With years of experience guiding homeowners from first ideas through to final build, Mark specialises in demystifying the renovation process and helping people make confident, informed decisions. Known for his straight-talking, practical approach, he helps clients balance ambition with realism – ensuring projects are well-planned, well-costed and future-proofed from day one.
How much will my renovation actually cost – and how do I avoid unexpected expenses?
The most important thing to establish early is your budget, because the budget is reality. Decide what you can genuinely afford and include a contingency of 10–15%, depending on how risk-averse you are and keep that figure to yourself. To avoid surprises, speak to an architect early to validate your assumptions. As a guide to first-fix costs for ground-floor rear extensions, Manchester and the North-West typically range from £1,500–£2,000 per sqm, while London sits closer to £2,200–£3,000 per sqm.
Do I need planning permission, and what are the chances it will be approved?
Most projects require planning approval in some form. Many fall under Permitted Development rights, but even then, I recommend applying for a Lawful Development Certificate – it protects you when selling your home later. If you live in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building, full planning permission is usually required. National approval rates sit around 80–90%, but speaking to an architect early can significantly improve your chances. At Resi, approval rates are typically higher due to careful upfront assessment.
Where do I even start with a renovation – what’s the first step?
Start with your budget, then define your “why”. Think about how you live now and how that might change – growing families, home working or multi-generational living all affect the right solution. Before getting too deep into online research, speak to an architect or design expert to sanity-check your ideas and understand the full process. Look at similar projects on your street and post-build values to avoid over-investing. Many homeowners now use digital visualisation tools to test layouts and make confident decisions.
