A full house renovation brings a whole property up to date: new wiring, heating, plastering, kitchen, bathrooms and decoration, often with structural changes or an extension. Here’s what that typically costs in 2026.
Typical cost for a 3-bedroom house
Checkatrade’s 2026 guide puts the cost of renovating a typical 3-bedroom house in the UK at between £43,530 and £110,350, with an average of about £76,690 including VAT.
Typical costs by item (UK averages)
- Rewiring: about £6,250 (£4,000 to £8,500)
- New heating system: about £5,500 (£3,000 to £8,500)
- Re-skimming walls and ceilings: about £8,750, or about £26,500 to hack off and replaster
- New kitchen: about £17,500 (£7,000 to £25,000)
- New bathroom: about £7,000
- Windows: about £5,250 (£2,500 to £8,000)
- New roof: about £12,250
- Damp proofing: about £2,750
London renovations usually cost more than these UK averages because of labour rates, parking and access, and the condition of older houses.
What drives the cost
- The size and condition of the property
- Structural work: knock-throughs, steels and extensions
- Whether wiring, plumbing and plaster need full replacement
- The specification of kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and joinery
- Conservation area or listed building requirements
Budgeting
Add a contingency of 10 to 15 percent: older London houses often reveal rot, damp or old wiring once walls and floors are opened up. Remember professional fees, Building Control and VAT too.
After a free visit we give you a written, itemised quote. See our full property refurbishment page for what’s included.
Cost source: Checkatrade house renovation cost guide, updated 2026.
Common questions
Should we move out during a full renovation?
It’s usually quicker and easier, because there will be periods without a kitchen, bathroom, water or power.
What order should a renovation be done in?
Structural work and the roof first, then first-fix plumbing and electrics, plastering, second fix, kitchen and bathrooms, flooring, and finally decorating.