What Does a Full Interior Renovation Cost?
The cost of a full interior renovation varies considerably depending on the size of the property, the specification chosen, and the condition of the existing fabric. For a standard three-bedroom semi-detached house in reasonable structural condition, a complete interior renovation covering new flooring throughout, re-plastering where required, full redecoration, replacement of internal doors and architraves, and a new or refreshed staircase typically costs £20,000 to £40,000.
For larger detached properties, or where the specification includes premium materials such as engineered hardwood or natural stone flooring, bespoke joinery, or a fully replaced staircase with feature spindles and newel posts, the total cost can reach £40,000 to £60,000 or beyond. Period properties requiring sympathetic restoration work — matching original plaster mouldings, repairing original floorboards, or restoring original joinery — tend to be at the higher end of the cost range.
Breaking the typical costs down by trade: flooring throughout a three-bedroom house (engineered wood, LVT, or carpet) typically costs £5,000 to £12,000 depending on material; plastering (full re-skim of ceilings and walls where required) runs to £3,000 to £8,000; full redecoration by a professional decorator typically costs £3,000 to £6,000; replacement internal doors, frames, and ironmongery across the whole house runs to £2,000 to £5,000; and a new staircase costs £3,000 to £10,000 depending on whether it is a straight or turning stair and the material and spindle specification chosen.
Professional project management is an underappreciated cost in whole-house renovations. Coordinating multiple trades — plasterers, decorators, floor fitters, joiners, and electricians or plumbers where required — requires significant time and expertise. Many homeowners choose to engage a project manager or main contractor to oversee the work, at a cost of 10% to 15% of the total project value, in exchange for reduced stress and a more predictable outcome.
Flooring Choices and Costs for a Whole-House Renovation
Flooring is typically one of the largest single cost items in an interior renovation and the choice of materials has a major impact on both the look of the finished property and the long-term durability and maintenance requirements. The main flooring options for UK homes are engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), solid hardwood, carpet, and ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Engineered hardwood is the most popular premium flooring choice for open-plan ground floors and hallways, offering the warmth and appearance of solid wood with greater dimensional stability and suitability for underfloor heating. Costs typically range from £40 to £100 per square metre including fitting. Luxury vinyl tile has grown significantly in market share due to its water resistance, ease of cleaning, warmth underfoot (particularly with underfloor heating), and competitive cost of £20 to £60 per square metre installed. It is particularly popular for kitchens, bathrooms, and family areas.
Carpet remains the most popular choice for bedrooms due to its warmth and sound insulation, at a typical cost of £20 to £50 per square metre for a mid-range fitted carpet. Tiles — ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone — are the standard choice for bathrooms and utility rooms, with costs ranging from £25 to £80 per square metre installed depending on the tile specified.
Across a three-bedroom house, flooring costs can range from £5,000 to £12,000 or more depending on the combination of materials chosen and the total floor area. Including flooring in a secured loan application as part of a comprehensive interior renovation, rather than funding it separately at a later date, allows you to benefit from a single loan application and a single interest rate across the complete project.
