Renovation FAQs

Full house refurbishments in NW London typically range from £45,000–£120,000+ depending on the extent of work, specification, and property size. A standard two-bedroom flat refurbishment (new kitchen, bathroom, flooring, decoration) runs £25,000–£55,000. A four-bedroom Victorian house requiring structural work, new systems, and full redecoration can reach £200,000+. Always budget a 15–20% contingency for period properties.

A new kitchen installation typically takes 2–4 weeks for a mid-range project in an NW London home: 2–3 days for removal and first fix plumbing/electrical, 3–5 days for unit installation, 2–3 days for worktops (granite/quartz requires off-site cutting), and 2–3 days for tiling, decorating, and snagging. Bespoke kitchens with significant structural work can take 6–10 weeks.

For cosmetic renovations (painting, flooring, bathroom swap), most clients remain in residence. For major renovations involving structural work, boiler/heating replacement, or multiple rooms being worked on simultaneously, moving out significantly speeds progress and reduces disruption. A realistic assessment: if more than two trades are working simultaneously, consider temporary accommodation.

In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, a refurbishment typically means restoring a property to good condition (redecoration, new fittings, refresh). Renovation implies more significant improvement work (structural changes, new extensions, system upgrades). We use "full refurbishment" to describe complete interior overhauls and "renovation" for single-room projects.

The answer depends on the current condition and market. In the premium NW London market, presentation significantly affects both sale price and rental rate. A pre-sale kitchen or bathroom renovation typically achieves 3–5x return on investment. For rentals, even cosmetic improvements (paint, flooring, lighting) can justify a 10–15% rent increase. We offer a free pre-sale assessment.

Verify: registration with a trade body (FMB, NFRC, or RICS-approved contractor), current liability insurance (minimum £2m public liability), recent references from similar NW London projects, a written contract specifying scope, timeline, payment schedule, and retention. Be cautious of cash-only quotes, prices significantly below market rate, and pressure to sign quickly. Our client referral rate is over 80%.

The correct sequence for a full renovation: 1) Strip out and structural work, 2) Damp proof course and tanking if needed, 3) First fix electrics and plumbing (before plastering), 4) Plastering and dry lining, 5) Joinery (doors, architraves, skirting), 6) Second fix electrics and plumbing (sockets, radiators, sanitaryware), 7) Tiling and floor finishes, 8) Decorating, 9) Sanitaryware and kitchen fitting, 10) Snagging.