Planning A London Home Renovation: Steps & Advice

Step 1: Setting out your aims and making it personalised​

Every successful renovation starts with a set of clear aims. Before diving into drawings and quotes, take time to think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to create more space for a growing family? Improve natural light? Enhance the property’s value for a future sale? Or simply make your home work better for the way you live today?
Having clear aims will help guide every decision that follows. However, not every customer that we work with will know exactly what they want to achieve from the project, so we often tell them to consider what isn’t working for them in their current situation. This way, we’re able to explore solutions for their current issues and translate these into design solutions. Often, investors will approach us and have a clear goal for the property; and in this example, we will create a bespoke concept design that captures exactly what they are looking for. We ask them about the types of tenants or homebuyers that they’d like to appeal to, and we use this information to add specific design features.

Step 2: Choosing the right professionals

Your choice of professionals — from architects and designers to builders and engineers — will shape both the process and the final result. Look past the aesthetically pleasing ‘end result’ pictures and take your time to research prospective providers – reviews on external websites such as Houzz are a good starting point. Opt for teams with clear experience in London’s residential sector, and that have in-house access to all of the professionals that you may need to bring your ideas to life. We offer exactly this through our design and build approach, where we take your idea and turn it into something clear and tangible through our architectural, interior design, and construction expertise. This service also simplifies the process, as you only have to work with one service provider throughout the duration of the work. Ultimately, your London renovation project will be a considerable effort, so finding any way to make the process feel seamless and stress-free will prove advantageous.

Step 3: Navigating planning permission & building regulations

London’s residential planning permission and building regulations can feel like a maze to navigate, but with the right guidance, they’re manageable. Some projects may fall under permitted development (meaning you won’t require planning permission), while others, particularly those involving making structural changes, working on listed buildings or in conservation areas will require formal permissions from your LPA (Local Planning Authority). A knowledgeable architect or contractor will help steer you through this stage smoothly.

Step 4: Arranging accommodation

Depending on the scale of your renovation, you may need to consider temporary accommodation. Living on-site during major works can be stressful, and may even slow down the process. Planning ahead for alternative arrangements, whether with family, a short-term rental, or serviced accommodation, can save you headaches later. Many of our customers make these arrangements in advance, so they are fully prepared to move out of their home, allowing for the site to become operational.

Step 5: Choosing your interior design palette

Once the structure is in hand, it’s time for the exciting part: deciding how your new space will look and feel. From timeless neutrals to bold, modern finishes, the palette you choose will set the tone for your home. Take your time, and think about both aesthetics and how each material or colour will perform in daily life — practicality and beauty can (and should!) go hand in hand.

Advice from our experts on planning a seamless home extension in London

Finally, to keep you on the right path in the early stages of your London home renovation, we asked our team for some of their top pieces of advice for getting through the process. Find out what they shared with us below:

Don’t cut any corners

It can be tempting to save time or money by taking shortcuts, but doing so often leads to bigger issues down the line. Invest in doing things properly — from structural works to finishes — and you’ll enjoy peace of mind as well as a more resilient, long-lasting result.

Consider high quality finishes for additional investment value

While it’s important to stay within budget, choosing quality where it counts — think durable flooring, well-made joinery, or energy-efficient glazing — can add real value to your home. These elements not only enhance daily living but can also increase future market appeal.

Ensure your plans have been as personalised as possible

A home extension is your chance to create something tailored to your unique needs. Rather than following trends blindly, consider how you and your family live, entertain, and relax. The most successful renovations are those that feel truly personal.

Work with the right professionals for the job

This one can’t be stressed enough. The right team will not only help bring your vision to life but will also make the journey far less stressful. Look for professionals who listen, offer solutions, and share your commitment to quality.

Renovate in London with We Love Build

If you’ve got big plans for a property in London, whether it’s your forever home or an addition to your property investment portfolio, we’re here to help. We support you through every stage of the journey, from pre-construction planning, to starting construction work and assessing quality standards. To find out more, or to arrange a free home consultation, simply contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help.