Thinking about a full house renovation? Understanding how much it costs to completely renovate a house is crucial before you start your project. Whether you’re planning to modernise your Bromley home or undertaking a comprehensive property transformation in Kent, getting a clear picture of renovation costs will help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected financial surprises. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with whole house renovations, from standard refurbishments to full gut renovations, so you can make informed decisions about your investment. The financial commitment for a complete house renovation can vary dramatically—from modest updates to luxury transformations—and knowing what to expect will empower you to plan successfully. With property values continually rising across Kent and the South East, investing in a quality renovation with skilled tradespeople, including experienced plasterers and tilers, can significantly enhance both your living experience and your property’s market value.
Understanding the basics: What does a complete house renovation include?
A complete house renovation is far more comprehensive than simply redecorating or replacing a few fixtures. It involves a systematic transformation of your property, addressing both aesthetic and functional elements throughout the entire home. When we talk about completely renovating a house, we’re referring to a project that touches every room and updates multiple systems simultaneously. This typically includes replacing or upgrading essential infrastructure such as electrical wiring, plumbing systems, and heating installations, alongside visible improvements like plastering, flooring, tiling, kitchen and bathroom fitting, and decorative finishes. For homeowners in Bromley and Kent, a complete renovation might also involve addressing period property features, improving insulation and energy efficiency, or reconfiguring layouts to suit modern living requirements. The scope extends from foundation to roof, ensuring your home meets current building regulations whilst creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle and design preferences. Unlike partial renovations that focus on individual rooms or specific improvements, a whole house renovation provides an opportunity to create a cohesive design throughout your property, with consistent quality finishes and modern standards applied everywhere.
Scope of work in a full renovation
The scope of a full renovation encompasses numerous trades and specialisms working in coordination. Structural work forms the foundation of many projects, potentially including underpinning, removing or adding walls, installing steel beams, or addressing subsidence issues common in some Kent properties. Plastering is essential throughout, whether you’re having entire rooms re-skimmed for smooth, flawless walls or requiring more extensive repairs where old plaster has deteriorated. Quality plastering creates the perfect canvas for decoration and is where Kent Plasterers excels, delivering impeccable finishes that transform spaces. Electrical work involves complete rewiring to meet current safety standards, installing new consumer units, adding sufficient socket outlets for modern life, and incorporating smart home technology. Plumbing encompasses updating pipes, installing new heating systems, fitting modern boilers, and ensuring proper water pressure throughout. Flooring might include everything from installing underfloor heating to laying hardwood, engineered wood, or luxury vinyl, with proper subfloor preparation being critical. Tiling features prominently in kitchens and bathrooms, with quality installation requiring skilled professionals who understand waterproofing, substrate preparation, and precision cutting. Finally, finishing work brings everything together—painting, fitting architraves and skirting boards, installing new doors, and adding those final touches that elevate a renovation from functional to exceptional.
The difference between cosmetic updates and gut renovations
Understanding the distinction between cosmetic updates and gut renovations is fundamental to budgeting accurately. Cosmetic updates involve surface-level improvements that refresh your home’s appearance without altering its fundamental structure or systems. This might include repainting walls, replacing kitchen cupboard doors, updating light fixtures, laying new carpets, or re-tiling a bathroom whilst keeping existing plumbing in place. These projects are considerably less expensive and disruptive, allowing you to continue living in your home throughout most of the work. Gut renovations, conversely, strip properties back to their bare bones—literally to the studs in many cases. A full gut to the studs and remodel can cost £100,000 to £200,000 or more, depending on property size and specification. This approach involves removing everything internal, exposing structural elements, and essentially rebuilding the interior from scratch. Whilst dramatically more expensive and time-consuming, gut renovations allow you to reconfigure layouts completely, upgrade all infrastructure simultaneously, address hidden problems like damp or structural issues, and create exactly the home you envision. For properties in Bromley with outdated systems or significant structural concerns, a gut renovation often represents the most sensible long-term investment, particularly when skilled tradespeople like professional plasterers can create stunning new interiors that will last for decades.
Average costs for complete house renovations in the UK
When planning your renovation budget, understanding typical price ranges provides a realistic foundation for financial planning. In the UK property market, particularly across Kent and the South East, renovation costs reflect both the quality of work expected and the higher living costs in these areas. Whole house renovations typically range from £20,000 to £100,000 for standard projects, though this spectrum encompasses significant variation in scope, specification, and property size. At the lower end, you might achieve a comprehensive cosmetic renovation of a smaller property, updating finishes throughout with mid-range materials and focusing on visible improvements rather than complete infrastructure replacement. Mid-range budgets allow for more substantial work, including some structural changes, full electrical and plumbing updates, quality plastering throughout, and good specification kitchens and bathrooms. At the higher end of standard renovations, you’re looking at comprehensive updates to larger properties with premium materials, extensive plastering and tiling work, and high-quality fixtures and fittings. However, for properties requiring extensive structural work, those in poor condition, or where homeowners desire luxury specifications, costs can escalate significantly beyond these figures. The key to accurate budgeting lies in obtaining detailed quotes from reputable contractors and specialists, including experienced plasterers who can assess your walls and ceilings properly, providing realistic costs for the essential finishing work that makes such a visible difference to your completed home.
Cost per square foot: What to expect
Breaking down renovation costs per square foot provides a useful framework for initial budget estimates, though actual costs always depend on specific project requirements. Completely renovating a house can cost between £15 to £150 per square foot, with this broad range reflecting everything from basic refurbishments to luxury transformations. At the lower end (£15-30 per square foot), expect cosmetic renovations with budget-friendly materials, minimal structural changes, and straightforward updates to existing layouts. This level typically involves repainting, basic plastering repairs, affordable flooring options, and standard fittings. The mid-range (£30-75 per square foot) encompasses most standard whole house renovations, including comprehensive plastering, quality tiling in kitchens and bathrooms, good flooring throughout, updated electrical and plumbing systems, and mid-specification fixtures. This range represents excellent value for homeowners in Bromley and Kent seeking substantial improvements with reliable quality. Higher specifications (£75-150 per square foot) involve premium materials, extensive structural alterations, bespoke joinery, designer bathrooms and kitchens, and superior craftsmanship across all trades. Beyond £150 per square foot, you’re entering luxury territory with architectural involvement, high-end finishes, and exceptional attention to detail. For perspective, a typical 2,000-square-foot house in Kent might cost £60,000-90,000 to renovate to a good standard (£30-45 per square foot), whilst the same property renovated to luxury specification could exceed £200,000-300,000. These per-square-foot figures help establish ballpark budgets, but detailed quotes from specialists—particularly for significant elements like plastering, which affects every room—remain essential for accurate financial planning.
Standard whole house renovation budgets
For most homeowners in Bromley and the wider Kent area, standard whole house renovations represent the sweet spot between investment and transformation. These projects deliver comprehensive improvements without venturing into luxury territory, focusing on quality, functionality, and lasting value. A standard renovation budget addresses all the essential elements: complete electrical rewiring to modern standards, updated plumbing and heating systems, comprehensive plastering throughout to create smooth, durable wall and ceiling surfaces, new flooring in appropriate materials for each space, complete kitchen and bathroom refits with quality units and fittings, redecorating throughout, and necessary repairs to windows, doors, and other architectural features. Within the £20,000 to £100,000 range, the actual cost depends primarily on property size and current condition. A compact two-bedroom terraced house might be comprehensively renovated toward the lower end of this spectrum, particularly if the structure is sound and no major layout changes are required. A larger four-bedroom family home would naturally sit toward the upper end, especially with the addition of features like new bathrooms, extended living spaces, or substantial plastering work to address period property imperfections. These standard budgets assume you’re working with reputable tradespeople who deliver quality results—the kind of skilled plasterers, tilers, and contractors who take pride in their craft and whose work will stand the test of time. Cutting corners by choosing the cheapest quotes often proves a false economy, particularly for critical finishing trades like plastering, where poor workmanship creates ongoing problems and disappointing aesthetics that undermine your entire investment.
Premium and gut renovation costs
When renovation requirements extend beyond standard refurbishment—whether due to property condition, structural ambitions, or desire for high-end finishes—budgets escalate significantly. Costs can exceed £100,000 to £200,000 for gut renovations, with projects at this level involving comprehensive stripping back and rebuilding of interior spaces. A full gut to the studs and remodel represents the most extensive renovation approach, removing everything internal to expose the structural shell before reconstructing with new services, insulation, studwork, plastering, and finishes. This approach is particularly relevant for properties in Bromley and Kent with significant structural issues, those requiring complete layout reconfiguration, or period homes needing sympathetic yet comprehensive modernization. The advantages of gut renovations include addressing all hidden problems simultaneously, upgrading insulation and energy efficiency throughout, installing completely new infrastructure with warranties and guarantees, creating optimal layouts for modern living, and ensuring consistent quality throughout. For a typical Kent family home, a gut renovation might cost £100,000-150,000 for a thorough but relatively standard specification, rising to £150,000-200,000 or more when incorporating structural extensions, premium materials, or luxury specifications. At these investment levels, the quality of individual trades becomes paramount. Expert plastering, for instance, makes an enormous difference to the final appearance and longevity of your renovation, with skilled plasterers creating the flawless surfaces that allow premium paints and wallpapers to perform properly whilst ensuring durability that prevents cracking and deterioration. When you’re investing six figures in your property transformation, ensuring every element—from foundations to final finishes—meets the highest standards is essential for protecting your investment and achieving the home you’ve envisioned.
Breaking down costs by house size
Property dimensions fundamentally impact renovation budgets, with larger homes requiring proportionally more materials, labour hours, and time to complete. Understanding how costs scale with property size helps establish realistic budgets and prevents the shock of discovering midway through planning that your desired specification exceeds your financial capacity. Square footage affects virtually every aspect of renovation: more floor area means more plastering across walls and ceilings, more flooring to purchase and install, more tiles for bathrooms and kitchens, additional radiators and pipework for heating, greater quantities of paint and decorative materials, and significantly more labour hours across all trades. However, costs don’t always scale perfectly linearly—certain fixed costs like new boilers, consumer units, or design fees remain similar regardless of property size, whilst economies of scale sometimes reduce per-unit costs for larger projects. For homeowners in Kent considering renovation, property size often correlates with age and style: Victorian and Edwardian terraces might offer 1,200-1,800 square feet, 1930s semis typically provide 1,000-1,400 square feet, whilst modern detached family homes often exceed 2,000-2,500 square feet. Each property type presents unique characteristics affecting renovation costs—period properties might require more extensive plastering repairs to address age-related deterioration, whilst newer homes might need less structural intervention but benefit from layout improvements to optimize space usage.
Renovating a 2,000-square-foot house
A 2,000-square-foot property represents a substantial family home by UK standards, typically offering four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and generous living spaces—the kind of property many families in Bromley and Kent aspire to own and personalise. Remodeling a 2,000-square-foot house can range from £30,000 to £500,000 depending on the scope and materials used, demonstrating the extraordinary variation possible based on your ambitions and choices. At the lower end (£30,000-50,000), you might achieve a comprehensive cosmetic renovation with repainting throughout, new carpets and affordable flooring, kitchen cupboard replacement rather than complete refitting, bathroom updates using mid-range sanitaryware and tiling, essential plastering repairs, and cosmetic improvements to create a fresh, updated appearance without major structural work. This level provides excellent value for properties in good structural condition where infrastructure doesn’t require replacement. Mid-range renovations (£50,000-100,000) deliver much more comprehensive transformation: complete rewiring and plumbing updates, new heating systems, high-quality plastering throughout creating perfect surfaces, complete kitchen and bathroom refits with good specifications, quality flooring in appropriate materials for each space, and potentially some layout modifications like removing walls to create open-plan living areas. This investment level satisfies most families’ aspirations, creating beautiful, functional homes with modern standards throughout. Higher-end projects (£100,000-200,000) incorporate structural extensions adding square footage, luxury kitchens and bathrooms with premium fittings and extensive tiling, architectural input for optimal design, superior materials throughout, and exceptional craftsmanship from specialists including master plasterers whose skills create gallery-quality wall finishes. At the extreme end (£200,000-500,000), you’re essentially creating a luxury home with bespoke everything, potentially including basements, significant extensions, smart home integration, premium materials throughout, and finish quality comparable to high-end developments. For most Bromley and Kent homeowners, the £60,000-120,000 range represents realistic budgets for comprehensive, quality renovations of 2,000-square-foot properties, delivering transformed homes that enhance both lifestyle and property value significantly.
Smaller versus larger properties
Understanding how costs adjust for different property sizes helps you calibrate expectations whether you’re renovating a compact flat or an extensive family home. Smaller properties (under 1,000 square feet) such as apartments, maisonettes, or compact terraced houses offer the advantage of lower absolute costs, with comprehensive renovations potentially achievable for £15,000-40,000 depending on specification. However, per-square-foot costs often run higher for smaller properties because fixed costs (new boilers, consumer units, design fees) represent a larger proportion of the total, and economies of scale don’t apply. Additionally, working in confined spaces sometimes increases labour complexity and time. For investors and first-time buyers in Bromley, smaller properties often represent excellent renovation opportunities, where modest budgets deliver transformative results. Medium properties (1,000-1,800 square feet) encompass most family homes and represent the majority of renovation projects. These properties typically cost £30,000-100,000 to renovate comprehensively, offering good value per square foot whilst remaining within realistic budgets for many homeowners. Larger properties (over 2,000 square feet) including substantial detached houses or period properties require significantly higher budgets, with comprehensive renovations easily exceeding £100,000-200,000. However, these properties often offer better per-square-foot value for materials and certain fixed costs, though labour hours increase proportionally. For larger Kent properties, phasing renovations across multiple years sometimes makes financial sense, allowing you to spread investment whilst living in partially completed spaces. Regardless of property size, engaging skilled tradespeople for critical elements like plastering ensures quality finishes that justify your investment, with expert plasterers delivering the smooth, durable surfaces that make properties feel truly high-quality regardless of square footage.
What influences renovation costs?
Renovation costs vary dramatically based on numerous interconnected factors, and understanding these variables empowers you to make informed decisions that align your aspirations with your budget. The final bill for completely renovating a house reflects not just the visible elements like tiles and paint colours, but also the hidden infrastructure, the quality of workmanship, the complexity of structural changes, and the specific challenges your property presents. Two seemingly similar homes in Kent might have vastly different renovation costs due to factors like structural condition, existing infrastructure quality, access challenges, planning restrictions, or simply the homeowner’s vision for the finished result. Material quality represents one of the most obvious variables—premium tiles, luxury sanitaryware, hardwood flooring, and designer fixtures cost substantially more than budget alternatives, yet often deliver superior aesthetics, durability, and long-term value. Scope of structural work dramatically affects budgets, with projects involving extensions, layout reconfigurations, or significant repairs costing far more than cosmetic renovations. Labour quality and availability influences both costs and outcomes, with experienced specialists like skilled plasterers commanding appropriate fees that reflect their expertise, whilst cheaper alternatives often deliver disappointing results requiring remedial work. Property location matters too, with renovation costs in Bromley and the South East typically higher than in other UK regions due to greater labour costs, higher material transport expenses, and increased property values justifying premium specifications. Finally, project management and timing affect costs, with well-coordinated projects running more efficiently and economically than poorly planned renovations plagued by delays, miscommunication, and repeated corrections. By understanding these cost drivers, you can make strategic decisions about where to invest your budget for maximum impact, perhaps choosing to prioritize quality plastering throughout (which affects every room’s appearance) whilst economizing on less visible elements.
Quality of materials and finishes
- Tiles: Budget ceramic tiles might cost £15-25 per square metre, mid-range porcelain tiles £25-50 per square metre, whilst designer or natural stone tiles can exceed £75-150 per square metre or more, dramatically affecting bathroom and kitchen costs where tiling forms prominent design features.
- Plastering finishes: Standard skim plastering creates smooth, paintable surfaces suitable for most applications, whilst specialist finishes like Venetian plaster, polished plaster, or decorative textures require master plasterers and command premium pricing but deliver stunning, unique aesthetics that elevate interiors significantly.
- Flooring materials: Laminate flooring starts around £10-20 per square metre, engineered wood £30-60 per square metre, solid hardwood £50-100+ per square metre, whilst premium options like wide-plank oak or exotic woods can exceed £100-200 per square metre, affecting budgets substantially across large floor areas.
- Kitchen units and worktops: Flat-pack budget kitchens might cost £2,000-5,000 complete, mid-range fitted kitchens £7,000-15,000, whilst bespoke designs with quality cabinetry and stone worktops easily reach £20,000-40,000 or more for larger kitchens with premium appliances.
- Bathroom fixtures: Standard bathroom suites with basic sanitaryware and chrome taps cost £500-1,500, quality branded fixtures £1,500-4,000, whilst designer bathrooms with statement baths, premium shower systems, and luxury fittings can exceed £5,000-15,000 before tiling and installation.
- Paint and decorative finishes: Budget emulsion costs £10-20 per room, mid-range branded paints £30-50 per room, whilst premium paints with superior coverage and durability or specialist finishes like Farrow & Ball increase costs but deliver noticeably better results and longevity.
Structural changes and building work
Structural alterations represent one of the most significant cost variables in renovation projects, with the complexity and extent of building work fundamentally determining your budget requirements. Removing walls to create open-plan living spaces—increasingly popular in Kent family homes—requires structural calculations, steel beam installation, building control approval, and making good all affected surfaces including extensive plastering. Costs typically range from £1,500-3,000 for simple non-load-bearing walls to £5,000-10,000+ for removing load-bearing walls requiring substantial steelwork. Adding extensions dramatically increases costs, with single-storey extensions costing approximately £1,200-2,000 per square metre, two-storey extensions £1,800-2,500+ per square metre, and rear extensions popular in Bromley properties requiring comprehensive groundworks, building construction, roof work, and complete finishing including plastering, flooring, and tiling. Loft conversions create valuable additional space, costing £20,000-50,000+ depending on complexity, roof structure, and whether dormer
FAQ
Is it cheaper to renovate an old house or build a new one?
Because building new typically includes a more complex scope of work, more man hours, and more materials, it’s going to be the more expensive option. However, there are some instances where renovations can become more expensive.
What is a realistic renovation budget?
Home renovation costs around $15–$150 per square foot.* House Size (sq ft) Low-End Total Cost ($15/sq ft) Mid-Range Total Cost ($60/sq ft)
Sources
[1] https://homeguide.com/costs/house-remodeling-cost
[2] https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/home-renovation-costs
[3] https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/cost-renovate-house