Thinking of Renovating Your Home in North London? Here’s Where to Start

You’ve made the big decision - it’s time to give your home the upgrade it deserves.
Exciting, isn’t it? But then the questions arrive: Where do we start? How much will it cost? How long will it take? Can we even live here during the works?
Take a deep breath - I’ve been through this process many times with my clients on North London renovation projects, and I’m here to share what really matters before you begin.

1. Define Your Goals First
Before you even think about builders or tiles, be clear on why you’re doing this.
Is it to create more space for your family?
To improve the way your home works day-to-day?
To modernise tired rooms into something you truly love?
Or maybe all of the above - your dream family home where you can enjoy every moment.
Your goals will guide every decision, from budget to finishes. This is true whether it’s a North London loft conversion, a kitchen extension, or a full home makeover.

2. Budget — the Tricky Part
No one can give you the exact final figure at the start. There are too many moving parts and surprises along the way (especially in heritage homes across North London - you never know what’s under the floors until you lift them).
But here’s what to include in your checklist so you’re not caught off guard.

Professional Fees

• Architect - for drawings, planning, and technical details. Usually a fixed fee.
• Structural engineer - if you’re removing or altering a load-bearing wall. Also, it is usually a fixed fee.
• Interior designer - to bring all your ideas together and turn bare walls into a cohesive, beautiful home.
• As a North London interior designer, my approach is: a fixed fee for the design, a percentage for sourcing items, and a percentage from the builder’s works quote for coordinating the project so it’s built exactly as planned.

Builder’s Work (North London rates as a guide)

• Light refurbishment (builders’ work only): from £1,900 per m²
• Extensions & loft conversions (builders’ work only): from £2,500 per m²
• Larger projects also need to budget for site facilities like toilets, skips, scaffolding, and health & safety compliance.
• For North London loft conversions or large-scale North London renovation projects, these costs are a realistic starting point.

FF&E & Materials (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment + Finishes)
This is where budgets can jump unexpectedly - especially in the second fix stage.
Furniture - Prices confirmed once the design is complete.
Bespoke furniture - The best way to make your home work perfectly for you. I have a trusted North London carpenter I recommend to all my clients.
Furnishings - Bay windows? Large windows? Bespoke curtains can cost as much as two sofas.
Decor & lighting - Small details that bring joy every day.
Appliances - Kitchens, bathrooms, and essentials for daily living.
Materials

• First fix (hidden structure: plasterboard, concrete, wiring, plumbing) - usually bought by the builders.
• Second fix (everything visible after works: paint, mouldings, flooring) - can be bought by builder, designer, or client.

Accommodation During Works
If it’s a big renovation, decide early if you’ll move out.
Living on site might sound doable, but dust, noise, and disruption can wear you down quickly - and I’ve seen more than one North London interiors client move out mid-project just to get their sanity back.
If you do stay:

• Plan for a temporary kitchen or bathroom
• Protect floors and furniture
• Ask your builder about daily clean-ups

3. Timeline Reality
Minor updates might take a few weeks. Full renovations can take months. Here’s what to allow for:

• Design & planning: 1-3 months
• Permits & approvals: up to 4 months if needed
• Ordering materials: from 1-3 weeks for local, 2-6 months for custom or overseas
• Construction & decorating: 2 weeks for light works, 4 months for loft/extension, longer for complex builds

For big North London renovation projects, I always recommend that the architect and interior designer work together from the start - it saves time, avoids costly changes, and ensures the vision matches the technical plans.

4. Assemble the Right Team
The smoother projects are always the ones with the right people involved.
Core team:

• Designer (layouts, finishes, cohesive look)
• Architect (especially for big builds)
• Builder (quality construction)
• Project manager (could be your designer or builder)

I work only with trusted North London experts and can connect my clients with the right people at the right stage.

Renovating your home in North London is exciting - but it’s also a significant investment of time, money, and energy.
With the right plan, realistic expectations, and the right team, it can be a joyful process.
If you’re ready to start - whether it’s a North London loft conversion, a home extension, or a complete renovation - click here and book your first consultation.
I’ll guide you through every step, minimise surprises, and make sure your vision becomes a reality.