Quick answer
In 2026, a full home renovation in the UK typically costs £1,400 to £3,200 per square metre, with luxury, architect-led transformations reaching £3,800+/m². A standard 3-bed semi (around 110 m²) usually lands between £155,000 and £350,000 depending on specification, structural changes, and finish level.
What's included in a "full" renovation?
A full home renovation usually means stripping the property back and rebuilding the interior to modern standards. The scope typically covers:
- Full rewire and re-plumb
- New heating system (often a heat pump or modern combi)
- Replastering, insulation and acoustic upgrades
- New kitchen and bathrooms
- New flooring, joinery, doors and skirtings
- Decoration and lighting design
- Often: structural alterations (knock-throughs, steels, extensions)
What drives the cost up or down?
The biggest cost levers are structural changes, kitchen and bathroom specification, and finishes (stone, joinery, ironmongery, lighting).
| Cost band | Typical £/m² | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | £1,400 – £1,900 | Refresh of a sound property |
| Premium | £1,900 – £2,800 | Modernising a tired family home |
| Luxury | £2,800 – £3,800+ | Architect-led, bespoke joinery, stone |
Where you get the best return
In Berkshire and the Thames Valley, the strongest ROI usually comes from:
- Open-plan kitchen/diner with bi-fold or Crittall glazing
- Loft or rear extension to add a bedroom or family space
- A luxurious principal bathroom with underfloor heating
- Energy upgrades — insulation, glazing, heat pump
How SIB Construction works
We're a Reading-based luxury renovation studio. Every project is led personally by Guri with a single accountable principal, fixed-price quotations after a site visit, and a 10-year workmanship guarantee on structural work.
Key takeaways
- Budget £1,400–£3,200/m² for a full renovation in the UK in 2026
- A standard 3-bed semi typically costs £155k–£350k
- Structural changes and finish level are the biggest cost drivers
- The strongest ROI usually comes from open-plan kitchens and loft/rear extensions