Planning a home renovation in London is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between planning rules, party wall notices, budgets and choosing the right builder, there is a lot to get right before the first wall comes down. This guide walks Richmond and South West London homeowners through the whole process, from first ideas to final handover, so you know what to expect and how to keep your project on time and on budget.
At Richmond Traders Ltd, we carry out house renovations across London from our base in Twickenham, working in Richmond, Kingston, Teddington, Hampton, Isleworth, Kew, Barnes, Sheen, Ham, Petersham and Ealing. Here is what we have learned about getting a renovation right.
What does a home renovation in London usually include?
Every home is different, but most London renovations combine several of the following pieces of work:
- Structural work – removing or moving walls, adding steel beams, opening up kitchens and living spaces.
- Extensions and conversions – house extensions, kitchen extensions, loft conversions and basements.
- First and second fix trades – new plumbing, heating and electrical rewiring.
- Fabric upgrades – insulation, windows, roofing and render to improve comfort and energy efficiency.
- Finishes – plastering, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, joinery and painting and decorating.
A light refresh might only touch the finishes. A full home renovation often involves all five stages, which is why careful planning matters so much.
Step 1: Set your goals and budget
Start by writing down what you want the renovation to achieve. More space for a growing family? A better-connected kitchen and garden? Lower energy bills? A home ready to sell? Clear goals make it much easier to decide where to spend and where to save.
When setting your budget, remember to allow for:
- Building work and materials
- Design, architect and structural engineer fees
- Planning and Building Regulations application fees
- Party wall surveyor fees, if needed
- VAT at 20% on most renovation work
- A contingency of around 10–15% for surprises, which are common in older London properties
For a closer look at what drives the price of a project, read our guide to the top 10 factors that affect house renovation costs.
Step 2: Check planning permission and Building Regulations
Many internal renovations do not need planning permission, and some extensions and loft conversions can go ahead under permitted development rights. However, London has its own considerations:
- Conservation areas – large parts of Richmond, Twickenham, Kew and Barnes sit in conservation areas, where permitted development rights can be restricted.
- Listed buildings – any work that affects the character of a listed building needs listed building consent.
- Flats and maisonettes – these do not have the same permitted development rights as houses, and you may also need your freeholder’s consent.
Even when planning permission is not required, structural work, new drainage, electrics and many other elements must meet Building Regulations. Our page on legislation, regulations and planning explains more.
Step 3: Don’t forget the Party Wall Act
Most London homes are terraced or semi-detached, so renovations often affect a shared wall. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must serve notice on your neighbours before certain work, such as cutting into a party wall to insert a steel beam, or digging foundations close to their property. Serving notice early avoids delays and keeps relationships with your neighbours positive.
Step 4: Choose the right builder
Your builder will make or break your renovation. When comparing companies, ask:
- Can you see examples of similar projects they have completed locally?
- Do they have the right insurance, guarantees and credentials?
- Will they give you a detailed, itemised quotation rather than a single figure?
- Who will manage the site day to day, and how will they keep you updated?
- Do they have their own trades for plumbing, electrics and finishing, or will everything be subcontracted?
You can read about our warranties, insurance and credentials before you get in touch.
Step 5: Understand the order of works
A well-run home renovation follows a logical sequence, so that no trade has to undo another’s work:
- Strip-out and demolition – removing old kitchens, bathrooms, ceilings and non-structural walls.
- Structural work – foundations, steels, extensions and roof work.
- First fix – pipework, cables and ducting run through walls and floors.
- Insulation, plastering and screeding.
- Second fix – sockets, switches, radiators, sanitaryware and kitchen fitting.
- Decoration and flooring.
- Snagging and handover – a final inspection and fixing of any small issues.
Step 6: Plan how you will live during the work
Will you stay at home or move out? Living on site is possible for many projects, especially when work is phased room by room, but a full renovation with no working kitchen or bathroom is much easier if you can stay elsewhere for the noisiest stages. Agree a phasing plan with your builder before work starts.
Home renovation ideas that add value in South West London
If you want your renovation to add both comfort and value, these are the areas our clients most often focus on:
- Open-plan kitchen and dining spaces that connect to the garden
- An extra bedroom and bathroom through a loft conversion
- Energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, new windows and efficient heating
- Kerb appeal with fresh silicone render, roofing repairs and landscaping
- Thoughtful interiors with the help of our interior design team
For more practical tips, see our article on how to plan a successful house renovation in London.
Frequently asked questions about home renovation in London
How long does a home renovation take in London?
It depends on the scope. A single room can take a few weeks, while a full home renovation with an extension or loft conversion usually runs for several months. Planning, party wall agreements and lead times for kitchens and windows should be added to the build time.
Do I need planning permission to renovate my home?
Most internal work does not need planning permission, and some extensions fall under permitted development. Homes in conservation areas, listed buildings and flats have extra rules, so always check with your local council or your builder before starting.
Can I live at home during a renovation?
Often yes, especially if the work is phased. For full renovations, many families move out during demolition and structural work, then return once the kitchen and bathroom are usable.
How much contingency should I allow?
We recommend setting aside around 10–15% of your budget. Older London homes can hide surprises such as outdated wiring, damp or weak joists, which only show up once work begins.
Which areas does Richmond Traders cover?
We work across Richmond and South West London, including Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton, Kingston, Isleworth, Ham, Petersham, Sheen, Barnes, Kew and Ealing.
Start your home renovation with Richmond Traders
Whether you are planning a single room refresh or a full home renovation in London, our team can guide you from design to handover. Call us on 07448 992848 or contact us to arrange a site survey and quotation.
