Home renovation in Cambridge typically costs £500–£1,500 per m². But that range is wide because "renovation" covers everything from a new kitchen to stripping a house back to brick. Here's how to budget for your project.
Quick Cost Guide
| Project Type | Cost Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen renovation | £8,000–£30,000 | 2–4 weeks |
| Bathroom renovation | £4,000–£15,000 | 1–3 weeks |
| Whole house renovation | £30,000–£100,000+ | 3–6 months |
| Extension + renovation | £50,000–£150,000+ | 4–8 months |
Kitchen Renovation Costs
Budget Kitchen: £8,000–£15,000
Standard units, laminate worktops, basic appliances. Functional but not premium.
- Units: £2,000–£4,000
- Worktops: £500–£1,000
- Appliances: £1,000–£2,000
- Labour: £3,000–£5,000
- Electrics/plumbing: £1,500–£3,000
Mid-Range Kitchen: £15,000–£30,000
Rigid units, quartz or granite worktops, integrated appliances, underfloor heating.
- Units: £4,000–£8,000
- Worktops: £1,500–£3,000
- Appliances: £2,000–£4,000
- Labour: £5,000–£8,000
- Electrics/plumbing: £2,500–£4,000
Premium Kitchen: £30,000–£60,000+
Handmade or bespoke units, luxury appliances, high-end finishes, smart technology.
- Units: £10,000–£25,000
- Worktops: £3,000–£8,000
- Appliances: £4,000–£10,000
- Labour: £8,000–£15,000
- Electrics/plumbing: £5,000–£10,000
Bathroom Renovation Costs
Budget Bathroom: £4,000–£7,000
Standard suite, ceramic tiles, basic shower.
- Suite (bath, toilet, basin): £500–£1,000
- Shower: £300–£600
- Tiles: £500–£800
- Labour: £2,000–£3,000
- Plumbing/electrics: £700–£1,600
Mid-Range Bathroom: £7,000–£15,000
Quality suite, heated towel rail, walk-in shower, underfloor heating.
- Suite: £1,500–£3,000
- Shower: £800–£1,500
- Tiles: £1,000–£2,000
- Labour: £3,000–£5,000
- Plumbing/electrics: £1,500–£3,500
Premium Bathroom: £15,000–£30,000+
Designer suite, natural stone tiles, smart shower, luxury finishes.
- Suite: £3,000–£8,000
- Shower: £2,000–£4,000
- Tiles: £2,500–£5,000
- Labour: £5,000–£10,000
- Plumbing/electrics: £2,500–£5,000
Whole House Renovation Costs
Stripping a house back to brick and rebuilding from scratch:
Cost Per Square Metre
| Specification | Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Basic renovation | £500–£800 |
| Mid-range renovation | £800–£1,200 |
| Premium renovation | £1,200–£2,000+ |
Example: 3-Bed Semi-Detached (90m²)
- Basic: £45,000–£72,000
- Mid-range: £72,000–£108,000
- Premium: £108,000–£180,000
These figures include kitchen, bathroom, rewire, replaster, new floors, decoration. Structural changes (knocking through walls, extensions) add significantly.
What Does a Whole House Renovation Include?
Structural Work
- Wall removal (opening up spaces): £1,000–£3,000 per opening
- Steel beams for load-bearing walls: £500–£1,500 each
- Underpinning (if foundations are poor): £10,000–£30,000
Electrical
- Full rewire: £2,500–£5,000 for a 3-bed house
- Consumer unit replacement: £400–£700
- Smart home systems: £1,000–£5,000
Plumbing
- New central heating system: £3,000–£6,000
- New bathroom: £4,000–£15,000
- Reroute pipes: £1,000–£3,000
Floors and Walls
- Replaster walls: £15–£25 per m²
- New floorboards: £30–£50 per m²
- Wooden flooring: £40–£100 per m² (materials)
- Carpet: £20–£60 per m² (materials)
Kitchen and Bathroom
See above for detailed costs. Combined, these typically account for 25–35% of a whole house renovation budget.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
1. Professional Fees
- Architect: £2,000–£5,000 (for planning drawings)
- Structural engineer: £500–£2,000 (for calculations)
- Building regulations: £500–£1,500
- Planning permission: £206 (if required)
2. Unexpected Issues
- Rotten timber: £500–£2,000
- Damp treatment: £500–£2,000
- Asbestos removal: £1,000–£3,000
- Rewiring beyond budget: £500–£2,000
Budget 10–15% contingency for unexpected costs.
3. Temporary Accommodation
If you can't live in the house during major work:
- Rental costs: £800–£1,500/month
- Storage: £100–£300/month
Adds Value vs Adds Cost
| Renovation | Cost | Value Added | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| New kitchen | £15,000 | £10,000–£15,000 | 65–100% |
| New bathroom | £8,000 | £5,000–£8,000 | 60–100% |
| Extension | £50,000 | £40,000–£60,000 | 80–120% |
| Loft conversion | £40,000 | £30,000–£50,000 | 75–125% |
| Redecorate throughout | £3,000 | £3,000–£5,000 | 100–165% |
ROI varies by location. Cambridge's high property prices typically give better returns.
How Long Does a Renovation Take?
| Project | Duration |
|---|---|
| Kitchen only | 2–4 weeks |
| Bathroom only | 1–3 weeks |
| Kitchen + bathroom | 4–6 weeks |
| Whole house (cosmetic) | 4–8 weeks |
| Whole house (structural) | 3–6 months |
| Extension + renovation | 4–8 months |
Getting Quotes
Always get at least 3 quotes. Compare them carefully:
- Scope: Is everything included or are there exclusions?
- Materials: Are materials specified or provisional sums?
- Timeline: Is there a realistic programme?
- Payment terms: What's the schedule?
- Contingency: What happens if issues are found?
Why DNDH for Renovations
DNDH Construction handles complete renovations across Cambridge and Cambridgeshire — from single rooms to whole houses. We provide detailed quotes, manage all trades, and keep you informed throughout.
FAQ
Should I live in the house during renovation?
For minor work (kitchen, bathroom), yes. For whole house renovations, it's often cheaper and less stressful to move out temporarily. Ask your builder what they recommend.
What order should I do things in?
Structural work first, then electrics and plumbing, then plastering, then decoration and floors, then kitchen and bathroom fitting. Your builder should manage the sequence.
Do I need planning permission?
Most internal renovations don't need planning. You need it for extensions, external changes, listed buildings, and conservation areas. Building regulations apply to structural work and electrics/plumbing.