Home Renovation Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Home renovation is definitely exciting, but it can be a little intimidating too. Understanding the process will help you to minimize stress and maximize efficiency. That’s why we’ve taken a look at the most searched for frequently asked question around renovations to bring you every detail you’ll need to know about renovating your home.

House Renovation
  • What project adds the most value to my house?

    If you are renovating in order to sell your house, then it might be better not to carry out large scale remodelling, as house buyers often like to make the new house 'their own' by redecorating it to match their personalities. So a few coats of white or light grey paint might be all you need to make the property look clean and fresh. If you do not intend to move any time soon, here ar 7 projects that can increase Your house value. 1. Remodeling the kitchen. 2. Remodeling the attic or basement. 3. Improve energy efficiency. 4. Swimming Pools. 5. Garage Conversions. 6. Loft Conversion. 7. Bathroom Renovation.

  • I want to do full house renovation with one company, can you do design and renovate for me?

    Yes we can. We have a team of the best London architects to create designs that suit you and your needs. We will match you with our architects who have specific experience in your area, share your vision and style for your refurbishment project.

    Doing the design and build with us gives you a view and control of the projected costs of your refurbishment from the very first day. You will be able to make well-informed choices for your design while understanding the cost implications and opting for the best solution for your investment.

    A full house renovation can include kitchen and bathrooms refurbishment, new flooring, heating installation, wiring and plumbing installation or alterations, and a new boiler installation. It might also include new windows and doors, and plastering and painting of the internal and external walls. New ceilings might be required as well.

  • Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment?

    You won’t need planning permission for most refurbishment projects. If you are not changing the external appearance of your flat or your house, you won’t need planning permission. In many cases, you can make a loft conversion or a rear/side extension within permitted development rights.

    However, if you are planning to refurbish a listed building, you may need permission.

  • Home renovation costs

    As a rough guide, Home Renovation Solution estimates that house renovations costs are between £76,000 and £140,800 to fully renovate a three-bedroom house.

    When planning a renovation, you’ll need to tally up your entire costs and add in a contingency flex of around 10-15% of the total.

    Architect fees. Planning permission fees. Building regulations fees. Structural engineer fees. Material costs. Building costs. Plumbing costs. Electrical costs. Fixtures and fittings costs. Flooring costs. Tile costs.

  • Do you renovate small houses?/h2>

    Embarking on a small house renovation projects can be a thrilling and transformative experience, especially for owners of small homes looking to maximize their living space and breathe new life into their property. At Home Renovation London, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with renovating smaller houses in London.

    Below are somthat you need to pay attension to for small house renovation;

    Design and Planning, Permissions and Regulations, Budgeting and Cost Management, Quality Materials and Craftsmanship.

  • How much will my refurbishment cost?

    Every good home renovation company will tell you that it is not possible to estimate the cost of refurbishment for a flat or a house before all the details have been defined. But we understand that it is important to have a reference figure before embarking in the process for budgeting purposes.

    We suggest a conservative estimate of £1,600 per square metre as the absolute minimum, and an average of between £2,000 and £3,400 per square metre.

    However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are details that can impact the cost significantly, the most costly being basement excavations or extensions of existing lower ground spaces; inclusion of very large or high spec glazing; very high energy performance materials.

    Additionally, some finishes can increase costs significantly, like paint, tiles or flooring, especially if the surfaces are very large.


Apartment Renovation
  • The Law including what is & what is not permitted with apartment renovations

    Keeping common areas cleaned and functional is another key component in ensuring your neighbours and visitors are kept satisfied at all times. Home Renovation London builders and contractors has a comprehensive approach to the protection of floors, walls, elevators and all other common areas used during a renovation. Your neighbour’s interests are as important to us as yours in ensuring a successful renovation without delays or interruptions.

  • What is commonhold?

    The common parts are all the parts of the building that are not contained in a unit, for example, in a commonhold of a block of flats, the common parts will include the actual structure of the building (the walls and roof, the lift and the stairs and so on), and shared areas such as the corridors and entrance hall, the car park and so on. The freehold of the common parts is owned by the commonhold association.

    Click Here to lear more about commonhold

    ‍Wall-Mounted Cabinets and Shelves: Install wall-mounted cabinets or shelves to utilise vertical space effectively.

    ‍Medicine Cabinet: Opt for a recessed medicine cabinet above the sink. These cabinets offer additional storage for medications, toiletries, and small items while saving space.

    ‍‍Built-in Niches and Recessed Shelves: During the bathroom renovation planning and design stage, consider incorporating built-in niches or recessed shelves in your shower or bath area.

    ‍‍‍Towel Bars and Hooks: Install towel bars or hooks on the back of the bathroom door or on unused wall space to hang towels and robes.

  • Do you do small apartment renovation London

    Embarking on a small apartment renovation project can be a thrilling and transformative experience, especially for owners of small apartment looking to maximize their living space and breathe new life into their property. At Home Renovation London, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with renovating smaller apartments in London.

    Before you swing the first hammer, it’s vital to have a clear understanding of the scope of your renovation. Are you aiming for a cosmetic refresh or a complete overhaul? Begin by assessing which areas of your apartment need work and which aspects you’d like to preserve. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference in a limited space. Below are somthat you need to pay attension to;

    Design and Planning, Permissions and Regulations, Budgeting and Cost Management, Quality Materials and Craftsmanship.


House Extension
  • I don’t know what my budget is, why do I have to provide one?

    We don’t expect you to know how much the build will cost. However, as the home owner you will have an idea of how much you have/can borrow to complete the works. We need to know this so that we can advise you if this amount is realistic. We don’t want to waste your time and we will be honest and upfront with you right from the start.

  • I have plans, can you build based on these plans?

    Through our extensive experience building additions and extensions, we have found that when we are presented with plans provided by an external provider, these often do not take into consideration the real cost of building. To address this challenge we make sure that we look after the entire process from start to finish. We will work with you to create plans that will align with your quote.

  • Is it better to build a ground floor extension or a first floor addition?

    It is easier and quicker to build a first-floor extension and as we’re building up it means that you won’t lose any valuable land space while you are maximising the space in your home. With a ground floor extension there is a concrete slab, piers, footings, excavation and dirt removal costs to consider which can take more time and cost more money.

    When constructing a first-floor addition we work from the top of your home and build up. This means that we do not need to enter your existing home until we install the stairs and undertake any downstairs renovations. This minimises the dust and disruption to you and your family’s daily lives while you are still living in the home.

  • What's the cheapest way to extend a house?

    Concrete blockwork and a concrete sub-floor tend to be the cheapest way to construct an extension. As well as the materials being cheaper, most trades are familiar with them so you won't need a specialist team to erect it.


Kitchen Renovation
  • Can I renovate my kitchen on a budget?

    Kitchen renovators and contractors know how much everything costs. They know less expensive materials or products that will look as good and elegant as something exorbitantly priced. For instance, acrylic splashback will look fabulous and cost less than tiles. Similarly, granite and engineered stone are expensive benchtop materials, but you can get the same look and feel with the modestly priced laminate benchtop.

  • Is there a difference between a kitchen renovation and a kitchen remodel?

    A kitchen remodel is about adding or replacing the form of something – for instance, replacing your dated tapware with a new tapware model in your kitchen sink, making your washing chores more convenient, and providing style and elegance to your kitchen.

    On the other hand, kitchen renovation focuses on refurbishing/ restoring your old, tired kitchen into a new, functional, convenient and stylish kitchen. Kitchen renovation may include one section, such as only changing the kitchen flooring, or the entire kitchen makeover involving changing kitchen cabinetry, benchtop, splashback, work triangle, island etc. It can also get elaborate wherein your whole kitchen layout can get modified altogether.

  • What Is covered in a kitchen renovation & what kitchens do we install?

    Home Renovation London work with your requirements and desires to make sure your new kitchen is delivered as impeccably as is possible. We manage the following parts of the kitchen renovation:

    Remove the old kitchen and clean up the available space. Remove any temporary walls and other small build-ups. Tiling. Worktops & splashback installation. Plumbing. Electrical. Install or position new kitchen appliances.

    At Home Renovation London, we specialise in installing the following types of kitchen layouts:

    U-Shaped Kitchens. L-Shaped Kitchens. Straight-Line Kitchens. Galley Kitchens. Island Kitchen Layout. Peninsula Kitchen.

    Home Renovation London has expertise in following types of kitchen styles:

    Modern or Contemporary Kitchens. Handleless Kitchens. Hamptons Kitchens. Shaker Style Kitchens. Black Kitchens. White Kitchens. Country Kitchens. Classic Kitchens. Industrial Style Kitchens. Outdoor Kitchens.

  • What the skilled kitchen refurbishment experts can do for you?

    Whether you're looking for a simple worktop or cupboard renovation or need a comprehensive kitchen refurbishment, our experts kitchen renovators will always be nearby to take care of everything. Transform your kitchen with our professional kitchen refurbishment services in London.

    Home Renovation London offers a comprehensive kitchen renovation process, ensuring you get the kitchen of your dreams with enhanced functionality and aesthetics. Whether you are a home or business owner, rest assured that your kitchen renovation project will be completed within budget and on time to uncompromising standards.

    Skilled kitchen renovation experts can handle projects of different scales, so you can have your dream kitchen done to the highest standards. Our kitchen renovation service covers all parts of the refurbishment process including: change of flooring, countertop replacement, cabinet refacing, appliance installation and much more. Here is a list of the common tasks we can complete:


Kitchen Extension
  • How much would a kitchen extension cost?

    Kitchen extension prices start at approx. £40K and can go upto £65K depending on size, type and amount of work involved. Things like aluminium bifold or sliding doors, underfloor heating, larger rooflights are common factors that can influence the price of your extension.

  • Does a kitchen extension add value to my property?

    Yes, it does. Adding square footage to your home guarantees an increase in property value. A 10% increase in floor space adds 5% to the value. Buyers also find a newer well-proportioned kitchen an incentive. If you have a lovely home but a dated and narrow kitchen, extending it outwards with upgrades certainly make your property more valuable and attractive.

  • Is it cheaper to have an extension or a conservatory?

    While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, when it comes to kitchen extension cost it is important to consider that a ground floor house extension is generally much more costly than a conservatory, even if they are built at the same size. This is mostly due to the fact that conservatories require less structural support, as well as how they are priced. Extensions tend to be priced based on square footage, whereas conservatories are priced based on materials and construction.


Bathroom Renovation
  • Can you remove and dispose of my existing bathroom fittings?

    Yes. Our bathroom renovation London services can include disposal of your old bathroom components and sanitary ware in any quote and project plan. We are environmentally conscious and act responsibly when it comes to all waste disposal, re-use or recycling.

  • How to start planning your designer bathroom

    Planning is essential when considering how to create a designer bathroom. It’s generally a large investment, so you want to get it right – and of course, being a bathroom, it needs to be functional. The first thing you need to do is think about the design. Choose a design that suits your vision, including the following considerations:

    Colour scheme
    Replace or remodel shower and tub?
    New fixtures and fittings?
    What sort of storage space do you need?
    Where are all the pipes?
    Location of the electrical wires
    Shelves and cabinets

    Make sure the layout is practical and that it suits the overall size and style of the bathroom. You don’t want a cluttered bathroom, so keep that in mind when planning. Once you have some ideas, or if you’re struggling for ideas, get in touch with the team at Crystal Bathrooms! We’ll be more than happy to assist you.

  • Minor Bathroom Renovations

    Sometimes a simple update is all that’s required to give your bathroom a new, remodeled look and feel. Perhaps a modern, custom vanity with a new sink and faucet combination will provide the minor bathroom renovation London you’re looking for. Whatever the size, you can trust our bathroom renovation team to work with you to renovate your bathroom the right way.

    Our bathroom renovation team here at Home Renovation London are capable of handling any size bathroom renovation project but when you need a minor bathroom renovation Sydney, our experts make the entire process smooth & simple as possible.

  • Do you do bespoke bathrooms?

    If you are looking for a bathroom design that sets you apart from others on the market look no further than a bespoke bathroom renovation from Home Renovation London. Create a stunning custom design that provides a contemporary look while still being functional and providing a space for rest and relaxation. The team at Home Renovation London are committed to working with our clients to provide a beautiful bespoke bathroom while ensuring total customer satisfaction.

    Before we commence any renovation work a design of your new bespoke bathroom is provided for your approval. You will be able to provide feedback, make revisions and tweak parts of the design to absolute perfection. We incorporate your feedback and work with you to turn your bathroom ideas into a reality.


Loft Conversions
  • What are the Loft conversions building regulations in London

    Converting a loft in the UK typically involves adhering to Building Regulations. These standards ensure that the loft conversion is safe, structurally sound, and meets certain energy efficiency requirements. Here are some key considerations and standards commonly applied:

    Building Regulations: Loft conversions in the UK are subject to building regulations, which cover aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, electrical and plumbing work, and accessibility. These regulations are enforced by local building control officers.

    Structural Stability: The existing structure of the building must be assessed to ensure it can support the additional weight of the loft conversion. This includes the floor joists, roof structure, and foundations.

    Fire Safety: Loft conversions must comply with fire safety standards to ensure occupants have a safe means of escape in the event of a fire. This typically involves installing fire-resistant doors, smoke alarms, and sometimes sprinkler systems, depending on the size and layout of the conversion.Please refer to Fire Safety Approved Document B

    Insulation: Adequate insulation is essential to ensure the loft space is energy efficient and meets current building regulations. This includes insulation in the roof, walls, and floors to prevent heat loss and maintain a comfortable living environment. Please refer to Part L Building Regulations.

    Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important to prevent issues such as condensation and mold growth. Ventilation requirements vary depending on factors such as the size of the loft space and the number of occupants.

    Electrical and Plumbing: Any electrical or plumbing work carried out as part of the loft conversion must comply with relevant building regulations and be carried out by qualified professionals. See Part P for Electrical Installations and See Part G for Sanitation, hot water and water

    Accessibility: If the loft is intended to be used as a habitable space, it must be accessible via a suitable staircase that meets building regulations in terms of width, height, and gradient. Please refer to Approved Documant K.

    Party Wall Act: If the loft conversion involves work on a party wall (a wall shared with a neighbouring property), the Party Wall Act 1996 may apply, requiring you to notify adjoining property owners and obtain their consent for certain types of work.

    Planning Permission: In some cases, loft conversions may require planning permission from the local planning authority, particularly if the conversion alters the exterior of the property or if it falls within a designated conservation area.

    By working closely with Home Renovation London, you can ensure that your loft conversion project is completed to the highest standards of quality and compliance with all relevant regulations.

  • How to convert a loft?

    Converting your loft space is no small task and requires a number of skilled lofts conversions specialists to complete the work professionally. Electricians, joiners, roof experts, plumbers, and specialists could all play a vital role in converting your loft space. By employing Home Renovation London for your loft conversion you will get the benefit of fully employed operatives throughout the course of your project, where other trades are required, we will manage them as part of our role so that the work can continue as seamlessly as possible.

  • What are the benefits of converting my attic into a loft?

    Converting an attic into a loft can provide additional living space, increase property value, and offer a unique area in your home for relaxation or work. Home Renovation London specialists ensures that every loft conversion meets safety standards and maximizes the use of available space.

  • Can a loft conversion improve my home’s energy efficiency?

    Absolutely. Our lofts conversions specialists integrates energy-efficient windows, insulation, & heating solutions as part of the loft conversion process, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of your home.


Driveways Construction
  • What factors influence the cost of a new driveway in London?

    Driveway costs in London depend on the size, chosen material, and preparation work needed. Home Renovation London offers a range of options to suit various budgets, providing both affordability and quality.

  • What are the laws on shared driveways?

    Some homes have a shared driveway, which makes building and maintenance more difficult. There are two types of shared driveways in London. Some are owned by both homes, and other shared driveways belong to one home but are used by others. The owner of a shared driveway is different for every situation. For example, one homeowner may own the driveway, but a neighbour could have the right to it. Ask the homeowner to look at the property deeds for driveway access rights. Whoever uses the driveway is expected to look after it. Homeowners are also not allowed to store objects such as bins on the shared driveway.

    People must use the space equally. Homeowners can take a neighbour to court if they are using the driveway too much or blocking access to their home or garage.

  • Home Renovation FAQ

    Home Renovation Frequently Asked Question. House Renovation Frequently Asked Question. Flat Renovation Frequently Asked Question. Apartment Renovation Frequently Asked Question. Kitchen Renovation Frequently Asked Question. Bathroom Renovation Frequently Asked Question. Loft Conversion Renovation Frequently Asked Question. House Extension Renovation Frequently Asked Question. Kitchen Extension Renovation Frequently Asked Question. Home Renovation FAQ. House Renovation FAQ. Kitchen Renovation FAQ. Bathroom Renovation FAQ. Apartment Renovation FAQ. Flat Renovation Faq. House Refurbishment FAQ. House Referbishment Frequently Asked Question. Home Refurbishment Frequently Asked Question.

All Home Renovation London completed projects improve your lifestyle, add to your property’s value and provide an enormous sense of satisfaction. So get in touch today and we will offer you a free on-site consultation to discuss your project.

Call us now

0207 4772 883

Your information is safe with us. We guarantee 100% data security. We don’t use emails for spamming.