How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Home? We Explore Room-By-Room Refurbishment Costs

How much does it cost to renovate a home? It’s an innocent enough question, but the answer can differ widely. Costs are influenced by project size, product choices, scope of work, and location.  

In the UK, typical expenses can range from £5,000 for minor updates to over £100,000 for major projects, making careful budgeting a crucial first step. Setting a realistic budget involves covering construction costs and accounting for additional expenses, including any unexpected contingencies.

We explore the main room-by-room home renovation costs to give you a clearer idea of the expenditures you can expect and to help you budget more effectively.

Arguably the most expensive room to renovate, the kitchen is a central consideration when asking how much does it cost to renovate a home. With costs ranging from modest updates to high-end overhauls, its impact on the budget unsurprisingly surpasses that of other spaces in the home. 

Having a clear vision for your kitchen renovation can anticipate budgetary concerns and avoid bill shock. Therefore, it is recommended that all anticipated renovation costs, including tapware, sinks, floor and wall tiles, appliances, units, worktops, and accessories, be carefully accounted for. 

It certainly makes sense to think about the money you’ll save in the long term, too. For example, opting for a more expensive kitchen tap that comes with the assurance of durability and water-saving functionality makes financial sense.  

The cost of a kitchen renovation can also vary significantly depending on the size of the space, the scope of the project, and whether you opt for budget-friendly or luxury finishes and appliances. For a relatively minor renovation, including refreshing your kitchen with a new coat of paint and essential appliances in a smaller space, expect to pay between £5,000 and £8,000. 

Mid-range renovations, including upgrading with semi-custom cabinets, high-quality worktops, and more energy-efficient appliances, would increase this home renovation cost to around £15,000 to £30,000. For high-end renovations that feature custom cabinetry, bespoke designs, and premium appliances, the range can fluctuate to £60,000 or more. 

Whatever your budget, ABI Interiors offers a wide range of space-transforming kitchen products. These include kitchen tapware and single and double sinks in various appealing finishes to complement your chosen design. We also offer an array of kitchen cabinetry handles in different shapes, sizes, and materials to bring definition to your space. Exploring our range of practical kitchen accessories will enhance your room's functionality. Don’t forget to consider the benefits of a pot filler tap for water-filling convenience, too.

When considering comprehensive home renovation costs, we can’t exclude the utility room. Again, the size and extent of the renovation will determine how much you can expect to spend on a utility room refurbishment. A simple refresh with fresh paint, new shelving, and updated fixtures might cost a few thousand pounds. In contrast, a more extensive overhaul that accounts for new flooring, custom cabinetry, or the installation of appliances would increase the overall cost significantly.

So, the costs of a comprehensive renovation can vary widely, making it essential to explore them in detail. Plumbing for a washer-dryer may range from £300 to £2,000 while adding new plumbing lines or rewiring can cost £500 to £1,500. Custom-built or fitted cabinets can add £500 to £3,000, and energy-efficient appliances like washer-dryers typically range from £300 to £2,000, based on the brand and features.

Flooring is another consideration, with water-resistant tiles or vinyl costing between £20 and £60 per square metre, including installation. Worktop materials range from affordable laminates to premium stone, with prices ranging between £100 and £1,000. If required, adding a ventilation system can increase costs by £200 to £600. 

Considering all these figures, a low-end utility room refresh would cost £1,500 to £3,000, while a high-end one would be approximately £5,000 to £10,000. 

From tapware to sinks, cabinetry handles to accessories, ABI Interiors has an equally wide range of products in enriching colours to enhance your utility room space. 

The bathroom is the second most expensive room for home renovation costs and is another space where prices are heavily influenced by fixture and tiling choices. From premium taps and showers to intricate tile designs and indulgent bathtubs, the costs can add up quickly based on the detail and quality required. Once again, it’s also wise to consider long-term savings by investing in a higher-quality showerhead or tap with water-saving features.

The cost of a bathroom renovation can vary significantly depending on the project's size, scope, and location, so it’s helpful to have a clear breakdown of what to expect. For a relatively minor renovation, such as repainting and replacing basic fixtures, expect to pay £3,000 to £5,000. Mid-range renovations, such as upgrading with high-quality tiles, a new vanity, or a shower, typically cost between £10,000 and £20,000. High-end projects with custom cabinetry, premium fixtures, and sophisticated features can cost over £30,000.

ABI Interiors offers a wide range of bathroom products to consider. These include elegant tapware, showers, single and double basins, toilet fixtures and fittings, and freestanding and back-to-wall baths in various finishes to accommodate your chosen design. We also offer an array of bathroom accessories in matching finishes to bring consistency to your space.

Flooring, furniture, electrical work, and decor are the main contributors to home renovation costs in the living room. Minor refurbishments, such as painting and reflooring, typically range between £1,500 and £3,000—an excellent way to refresh the space without major changes. For a more luxurious update, custom furniture, high-end design elements, and smart home systems or integrated lighting can raise the total to £5,000–£10,000 or more.

Starting with basics like painting and updating flooring is a practical first step, offering a significant transformation with minimal effort. Materials such as hardwood, laminate, or high-quality carpet come at varying price points, so it’s important to choose options that align with your budget.

Any blog that asks, “How much does it cost to renovate a home?” must also consider the bedrooms. Similar to other rooms in the home, the price will be determined by how extensive the renovation will be and how many bedrooms you need to refurbish. Naturally, a simple refresh that involves painting and decorating will differ considerably from a more comprehensive overhaul that includes additional expenses related to an ensuite. 

The cost of a simple refresh for a medium-sized room, including materials and labour, typically ranges from £1,000 to £2,000. For a more extensive renovation—such as updating flooring, installing built-in wardrobes, adding luxury furniture, or making structural changes like insulation or new windows—the cost increases to between £3,000 and £8,000.

When it comes to a bedroom ensuite, key fixtures like basins, taps, and toilets generally range from £5,000 to £10,000. Tiling adds an additional cost of £30 to £60 per square metre, while waterproofing a shower area may cost approximately £1,200 to £1,500. Labour costs, including plumbing, tiling, and electrical work, can account for a significant portion of the budget and often vary considerably based on location.

So, how much does it cost to renovate a home? As we have learned, the answer is determined by many variables, including, most significantly, whether you are looking for minor budget home improvements or more extensive home renovation costs. 

Considering the figures we have explored, a total home renovation could cost between £30,000 and £60,000 for small to medium-sized homes and £60,000 to £100,000 for larger residences. Location is also a considerable factor in the UK. London and South East prices tend to be 15-30% higher due to demand and labour costs, while in the north of England and Wales, they are generally lower by 10-20%. 

For a more accurate estimate tailored to your needs, seek independent advice and consult local contractors and suppliers.

Further information and inspiration regarding home renovation costs can be found by exploring these blogs:

The Ultimate Home Renovation Planner

Bathroom Renovations Under £5,000: 10 Ideas to Upgrade Your Bathroom on a Budget
 

How to Decorate Your Home in 6 Different Interior Design Styles