House Renovations in Manchester & Greater Manchester

Professional House Renovation Services in Greater Manchester

A house renovation can completely transform how you live in your home. Whether you've purchased a property requiring updating, inherited a house needing modernisation, or simply want to improve your existing home, a well-planned renovation adds comfort, functionality, and significant value to your property.

At Renovate, we specialise in comprehensive house renovation projects across Greater Manchester. Our team has transformed hundreds of properties throughout the region—from Victorian terraces in Chorlton and Didsbury to semi-detached homes in Stockport and Bolton, Edwardian villas in Altrincham, and modern apartments in Manchester city centre and Salford Quays. We understand the challenges and opportunities presented by different property types common across the North West.

Unlike contractors who focus on single trades, we offer complete renovation management. This means one point of contact, coordinated trades, and seamless project delivery from initial design through to final handover. You won't need to manage multiple contractors or worry about sequencing—we handle everything.

What Does a House Renovation Include?

House renovations vary significantly in scope depending on your property's condition, your requirements, and your budget. A renovation project might include any combination of the following:

• Structural alterations: Removing or relocating internal walls, installing steel beams (RSJs) to create open-plan living spaces, underpinning, or addressing structural movement
• Complete rewiring: Updating outdated electrical systems to BS 7671 standards, adding sockets and lighting points, installing consumer units, and smart home infrastructure
• Full replumbing: Replacing lead or corroded pipework with copper or plastic, relocating bathrooms or kitchens, installing new heating systems
• Central heating upgrades: New boiler installation, underfloor heating, radiator upgrades, smart thermostats, or renewable heating solutions such as air source heat pumps
• Kitchen installation: Complete kitchen redesign and installation including units, worktops, appliances, tiling, and associated plumbing and electrical work
• Bathroom renovations: New bathrooms, en-suites, wet rooms, and cloakrooms including sanitaryware, tiling, underfloor heating, and all associated work
• Plastering and dry lining: Replastering walls and ceilings, installing new plasterboard for improved insulation or smooth finishes over artex
• Flooring throughout: Solid wood, engineered wood, laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), ceramic tiles, or carpet installation
• Window and door replacement: New double or triple glazed windows, composite doors, bi-fold or sliding doors for improved energy efficiency and security
• Insulation upgrades: Loft insulation to current Building Regulations standards, cavity wall insulation, internal wall insulation, and floor insulation
• Decoration: Complete redecoration including preparation, painting, wallpapering, and finishing throughout
• External works: Roof repairs, repointing brickwork, rendering, driveway resurfacing, and garden landscaping

Types of House Renovation Projects We Undertake

We undertake a wide range of house renovation projects across Greater Manchester. Here are some of the most common types:

Whole House Renovations

A whole house renovation transforms every room in your property. This comprehensive approach is ideal for properties that have been neglected, recently purchased homes requiring modernisation, or when you want to completely reimagine your living space. Whole house renovations typically include rewiring, replumbing, new central heating, kitchen and bathroom installations, plastering, flooring, and decoration throughout. Whilst disruptive, completing everything at once is often more cost-effective and less intrusive than multiple smaller projects over several years.

Period Property Renovations

Greater Manchester has an abundance of Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, plus many properties from the inter-war and post-war periods. Renovating period properties requires understanding of traditional construction methods and sensitivity to original features. We have extensive experience with period properties across the region—restoring original features such as cornicing, ceiling roses, fireplaces, and timber floors where possible, sympathetically updating services, and balancing modern convenience with character preservation. Common challenges include penetrating and rising damp, outdated wiring in solid walls, and improving energy efficiency without compromising historic fabric.

Buy-to-Let Renovations

Landlords across Greater Manchester trust us to prepare properties for the rental market. Buy-to-let renovations focus on durability, tenant appeal, and cost-effectiveness. We understand what tenants value, which improvements generate the best rental returns, and how to create low-maintenance properties that minimise ongoing costs. Our buy-to-let renovations comply with all landlord requirements including Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), Gas Safety Certificates, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations.

Investment Property Renovations

For property investors looking to add value before resale, we provide targeted renovation services focused on return on investment. We can advise which improvements add the most value in the current Greater Manchester property market, help you avoid over-capitalising, and deliver quality renovations that appeal to buyers. Our experience with local property values across different postcodes helps inform smart renovation decisions.

Structural Renovation Projects

Some properties require significant structural work—removing load-bearing walls to create open-plan kitchen-diners, addressing subsidence or structural movement, converting cellars, or reconfiguring layouts entirely. We work with RICS-registered structural engineers to design safe solutions and have the experience to execute complex structural alterations. All structural work is completed to Building Regulations with appropriate sign-off and indemnity insurance where required.

Fire and Flood Damage Restoration

If your property has suffered fire or flood damage, we can manage the complete restoration process. We work with insurance companies and loss adjusters, providing detailed schedules and quotes to support your claim. Our restoration service returns properties to their original condition—or better—handling everything from strip-out and drying through to complete reinstatement.

The House Renovation Process

Understanding what to expect from a house renovation helps you plan effectively. Here's how we approach renovation projects:

1. Initial Consultation & Survey

   We visit your property to understand your requirements, assess the current condition, and discuss possibilities. This free consultation helps us understand your vision and allows us to provide initial guidance on feasibility, likely costs, and realistic timescales.

2. Design & Specification

   For larger renovations, we develop detailed plans and specifications. This might involve architectural drawings for structural work, kitchen and bathroom designs, electrical and lighting layouts, and material selections. Clear specifications ensure accurate pricing and avoid misunderstandings.

3. Detailed Quotation

   You receive a comprehensive, itemised quotation covering all works. Our quotes break down costs by room and trade, so you understand exactly what's included. There are no hidden costs—if something isn't in the quote, you won't be charged for it.

4. Planning & Preparation

   Once approved, we schedule your project, order materials, and coordinate trades. We handle any necessary Building Regulations applications, Party Wall Act notices, or other permissions. You'll know exactly when work starts and the expected completion date.

5. Strip-Out & First Fix

   Work begins with careful strip-out of items to be removed, followed by structural alterations if required. First fix trades install electrical wiring, plumbing pipework, and heating systems before walls are closed up.

6. Plastering & Second Fix

   Once first fix is complete and inspected, plastering creates smooth wall and ceiling finishes. Second fix follows—fitting sockets and switches, hanging doors, installing kitchens and bathrooms, and completing all joinery work.

7. Decoration & Finishing

   Final decoration transforms the space—painting, wallpapering, tiling, and floor coverings. Sanitaryware is fitted, appliances connected, and all final fixtures installed. Your renovated home starts to come together.

8. Snagging & Handover

   Before handover, we conduct thorough inspections and compile a snagging list. Every item is addressed until you're completely satisfied. You receive all certificates, warranties, appliance manuals, and documentation for the completed works.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Most internal house renovations don't require planning permission, but there are important exceptions and Building Regulations to consider.

When You Might Need Planning Permission

• Listed buildings: Any alterations, internal or external, require Listed Building Consent from your local planning authority
• Conservation areas: External changes may need planning approval, and some internal works to listed buildings
• Flats and maisonettes: Changes to shared areas, communal parts, or external appearance typically require consent
• Change of use: Converting garages to habitable rooms, or other changes to how spaces are used
• External alterations: Any work that significantly changes the external appearance of your property

Building Regulations Approval

Building Regulations ensure work meets safety and energy efficiency standards. In England, renovations typically requiring Building Regulations approval include:

• Structural alterations: Removing or altering load-bearing walls, forming new openings, underpinning foundations
• Electrical work: New circuits, consumer unit changes, work in bathrooms and kitchens, outdoor electrics
• Plumbing and drainage: Relocating bathrooms, new drainage connections, unvented hot water cylinders
• Heating installations: New boilers, heating systems, solid fuel appliances, heat pumps
• Window and door replacements: Must meet thermal performance standards and provide adequate means of escape
• Loft conversions and basement conversions: Structural work, fire safety, thermal performance, and access

We handle all Building Regulations applications and coordinate inspections with your local authority Building Control or an Approved Inspector, ensuring your renovation is fully compliant and properly certified.

House Renovations Across Greater Manchester

We provide house renovation services throughout Greater Manchester, with extensive experience across all property types found in the region:

Each area has its characteristic property types. South Manchester suburbs like Chorlton, Didsbury, and Heaton Moor feature Victorian and Edwardian terraces with high ceilings and period features. Trafford areas including Altrincham, Sale, and Timperley have a mix of period properties and inter-war semis. North Manchester and towns like Bolton, Bury, and Rochdale include traditional stone-built terraces alongside more modern housing. We understand these different property types and the specific challenges and opportunities they present.

Understanding Renovation Costs

House renovation costs vary enormously depending on scope, specification, and property condition. Rather than providing generic figures that may mislead, we prefer to quote based on your specific requirements after surveying your property.

Factors affecting renovation costs include:

• Scope of work: A cosmetic refresh costs far less than a comprehensive renovation including structural work and complete rewiring
• Property size: Larger properties naturally cost more, though cost per square metre may reduce on bigger projects
• Current condition: Properties requiring significant remedial work (damp treatment, structural repairs, asbestos removal) cost more than those needing mainly cosmetic updates
• Specification level: Budget, mid-range, and high-end finishes significantly affect costs—a basic kitchen costs a fraction of a bespoke handmade kitchen
• Structural work: Removing walls, installing steels, and underpinning add considerable cost and complexity
• Services upgrades: Complete rewiring and replumbing are significant costs but essential for older properties
• Access and logistics: Properties with difficult access, parking restrictions, or requiring skips on the highway may incur additional costs

We provide detailed, itemised quotations with no hidden costs. You'll know exactly what's included and what your renovation will cost before any work begins. We also highlight potential risks or areas where costs could vary if unexpected issues are discovered.

Why Choose Renovate for Your House Renovation?

Choosing the right contractor for your house renovation is crucial to a successful project. Here's what sets Renovate apart:

• Complete service: We manage everything from design to completion—you deal with one company, not multiple separate contractors
• Transparent pricing: Detailed, itemised quotes with no hidden costs or surprises. Any variations are agreed before work proceeds
• Experienced team: Skilled tradespeople with years of experience renovating properties across Greater Manchester
• Dedicated project management: Your project manager keeps everything on track, coordinates trades, and keeps you informed
• Quality guaranteed: All work completed to high standards with a 12-month defects warranty
• Fully insured: Comprehensive public liability insurance (£5 million) and employer's liability insurance
• Building Regulations handled: We manage all applications, arrange inspections, and obtain sign-off certificates
• Local expertise: Extensive experience with Greater Manchester properties, local regulations, and council requirements
• References available: We're happy to provide references from previous clients and show you completed projects