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Refurbishment is a broad term that covers a number of different jobs and projects that improve your home.

The main goal of a refurbishment is to revitalise and refresh your home. It can include everything from small, quick jobs to large scale refurbishments.

Common types of refurbishment include:

• Cleaning dirty, worn areas
• Cosmetic work to improve the look of your home
• Repairs to damaged parts of your home
• Replacing fixtures and fittings
• Converting an unused space
• Improving the energy efficiency of your home
• Upgrading parts of your property
• Fitting new windows
• Replacing missing roof tiles

Depending on the scale of your designs, planning is an important part of the process. If you want to make small, cosmetic changes you likely won't need a detailed plan.

However, significant refurbishments should be properly planned out.

Use the below steps to learn how to plan a refurbishment project:

1. Create a design of how you want your refurbishment to look and function. This can be done by an architect for really effective results.

2. Seek any necessary planning permission for major refurbishments.

3. Decide whether you’ll project manage your refurbishment works or hire a professional.

4. Set a budget for each stage of your refurbishment and decide how you’ll fund your project.

5. Find local tradespeople and get quotes for the work.

6. Create a schedule of refurbishment works.

7. Start construction.

It can be hard to give an exact timescale for your refurbishment as every project is different. In order to estimate the time needed, consider the following factors that impact the duration of your refurbishment:

• How large your home is

• What part of your home you plan to refurbish

• The current condition of your home

• How complex your plans are

You can also work with a project manager to plan how long your refurbishment will take. As a rough guide, cosmetic changes could take up to 3 months, while major refurbishments may take up to a year.

As we mentioned above, each refurbishment is unique so it can be difficult to give accurate prices. Before setting a budget, consider the below variables:

• Age and condition of your home: If your home is old and in poor condition, renovations will be more expensive

• Type of refurbishment: Small cosmetic changes will be much more affordable than converting an entire room

• Your location: Depending on where you live in the UK, labour prices will vary

• Size of your home: Larger homes are more expensive to refurbish

• How complex your refurbishments are: Simple refurbishments will be much more affordable than complex jobs

• Materials used: High quality, long lasting materials cost more than basic materials

Flat refurbishment cost

The best way of getting an accurate price for your refurbishments is to ask for a quote from a refurbishment company. However, we can look at some rough costs for your refurbishment. Below are three average flat refurbishment costs for different projects:

• Redecorating: £2,500

• Basic refurbishments: £16,500

• Full flat refurbishment: £40,500

To learn more, please see our flat refurbishment cost guide.

House refurb cost per m2

Houses will be more expensive than flats to refurbish as they are generally larger, with more rooms. Again, it can be tricky to give a realistic guide price as each renovation will differ but below are a few example house refurb costs per m2:

• Laminate flooring: £30 per m2

• New carpeting: £30 per m2

• Artex removal: £15 per m2

• General refurbishments: £850 per m2

• Painting: £8.50 per m2

  You can find more prices and information in our house refurbishment cost guide.

Refurbishment contractors are fully qualified to handle your refurbishment plans. However, it’s essential that you find a professional you can trust to do a great job.

The first thing to do is to invite a few tradespeople to your home so you can get to know them.

If you’re unsure what to look for in a refurbishment contractor, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do they have positive reviews on Checkatrade?

• Are they willing to provide pictures of past projects?

• How many years of experience do they have?

• Are they open to questions and happy to explain the refurbishment process?

• What qualifications do they have?

• Are they offering a fair quote?

• Are they friendly and professional?

Want to speak to a refurbishment company in IP25?

If you’re a little nervous about inviting a refurbishment contractor into your home, we can help put your mind at ease.

Our members pass 12 checks to ensure they’ll provide you with the best service possible.

You have two options to find a refurbishment company in IP25 that’s recommended by your neighbours.

Firstly, try our free search feature. Just give us your postcode and we’ll show you a variety of refurbishment contractors in your area.

Or, why not give our request a quote feature a go? Send us all the information about what you need doing and we’ll pass this on to three professionals in your local area. They’ll then either ask for more details or send you a quote.