Home Renovation Costs UK 2026: Complete Breakdown
Renovating your home is one of the biggest investments you'll make - and getting the budget right from the start can make the difference between a dream project and a stressful one.
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what UK homeowners can expect to pay for common renovations in 2026, based on real data from verified traders.
Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen is the heart of the home - and often the most expensive room to renovate.
| Scope | Typical Cost Range |
|-------|-------------------| | Budget refresh (new doors, worktops, painting) | £3,000 - £6,000 | | Mid-range refit (new units, appliances, flooring) | £8,000 - £15,000 | | Premium full renovation (bespoke units, premium appliances, structural changes) | £20,000 - £40,000+ |
Key cost factors:
- Worktop material (laminate vs granite vs quartz)
- Whether walls need moving
- Plumbing and electrical changes
- Appliance quality
Bathroom Renovation
| Scope | Typical Cost Range |
|-------|-------------------| | Simple refresh (re-tile, new fixtures) | £2,000 - £4,000 | | Full refit (new suite, tiling, flooring) | £5,000 - £10,000 | | Luxury renovation (wet room, underfloor heating, premium fittings) | £12,000 - £25,000+ |
Pro tip: Waterproofing is essential - don't cut corners here. A good trader will insist on proper tanking before tiling.
Loft Conversion
| Type | Typical Cost Range |
|------|-------------------| | Velux / rooflight conversion | £20,000 - £35,000 | | Dormer conversion | £35,000 - £55,000 | | Hip-to-gable conversion | £45,000 - £65,000 | | Mansard conversion | £55,000 - £75,000+ |
Loft conversions remain one of the best ways to add value to your property - typically adding 15 - 20% to your home's value.
House Extension
| Type | Typical Cost Range |
|------|-------------------| | Single-storey rear extension (3m x 5m) | £30,000 - £50,000 | | Single-storey side return extension | £25,000 - £45,000 | | Double-storey extension | £50,000 - £90,000+ | | Wrap-around extension | £60,000 - £100,000+ |
London premium: Expect to add 20 - 40% to these figures for London projects due to higher labour and material costs.
Decorating and Flooring
| Job | Typical Cost Range |
|-----|-------------------| | Full house repaint (3-bed) | £2,000 - £4,500 | | Single room repaint | £300 - £600 | | Hardwood flooring (per m²) | £40 - £80 | | Engineered wood flooring (per m²) | £25 - £50 | | New carpet (per m²) | £15 - £40 |
How to Keep Costs Under Control
- Get multiple quotes - Always compare at least 3 quotes from verified traders
- Set a contingency - Budget an extra 10 - 15% for unexpected costs
- Prioritise structural work - Cosmetic changes are easy to do later
- Buy materials yourself - Some traders offer labour-only rates which can save money
- Time it right - Winter months tend to be quieter, meaning potentially better rates
- Use a trusted platform - TaapCraft connects you with verified traders at fair prices
Finding the Right Trader
The quality of your renovation depends entirely on the people doing the work. Here's how TaapCraft helps:
- Verified profiles - Every trader is AI-verified before joining
- Transparent pricing - See real quotes from real traders
- Direct communication - Message traders directly before committing
- Secure payments - Money held safely until work is completed
- Insurance included - Every booking is covered
Ready to start your renovation? Find verified traders on TaapCraft - Your Local Talent, One Tap Away.
<!-- internal-links: compare -->Compare TaapCraft to other UK trade platforms
See exactly how TaapCraft stacks up on price, lead fees, commission, escrow and insurance:
- TaapCraft vs Bark - no £22-per-lead fees
- TaapCraft vs Checkatrade - no £400/month subscription
- TaapCraft vs Rated People - no per-credit lead charges
- TaapCraft vs MyBuilder - no £20-per-lead fees
- TaapCraft vs TaskRabbit - wider UK trade coverage
- TaapCraft vs Trustatrader - no annual subscription
- TaapCraft vs Fresha - every trade, not just beauty
- TaapCraft vs Uber - trades, not just rides
- TaapCraft vs Airtasker - verified UK traders, escrow on every job
- TaapCraft vs Houzz - booking + payment in one place
- TaapCraft comparison hub - every competitor, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
How does TaapCraft work?▼
Search local traders, view verified profiles, and book securely in the app or on the web. The process is simple: search for a service, browse profiles with reviews and pricing, book instantly, pay securely, and leave a review after service completion.
Is it free to join?▼
Yes. Consumers join free; traders get a free profile with optional paid boosts. There are no subscription fees or upfront costs for consumers. Traders only pay a small commission on successful bookings.
How are traders verified?▼
All traders pass TaapTrust AI checks, including ID verification, business credentials, address verification, work history review, and ongoing monitoring to ensure quality and authenticity.
What services are available?▼
Hundreds of categories from beauty and home improvement to tutoring, fitness, and more. Including home services (plumbers, electricians, builders), personal services (hairdressers, beauticians, trainers), automotive, food, and professional services.
Is payment secure?▼
Yes. Payments are handled securely with encryption and booking insurance. Your payment information is never shared with traders, and you're protected if something goes wrong.