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Renovation Guides

Expert advice on renovation costs, planning and structural work across London, from the GS Renovation team.

Galley Kitchen Ideas guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Galley Kitchen Ideas

Galley kitchen ideas for London homes in 2026: making the most of a narrow kitchen, layout, storage, light and whether to open it up. Call 07472 424 226.

1 August 2026
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Home Office Conversion guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Home Office Conversion

How to create a home office in London in 2026: garden rooms, loft, spare room and under-stairs options, costs, planning and broadband. Call 07472 424 226.

25 July 2026
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Utility Room Ideas & Cost guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Utility Room Ideas & Cost

Utility room ideas and costs for London homes in 2026: layout, where to fit one, plumbing, storage and whether it adds value. Call 07472 424 226.

18 July 2026
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Adding a Downstairs Toilet guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Adding a Downstairs Toilet

Adding a downstairs toilet in London in 2026: cost, the best locations, drainage and pumps, building regulations and how much value it adds.

11 July 2026
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Quartz vs Granite vs Marble guide by GS Renovation
Comparisons
Quartz vs Granite vs Marble

Quartz, granite or marble worktops? A 2026 comparison of cost per m², durability, maintenance and looks to choose the right kitchen worktop.

4 July 2026
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Sash Window Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Home Renovation
Sash Window Cost London

Timber double-glazed sash windows cost £1,500 to £2,000 each in London in 2026. Repair vs replace, materials, conservation rules and full-house costs.

27 June 2026
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Roof Replacement Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Home Renovation
Roof Replacement Cost London

A roof replacement in London costs £11,500 to £22,000 for a 3-bed in 2026. Costs by material and type, flat roofs, scaffolding and signs you need a new roof.

20 June 2026
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Small Kitchen Ideas guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Small Kitchen Ideas

Space-saving small kitchen ideas for London flats and terraces in 2026: layouts, storage, light colours, integrated appliances and clever fittings.

13 June 2026
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Loft Conversion Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Loft Conversions
Loft Conversion Cost London

A London loft conversion costs £25,000 to £100,000+ in 2026. Prices by type (Velux, dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard), what affects cost and added value.

13 June 2026
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Full House Renovation Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Home Renovation
Full House Renovation Cost London

A full house renovation in London costs £1,500 to £3,500 per m² in 2026. Whole-house costs, what is included, budgeting and contingency. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Wet Room Guide guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Wet Room Guide

A complete wet room guide for 2026: what a wet room is, cost, waterproofing (tanking), drainage, pros and cons, and whether it suits your London home.

13 June 2026
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How to Choose a Builder guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
How to Choose a Builder

How to choose a reliable builder in London in 2026: checks to run, red flags, what to ask, contracts and payment terms that protect you. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Small Bathroom Ideas guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Small Bathroom Ideas

Clever small bathroom ideas for London homes in 2026: layout, wall-hung fittings, large tiles, walk-in showers and light tricks that add space.

13 June 2026
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Cheap Ways to Add Value guide by GS Renovation
Value & ROI
Cheap Ways to Add Value

Budget ways to add value to a London home in 2026, mostly under £5,000: decoration, kitchen and bathroom refreshes, storage, light and kerb appeal.

13 June 2026
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Storage Ideas for London Homes guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Storage Ideas for London Homes

Space-saving storage ideas for London homes in 2026: alcoves, under-stairs, banquettes, fitted wardrobes and using period quirks to your advantage.

13 June 2026
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Bathroom Tile Ideas guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Bathroom Tile Ideas

Bathroom tile ideas and trends for 2026: materials, large-format vs mosaic, feature walls, grout, and how tile choice affects cost. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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House Extension Costs & Planning guide by GS Renovation
House Extensions
House Extension Costs & Planning

London house extensions cost £2,000 to £5,000 per m² in 2026. Costs by type, planning permission, approval rates, party wall and timelines.

13 June 2026
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Building Regulations Explained guide by GS Renovation
Planning & Regulations
Building Regulations Explained

What Building Regulations cover in a UK home renovation, why they differ from planning permission, when you need them and how Building Control sign-off works.

13 June 2026
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Do I Need an Architect? guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Do I Need an Architect or a Structural Engineer?

Most London renovations need a structural engineer, not an architect. When each is right, what they cost in 2026, and when design-and-build is cheaper.

13 June 2026
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Crittall-Style Doors guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Crittall-Style Doors

A 2026 guide to Crittall-style steel doors and screens: the look, cost, where they work, internal vs external, and glazing performance. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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RSJ Installation & Load-Bearing Walls guide by GS Renovation
Structural Work
RSJ Installation & Load-Bearing Walls

Removing a load-bearing wall with an RSJ costs £2,500 to £6,500+ in 2026. Steel beam costs, building regulations, party wall and the full process.

13 June 2026
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Side Return vs Rear Extension guide by GS Renovation
Comparisons
Side Return vs Rear Extension

Side return or rear extension? A 2026 comparison for London terraces: space, light, cost, planning and which suits your layout. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Kitchen Renovation Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Kitchen Renovation
Kitchen Renovation Cost London

A London kitchen renovation costs £18,000 to £60,000+ in 2026. Full cost breakdown by tier, per m² and element, plus ROI and what drives the price.

13 June 2026
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Does a Loft Add Value? guide by GS Renovation
Value & ROI
Does a Loft Add Value?

Does a loft conversion add value in London? Up to 24% when it adds a bedroom (Nationwide). The ROI, costs and when it makes sense. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Party Wall Act Explained guide by GS Renovation
Planning & Regulations
Party Wall Act Explained

When the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to your London project, what notice you must serve, surveyor costs and how to stay on good terms with neighbours.

13 June 2026
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Renovating to Sell vs to Live guide by GS Renovation
Value & ROI
Renovating to Sell vs to Live

Should you renovate to sell or to live in? How the goal changes your budget, spec and choices in 2026, and how to avoid over or under-spending.

13 June 2026
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Maximising Natural Light guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Maximising Natural Light

How to bring more natural light into a London home in 2026: rooflights, lanterns, glazed doors, side returns, internal glazing and reflective finishes.

13 June 2026
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Double Storey Extension Cost guide by GS Renovation
House Extensions
Double Storey Extension Cost

A double storey extension in London costs £70,000 to £150,000 in 2026, or £2,800 to £4,500 per m². Costs by size, planning and timelines.

13 June 2026
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Extension vs Loft Conversion guide by GS Renovation
Comparisons
Extension vs Loft Conversion

Extension or loft conversion? A 2026 comparison of cost, space gained, planning, disruption and value to help London homeowners choose. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Living In During a Renovation guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Living In During a Renovation

Should you stay or move out during a renovation? A practical guide to living in your home during building work in 2026, with tips to stay sane and safe.

13 June 2026
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Renovations That Add Value guide by GS Renovation
Value & ROI
Renovations That Add Value

Which home improvements add the most value in 2026? Loft conversions and extensions can add up to 24% (Nationwide). The data, the ROI and where to invest.

13 June 2026
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Add Value to a London Flat guide by GS Renovation
Value & ROI
Add Value to a London Flat

How to add value to a London flat in 2026: kitchens, bathrooms, storage, light and layout, plus the leasehold and permission points flat owners must check.

13 June 2026
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Snagging List Guide guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Snagging List Guide

What a snagging list is, how to inspect renovation work room by room in 2026, what to look for and how to get snags fixed before final payment.

13 June 2026
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Open-Plan Kitchen-Diner Ideas guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Open-Plan Kitchen-Diner Ideas

Open-plan kitchen-diner ideas for London homes in 2026: zoning, light, islands, broken-plan layouts and the structural work involved. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Listed Building Renovation guide by GS Renovation
Planning & Regulations
Listed Building Renovation

A guide to renovating a listed building in London in 2026: listed building consent, the grades, what needs approval, and using the right specialists.

13 June 2026
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Chimney Breast Removal guide by GS Renovation
Structural Work
Chimney Breast Removal

Removing a chimney breast in 2026: cost, why you need a structural engineer and Building Control, gallows brackets vs full removal, and party wall rules.

13 June 2026
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Conservation Area Renovation guide by GS Renovation
Planning & Regulations
Conservation Area Renovation

How to renovate a home in a London conservation area in 2026: restricted permitted development, what needs consent, materials and windows.

13 June 2026
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Signs You Need to Rewire guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Signs You Need to Rewire

The warning signs your London home needs rewiring in 2026, what is dangerous, and what a rewire costs. Old fuse boxes, tripping, scorch marks and more.

13 June 2026
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Flooring Options Compared guide by GS Renovation
Comparisons
Flooring Options Compared

A 2026 comparison of flooring options for London homes: engineered wood, solid wood, LVT, tile, laminate and more, by cost, durability and best rooms.

13 June 2026
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New Boiler Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Home Renovation
New Boiler Cost London

A new boiler in London costs £1,800 to £3,500 fitted in 2026. Boiler types, costs, when to replace and what to choose during a renovation. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Bi-Fold vs Sliding Doors guide by GS Renovation
Comparisons
Bi-Fold vs Sliding Doors

Bi-fold or sliding patio doors? A 2026 comparison of opening, views, cost, threshold and which suits your London extension or garden. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Renovation Budget Guide guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Renovation Budget Guide

How to budget for a renovation in 2026, what to include, why you need a 10 to 15% contingency, and the hidden costs London homeowners miss.

13 June 2026
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House Rewire Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Home Renovation
House Rewire Cost London

A full house rewire in London costs £4,000 to £10,000+ in 2026. Costs by property size, signs you need a rewire, Part P and certificates. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Knocking Through Rooms guide by GS Renovation
Structural Work
Knocking Through Rooms

Knocking through two reception rooms into one open-plan space in 2026: cost, the steel beam, building control, party wall and what to expect.

13 June 2026
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Kitchen Island Guide guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Kitchen Island Guide

A practical kitchen island guide for 2026: minimum sizes and clearances, what to put in an island, seating, services and whether your kitchen has room.

13 June 2026
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Renovating a Period Property guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Renovating a Period Property

How to renovate a period property in London in 2026: Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes, breathable materials, services, features and compliance.

13 June 2026
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Replastering Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Home Renovation
Replastering Cost London

Replastering costs £400 to £900 per room in London in 2026. Skimming vs full replaster, per wall and ceiling prices, and when you need it. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Underfloor Heating Cost guide by GS Renovation
Home Renovation
Underfloor Heating Cost

Underfloor heating costs £50 to £110 per m² to install in 2026. Wet vs electric systems, running costs, where it works and renovation tips.

13 June 2026
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Renovation Lighting Guide guide by GS Renovation
Design Ideas
Renovation Lighting Guide

How to plan lighting in a renovation in 2026: the three layers, room-by-room tips, dimming, and why to plan electrics early. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Renovating a Victorian Terrace guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Renovating a Victorian Terrace

A complete guide to renovating a Victorian terrace in London in 2026: common issues, opening up, period features, costs and pitfalls. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Renovation Order of Works guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Renovation Order of Works

The correct order of works for a home renovation in 2026, from structure and first fix to plastering, second fix and decoration, so trades run efficiently.

13 June 2026
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Permitted Development Explained guide by GS Renovation
Planning & Regulations
Permitted Development Explained

What you can build without planning permission in London under Permitted Development in 2026: extensions, lofts, limits, conditions and Article 4.

13 June 2026
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Garage Conversion Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Home Renovation
Garage Conversion Cost London

A garage conversion in London costs £10,000 to £25,000 in 2026. Costs, planning, building regulations and whether it adds value. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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How to Get Planning Permission guide by GS Renovation
Planning & Regulations
How to Get Planning Permission

A step-by-step guide to planning permission in London in 2026: the process, costs, timelines, approval rates and how to give yours the best chance.

13 June 2026
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How to Plan a Renovation guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
How to Plan a Renovation

A clear step-by-step guide to planning a home renovation in 2026: setting a brief and budget, design, permissions, choosing a builder and sequencing the work.

13 June 2026
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How Long a Renovation Takes guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
How Long a Renovation Takes

How long a house renovation takes in London in 2026, by project type, plus what affects the timeline and how to avoid delays. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Renovation Mistakes to Avoid guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

The most common renovation mistakes London homeowners make in 2026, and how to avoid them: budgeting, planning, builders, sequence and spec.

13 June 2026
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Damp Causes & Fixes guide by GS Renovation
Renovation Advice
Damp Causes & Fixes

The real causes of damp in London homes in 2026: condensation, penetrating and rising damp, how to tell them apart, and the right fixes. Call 07472 424 226.

13 June 2026
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Bathroom Renovation Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom Renovation Cost London

A London bathroom renovation costs £7,500 to £15,000 in 2026. Full price breakdown by tier, what drives cost, wet rooms, en-suites, electrics and timelines.

13 June 2026
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Basement Conversion Cost London guide by GS Renovation
Structural Work
Basement Conversion Cost London

London basement conversions cost £1,200 to £5,000 per m² in 2026. Cellar conversion vs new excavation, total project costs, party wall and planning.

13 June 2026
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