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The Ultimate Guide to Rendering Costs Per m2 in the UK

Updated September 3, 2024
Rendering cost per m2 in the UK - featured image showing a house with freshly applied render

Whether you're a homeowner looking to refresh your property's exterior or a contractor estimating a job, knowing the ins and outs of rendering costs per m2 in the UK is essential.

Understanding Rendering and Its Importance

Before we delve into the costs, let's briefly discuss what rendering is and why it's so important for UK homes.

Why Render Your Home?

  1. Weather Protection: The UK's notoriously wet climate can take a toll on buildings. Rendering creates a waterproof barrier that helps prevent moisture ingress.
  2. Improved Insulation: A well-applied render can contribute to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing energy bills.
  3. Aesthetics: Rendering can dramatically improve the look of a property, especially for older buildings with dated or damaged exteriors.
  4. Increase Property Value: A freshly rendered home often has higher curb appeal and can command a better price on the market.

Breaking Down Rendering Costs Per m2

When it comes to rendering costs in the UK, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The price can vary significantly based on several factors. However, I'll provide you with a general overview and then break down the elements that influence the final cost.

Average Rendering Costs in the UK

Based on my experience and current market rates, the average rendering cost per m2 in the UK typically ranges from £35 to £75. However, this is a broad range, and your specific project could fall outside these boundaries depending on various factors.

Let's break this down further:

  1. Basic Sand and Cement Render: £35 - £50 per m2
  2. Acrylic Render: £50 - £65 per m2
  3. Silicone Render: £60 - £75 per m2

Remember, these are ballpark figures. Your actual costs may differ based on the factors we'll discuss next.

Factors Affecting Rendering Costs

Understanding what influences rendering costs can help you budget more accurately for your project. Here are the key factors that impact the price:

1. Type of Render

The material you choose for rendering has a significant impact on the overall cost. Here's a quick rundown of popular options:

  • Traditional Sand and Cement Render: This is usually the most economical option, costing between £35 and £50 per m2. It's durable but can be prone to cracking over time.
  • Acrylic Render: Priced at £50 to £65 per m2, acrylic render offers better flexibility and crack resistance than traditional renders.
  • Silicone Render: The most expensive option at £60 to £75 per m2, silicone render provides superior water-resistance and longevity.

2. Property Size and Complexity

The size of your property and the complexity of its design will significantly affect the rendering cost. Larger properties naturally require more materials and labour, increasing the overall price. Similarly, homes with intricate architectural features, multiple storeys, or hard-to-reach areas will be more expensive to render.

3. Surface Preparation

The condition of your existing walls plays a crucial role in determining the cost. If the current surface is in poor condition, additional preparation work may be necessary. This could include:

  • Removing old render
  • Repairing damaged brickwork
  • Treating damp issues
  • Installing a base coat or primer

Each of these steps adds to the overall cost, potentially increasing the price by £10 to £20 per m2.

4. Scaffolding Requirements

For most rendering jobs, especially on multi-storey buildings, scaffolding is essential for safety and efficiency. Scaffolding costs can add anywhere from £10 to £20 per m2 to your total bill, depending on the size and complexity of the job.

5. Location

Your location within the UK can significantly impact rendering costs. Generally, prices in London and the Southeast tend to be higher than in other parts of the country. For instance, you might pay 20-30% more for the same job in central London compared to a rural area in the North.

6. Time of Year

Believe it or not, the season can affect your rendering costs. Summer is typically the busiest time for exterior work, which can drive prices up due to high demand. Winter, on the other hand, can be challenging for rendering due to cold temperatures and wet weather, potentially increasing costs due to the need for special measures to protect the render while it cures.

7. Additional Features

If you're looking to add extra features to your render, such as pebbledashing, textured finishes, or coloured render, expect to pay more. These can add £5 to £15 per m2 to your costs, depending on the complexity and materials used.

Breaking Down Labour Costs

Labour typically accounts for a significant portion of your rendering costs. On average, you can expect labour to make up about 50-60% of the total price. Here's a rough breakdown of rendering cost per m2 for labour:

  • Basic rendering: £15 - £25 per m2
  • Specialist rendering (e.g., silicone): £25 - £35 per m2

Remember, these are average figures. Highly skilled renderers or those working in high-cost areas may charge more.

Calculating Total Costs: A Practical Example

Let's put all this information into practice with a real-world example. Imagine you have a typical UK semi-detached house with approximately 80m2 of external wall area that needs rendering. Here's how the costs might break down:

Basic sand and cement render:

  • Materials: £20 per m2 x 80m2 = £1,600
  • Labour: £20 per m2 x 80m2 = £1,600
  • Scaffolding: £15 per m2 x 80m2 = £1,200
  • Total: £4,400 or £55 per m2

Silicone render:

  • Materials: £35 per m2 x 80m2 = £2,800
  • Labour: £30 per m2 x 80m2 = £2,400
  • Scaffolding: £15 per m2 x 80m2 = £1,200
  • Total: £6,400 or £80 per m2

Monocouche Render

Monocouche render is a single-layer render that’s easy to apply and highly durable. It’s also available in various colours, so there’s no need for painting.

  • Average Cost: The cost for monocouche render per m2 is around £25 to £35.
  • Labour: With labour included, expect to pay between £50 to £70 per m2.

As you can see, the total cost can vary significantly based on the type of render you choose. Always get multiple quotes from reputable renderers to ensure you're getting a fair price.

Regional Variations in Rendering Costs

Rendering costs can vary significantly depending on where you are in the UK. Here’s a quick overview:

  • London and Southeast: Expect to pay a premium due to higher labour costs and demand.
  • North of England: Typically, you’ll find more competitive prices, sometimes up to 20% lower than in the South.
  • Scotland and Wales: Prices can be lower, but availability of certain materials may affect the cost.

Cost-Saving 5 Tips for Rendering Projects

As someone who's been in the rendering business for years, I've picked up a few tricks to help keep costs down without compromising on quality. Here are some tips:

  1. Choose the right time: If possible, schedule your rendering project for the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) when demand is lower.
  2. Prepare the surface yourself: If you're handy, you can save on labour costs by doing some of the prep work yourself, such as removing old render or filling small cracks.
  3. Consider a mix-and-match approach: Use higher-quality render on the most visible areas and a more economical option on less prominent walls.
  4. Maintain your render: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your render, saving you money in the long run. Clean it annually and address any cracks promptly.
  5. Get multiple quotes: Always get at least three quotes from reputable renderers. This will give you a better idea of the fair market rate for your specific project.

FAQs About Rendering Costs in the UK

Now, let's address some of the most frequently asked questions about rendering costs in the UK:

The cost of rendering per square meter in the UK typically ranges from £35 to £75. This includes both materials and labour. However, the exact cost can vary based on factors such as the type of render used, the condition of the existing walls, and your location.

Rendering costs per square metre are essentially the same as per square meter. You can expect to pay between £35 and £75 per square metre for most rendering jobs in the UK.

Rendering costs per m2 are typically between £35 and £75 in the UK. This includes both materials and labour. The exact cost will depend on various factors, including the type of render, the complexity of the job, and your location.

The cost of render materials alone (without labour) can range from £15 to £40 per m2, depending on the type of render. Basic sand and cement render is the cheapest, while specialist renders like silicone are more expensive.

External rendering costs can vary widely depending on the size of your property and the type of render used. For a typical UK semi-detached house, you might expect to pay between £4,000 and £8,000 for a full external render.

The cost to render a single wall depends on its size and the type of render used. As a rough estimate, for a standard 20m2 wall, you might pay between £700 and £1,500.

Rendering a house typically costs between £35 and £75 per square metre. This includes materials, labour, and often scaffolding costs. The exact price will depend on the size of your house, the type of render used, and other factors like location and the condition of your existing walls.

The cost to render an entire house in the UK can range from about £4,000 for a small terraced house to £15,000 or more for a large detached property. The exact cost will depend on the size of your house, the type of render used, and other factors we've discussed earlier.

With proper maintenance, a good quality render can last 20-30 years or even longer. However, this can vary depending on the type of render used, the quality of application, and how well it's maintained. Regular cleaning and prompt repairs of any cracks can significantly extend the life of your render.

Silicone rendering is typically the most expensive option, costing between £60 and £75 per m2. While it's pricier upfront, many homeowners find it worth the investment due to its superior water-resistance and longevity.

Conclusion: Is Rendering Worth the Cost?

After years in the rendering trade, I can confidently say that for most UK homes, rendering is a worthwhile investment. While the upfront costs may seem significant, the benefits often outweigh the expense:

  1. Improved Property Value: A well-rendered home often commands a higher price on the market.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Good rendering can improve your home's insulation, potentially leading to lower energy bills.
  3. Weather Protection: In the UK's damp climate, rendering provides crucial protection against moisture ingress.
  4. Aesthetic Appeal: Rendering can dramatically improve the look of your property, especially for older homes.

Author:

Richard Renderman, your trusted rendering expert at MidRender, is passionate about the art of rendering. With years of experience,he crafts…

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