if you want the latest gadgets.
The average cost in the UK for a standard bathroom suite is around £4,500. If you want extras like a whirlpool bath or a wet room the costs will be higher. Again, costs for the London property market and the South are typically between 10% and 20% higher.
Adding An Extra Room To Your Home
The cost of building an extra room or extension on your property will vary depending upon what you actually want. A simple single storey extension is estimated to cost between £1,350 and £1,950 per square metre.
In addition to these home renovation costs you will need to factor in fees for an architect, planning permission for your extension, a structural engineer and VAT.
Therefore, the total cost could be between £40,000 (UK rates) and £67,000 (London rates). Adding a two storey extension will cost another 50% resulting in a total cost of around £76,000 in any area except London.
Costs For Replacing A Roof On A House
Home renovation costs for a new roof are dependant upon the size and the structure of the existing roof. Average UK prices for roof replacement are between £5,000 and £16,000. However, a large family house could cost as much as £20,000.
This price would include labour and materials but would not cover the cost of any remedial or additional structural works.
If you are intending to replace the whole roof instead of repairing some part of it you would need to submit a building regulations application. A new roof will have to be inspected to ascertain that it is safe under the fire regulations. Costs for a building application are between £300 and £500.
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