Renovation cost calculator
Add rooms, choose your finish level, toggle individual items on and off, adjust sizes. And see a detailed cost breakdown instantly. Based on real UK pricing for 2026/27.
Last updated April 2026 · Free to use · No sign-up
Renovation Budget Planner
9 room types, 3 finish levels, 60+ individual work items. Fully customisable
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UK renovation costs at a glance
Renovating a property in the UK can cost anywhere from a few thousand pounds for a cosmetic refresh to six figures for a full structural overhaul. The biggest factor is what you are doing. A new kitchen and bathroom in a 3-bed semi is a very different project from a loft conversion and rear extension on a Victorian terrace.
The cost estimates in this tool are typical UK figures from published cost guides, last reviewed 17 September 2026. Labour in London and the South East tends to run 15–30% above them. Always get at least three quotes from local tradespeople before committing.
Most common renovation projects and typical costs
| Project | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| New kitchen (mid-range) | £10,690 | £20,410 |
| New bathroom (mid-range) | £4,410 | £8,740 |
| Loft conversion (25m², mid-range) | £36,450 | £61,500 |
| Single-storey extension (20m², mid-range) | £39,450 | £59,500 |
| Garage conversion | £10,000 | £20,000 |
| New gas boiler | £2,500 | £4,000 |
| Full rewire (3-bed) | £4,500 | £8,000 |
| New roof | £4,000 | £20,000 |
| Double glazing (3-bed house) | £4,000 | £16,000 |
| Painting a room | £350 | £1,000 |
How to budget for a renovation
Start by listing every room you want to renovate. For each room, decide on a finish level. Budget, mid-range, or premium . And the specific work items you need. The planner above lets you do this in detail. Then add a contingency of at least 10% (15–20% for older properties). Unexpected costs are not a risk . They are a certainty.
If the total is higher than you expected, prioritise. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to add the most value relative to their cost. Structural work (extensions, loft conversions) adds the most absolute value but costs significantly more. Cosmetic improvements (decorating, flooring, garden) are the cheapest way to make a property feel different.
Which renovations add the most value?
According to UK estate agents, the renovations that consistently add more value than they cost are: new kitchens, new bathrooms, loft conversions, and extensions. A well-executed kitchen renovation can return 70–100% of its cost in added property value. A loft conversion typically adds 10–20% to the value of a house. But be careful not to over-improve. Spending £40,000 on a kitchen in a £200,000 house is unlikely to return the investment if the street average is £220,000.
Sources and further reading
- Do you need planning permission? Official guidance: gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales
- Building regulations approval (extensions, lofts, structural work): gov.uk/building-regulations-approval
- Find certified tradespeople (Competent Person Register): competentperson.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
How much does a full house renovation cost in the UK?
A full renovation of a three-bedroom house in the UK typically costs between £43,500 and £110,000, depending on the size of the property and the scope of work. Decorating and new flooring alone sit well below that range. A major renovation including structural work, rewiring, replumbing, a new roof and a full interior refit sits at the top of it or above.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in the UK?
On the figures in this calculator, a budget kitchen costs £6,910–£13,290 including units, worktops, fitting, appliances and the trades around them. A mid-range kitchen runs £10,690–£20,410 with better quality materials and appliances. A premium kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, stone worktops and high-end appliances typically costs £23,880–£37,930.
How much does a loft conversion cost in the UK?
A loft conversion of about 25 square metres typically costs £36,450–£61,500 at a mid-range finish. A Velux (roof window) conversion is at the lower end, while a dormer or mansard conversion is more expensive. This includes structural work, a staircase, insulation, electrics, plastering and windows.
How much contingency should I budget for a renovation?
Most builders and surveyors recommend a contingency of 10–15% of your total renovation budget. For older properties or projects involving structural work, 15–20% is safer. Unexpected issues like damp, asbestos, or outdated wiring are common once walls are opened up.
Does renovating a house add value?
Yes, but the return varies by project. Kitchen and bathroom renovations typically add more value than they cost. Loft conversions and extensions can add 10–20% to a property's value. Cosmetic improvements like decorating and new flooring offer a good return for the cost. Over-improving beyond the street average can reduce ROI.
Is this tool really free?
Yes. Completely free, no sign-up, no email required. ValuQ provides free tools to help homeowners make better decisions about their property. If you are thinking about selling, we also offer free, anonymous valuations from local estate agents.
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Seller guides that pair with this tool
Plain-English reads on what actually adds value, what buyers look for, and when to sell.
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The renovations that actually add value on sale. And the ones that rarely pay back.
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Thinking about selling after your renovation?
Get free, competing valuations from local estate agents. Completely anonymously. See what your property could be worth after the work is done.