How Much Does a Home Refurbishment Cost in London? Realistic Budgets & Expert Insights from LXM
- Daniel Nikolla
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
For many London homeowners, the decision to refurbish a property is as much about enhancing day-to-day living as it is about long-term investment. Whether you're updating a dated kitchen, modernising your layout, or undertaking a full-property upgrade, understanding the cost of home refurbishment is essential for effective planning. In this guide, we outline the key cost factors, budgeting advice, and how to ensure value with the right contractor.
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What is a Home Refurbishment?
A home refurbishment typically involves improving or renewing interiors, structures, systems, or layouts without altering the building’s footprint. It can range from redecorating and re-flooring to full internal reconfigurations with new kitchens, bathrooms, electrics, and plumbing.
At LXM Building Services, our domestic refurbishment services are designed to revitalise your space with modern aesthetics, enhanced usability, and lasting value. Whether you’re transforming a single room or rethinking your entire home, we combine design expertise with efficient project management to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to London living.
About LXM Building Services
LXM Building Services is a trusted name in home improvement across London, known for transforming living spaces with precision and care. Evolving from a strong background in commercial projects, we now specialise in loft conversions, kitchen refurbishments, house extensions, bespoke bathrooms, and full home makeovers.
Our skilled team brings commercial-level professionalism to every residential project—delivering tailored solutions that enhance how you live. We proudly serve areas including Notting Hill, Kensington, Barnet, Chelsea, and Epping. With
LXM, you gain more than a building team—you gain a dedicated partner.
What Affects the Cost of a Home Refurbishment in London?
London is a dynamic and diverse city, and no two refurbishments are the same. The final cost depends on several key variables:
1. Scope of Work
Minor updates (painting, flooring, new doors): From £5,000 to £15,000
Mid-range refurbishment (kitchen and bathroom upgrade, layout tweaks): £25,000 to £60,000
Full property overhaul (rewiring, plumbing, structural work, finishes): £75,000 to £150,000+
2. Property Size and Condition
Larger homes naturally require more labour and materials, while older properties may need structural changes, rewiring, or compliance updates.
3. Design and Finish Level
Bespoke joinery, premium materials, integrated appliances, and smart home features all influence the final figure.
4. Location Within London
Homes in Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill or Hampstead may require higher-end finishes and compliance with stricter local planning constraints, impacting costs.
5. Specialist Services
Installing underfloor heating, structural changes, or heritage refurbishments may demand advanced expertise and certification.
How to Budget for a London Refurbishment
Refurbishing a property in London can be an exciting opportunity to transform your space—but without careful budgeting, costs can quickly spiral. At LXM Building Services, we guide our clients through every step of the process to ensure budgets stay on track and projects deliver long-term value.
Here's how to budget effectively for your next refurbishment:
1. Set a Clear Scope and Stick to It
One of the most common causes of budget overruns is changing the scope mid-project. While it's tempting to tweak plans along the way, each alteration often comes with added costs and delays. That's why we prioritise detailed planning from the outset. By working closely with you to define a clear scope early on, we help minimise scope creep and protect your budget.
2. Build in a Contingency
London’s housing stock includes many older and unmodernised properties—hidden issues are common. From outdated wiring to structural surprises, unexpected costs can arise. To account for this, we recommend setting aside a contingency of 10 to 15 percent of your total budget. This buffer helps you manage the unexpected without derailing your refurbishment goals.
3. Request Detailed Quotes
Vague or overly simplistic estimates can leave you vulnerable to cost surprises later. Instead, seek comprehensive quotes that outline all costs by line item, including labour, materials, and project management. At LXM, we provide transparent, fully itemised quotations so you can see exactly where your money is going and plan accordingly.
4. Think Long-Term
A smart refurbishment isn't just about immediate aesthetics—it’s also about future-proofing your home. Choosing high-quality, energy-efficient systems, finishes, and materials might cost more upfront, but they offer savings over time through reduced maintenance, lower utility bills, and improved property value. We help clients make informed decisions that balance budget with long-term benefits.
By planning carefully, prioritising clarity, and thinking ahead, you can budget confidently for your London refurbishment—and enjoy a beautifully updated space without financial stress. Ready to start your project? Get in touch with LXM Building Services for a transparent quote and expert guidance.
Why Choose LXM for Your Refurbishment Project?
As a high-end domestic contractor with roots in commercial contracting, LXM Building Services brings professional-grade project management to every home we touch. Our in-house team includes qualified tradespeople, Gas Safe engineers, and NICEIC-approved electricians, all working under meticulous coordination.
We provide:
Decades of Combined Experience delivering precise, regulation-compliant refurbishments
Fully Certified & Insured services for peace of mind
Exceptional Craftsmanship across carpentry, tiling, decorating, and more
Clear Communication and respectful service throughout your project
Our background ensures a level of organisation and polish that sets us apart from the average local builder. It’s what makes us the go-to contractor for discerning homeowners across Barnet, Enfield, Loughton, and beyond.
Breakdown of Common Refurbishment Costs
Kitchen Refurbishment:
Basic upgrade: £10,000 – £20,000
Bespoke redesign: £25,000 – £50,000+
Bathroom Refurbishment:
Standard update: £6,000 – £12,000
Luxury fit-out: £15,000 – £25,000
Full Property Internal Refurbishment:
2-bed flat: £50,000 – £80,000
3–4-bed house: £80,000 – £150,000
Specialist Works:
Smart home integration: From £5,000
Structural reconfiguration: £10,000 – £30,000
Period property enhancements: Subject to specification and permissions
These estimates are indicative and depend on specifications. For an accurate quote, our team will survey the property and provide detailed projections based on your requirements.
Our Approach: Designed Around You
At LXM, we pride ourselves on offering a stress-free process that prioritises your schedule, your lifestyle, and your vision. From concept to completion, we:
Help you refine your design ideas
Recommend the best materials for your budget
Coordinate every trade professionally
Provide responsive project management
Whether you’re in Notting Hill, Cockfosters, or Epping, we ensure every project is completed on time, on budget, and with exceptional attention to detail.
Browse our Project Gallery to see the quality of work we’ve delivered across North and West London.
Join the Team
Are you a skilled tradesperson or experienced contractor? LXM Building Services is always looking for top talent to join our growing team. If you’re passionate about high-quality contracting and delivering first-class results, email us at bricklayingbysean@gmail.com to enquire about our latest opportunities.
Realistic Expectations and Smart Choices for London Renovations
When planning a full home renovation in London, it’s essential to be realistic about costs and focused in your decision-making. Start by being honest about what you want versus what you can afford—prioritising essentials like structure, insulation, plumbing, and electrics before moving on to cosmetic upgrades.
Concentrate your budget on the spaces you use most—such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas—or those that add the most resale value. These high-traffic areas benefit most from quality finishes and thoughtful design.
Choosing a contractor who offers clear guidance, not just labour, can also make a significant difference. At LXM Building Services, we support you with transparent quotes and expert advice to keep your renovation on track.
For a great example of cost-effective upgrades that boost kerb appeal, see our latest blog on Driveway Paving Trends for Urban Homes. Smart choices today can lead to long-term value and satisfaction.
Our Accreditations
At LXM Building Services, we uphold the highest standards in every project. Our certifications highlight our commitment to safety, compliance, and quality workmanship:
CHAS Accredited – Proven excellence in health & safety.
Constructionline Gold – Trusted for high procurement and risk standards.
NICEIC Approved – Certified for safe, compliant electrical work.
Gas Safe Registered – Qualified for safe gas services in homes and businesses.
Thinking of Getting Started?
We’re here to help you turn your ideas into a lasting investment. Whether you want to update your home in Kensington or completely reconfigure a family property in Barnet, our team is ready to offer expert guidance.
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