Property Renovations in Brighton & Hove

Full house refurbishments, period property restorations, structural alterations, and room renovations — carried out to a high standard across Brighton, Hove, and the wider Sussex area.

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Brighton and Hove has one of the most varied and architecturally distinctive housing stocks on the south coast. Regency terraces, Victorian workers’ cottages, Edwardian semi-detached houses, inter-war bungalows, and post-war estates all present different renovation challenges and opportunities. Many properties in the city have been divided, altered, or extended over decades of successive occupation, leaving layouts that no longer suit modern living. At Kirby’s Building & Property Maintenance Ltd, we work with homeowners across Brighton and Hove to bring properties back to their best — whether that means a full structural overhaul, a careful restoration of period features, or a practical reconfiguration of the internal layout to create a more functional home.

Renovation Services We Offer

Full House Renovations

A full house renovation co-ordinates multiple trades across the entire property — stripping back to the structure where necessary, replacing or upgrading services, and then rebuilding and finishing to a consistent standard throughout. This type of project is often the right approach for properties that have been neglected, bought at auction, or acquired as investment properties in need of significant work before occupation. We manage the full process from initial survey through to handover.

Period Property Restoration

Restoring a period property requires a different approach to a standard modern refurbishment. Older buildings were built with breathable materials — lime mortar, lime plaster, solid brick — and introducing modern cement-based products or impermeable finishes can cause long-term moisture problems. We take care to use appropriate materials and techniques when working on Victorian, Edwardian, and Regency properties, and we can advise on the best approach for your building.

Kitchen Renovations

A kitchen renovation may involve structural changes to create an open-plan space, new drainage and plumbing layouts, electrical upgrades, and full decoration — well beyond the scope of a simple kitchen installation. We manage the building works element of kitchen renovations, working alongside your chosen kitchen designer or supplier, and co-ordinating trades to ensure the project runs smoothly.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom renovations frequently involve moving drainage, updating or relocating soil pipes, and making good floor and wall structures that have been damaged by years of moisture. We carry out the full building works including tanking, wet area preparation, tiling, and carpentry, ensuring the finished bathroom is correctly waterproofed and built to last.

Internal Alterations

Removing walls, creating open-plan layouts, relocating staircases, and converting loft spaces are all common internal alteration projects in Brighton and Hove properties. Where structural walls are involved, we carry out the necessary structural assessments, obtain Building Regulations approval, and install appropriate steelwork and padstones in accordance with the engineer’s specification.

Structural Works

Structural repair and remediation — including underpinning, lintel replacement, chimney breast removal, and subsidence repair — requires careful assessment before any work begins. We work with structural engineers where required and ensure all structural works are signed off under Building Regulations. We do not carry out structural works speculatively; every structural project begins with a proper survey and a clear scope.

Period Property Renovations

Many of the most sought-after properties in Brighton and Hove are period buildings, and renovating them well demands an understanding of how they were built and how they behave. Traditional solid-wall construction relies on moisture being able to move freely through the fabric of the building and evaporate from the surface. Sealing the exterior with modern renders, or lining walls with impermeable insulation, can trap moisture and lead to damp, salt crystallisation, and decay of the original structure.

Where original features remain — cornicing, ceiling roses, sash windows, timber flooring, fireplaces — we work to preserve and restore them where possible rather than replacing with modern equivalents. Matching materials to existing fabric, whether in brickwork, joinery, or plasterwork, is important both aesthetically and structurally in period buildings.

Listed buildings are subject to Listed Building Consent requirements for any works that affect their character, both internally and externally. This is a separate consent from planning permission and applies regardless of the extent of the works. If your property is listed, we recommend consulting a conservation specialist or the local planning authority before committing to a scope of work.

Our Renovation Process

Survey

We carry out a thorough initial survey of the property, identifying the condition of the existing structure, services, and finishes, and establishing a clear picture of what the project involves before any costs are committed.

Design & Scope

We work with you to define the scope clearly, discussing priorities, materials, and phasing where relevant. Where drawings or structural calculations are needed, we can work alongside architects and engineers.

Planning & Regulations

Where the works require planning permission, listed building consent, or Building Regulations approval, we identify this at the outset and ensure the correct applications are in place before work begins.

Project Management

We co-ordinate all trades and manage the programme throughout the build, keeping you informed at each stage and handling the day-to-day management of the site so you do not have to.

Completion

On completion we carry out a thorough snagging process before handover, and provide all relevant Building Regulations completion certificates and documentation.

Areas We Cover

We carry out renovation and refurbishment work across Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area, including:

Planning a renovation?

We offer free initial site visits and written quotations with no obligation. Available across Brighton, Hove & Sussex.

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✓Free site survey
✓Written quotations
✓Building Regulations managed
✓Fully insured operatives
✓Brighton & Hove based

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a full house renovation typically take?

Project duration varies considerably depending on the scope and condition of the property. A partial refurbishment covering one or two rooms may take a few weeks, while a full house renovation or a major structural project on a period property will typically take several months. We provide a realistic programme as part of our written quotation so you have a clear picture before work begins.

Can you work on period and historic properties?

Yes. We have experience working on Victorian, Edwardian, and Regency properties common throughout Brighton and Hove. Period properties often require sympathetic methods and traditional materials — lime-based mortars, appropriate plasters, and timber joinery that matches existing detailing. We approach each project with care for the original fabric of the building and advise on the most appropriate materials and methods for your property.

How do you handle costs and budgets for renovations?

We provide a detailed written quotation before any work starts, breaking down costs by trade and scope. For larger projects, we discuss budget expectations at the initial survey stage so we can tailor our proposals accordingly. Where the full scope cannot be confirmed until intrusive investigation is carried out — common in older properties — we explain this clearly and agree a process for managing any variations that arise.

What applies if my property is in a conservation area?

Properties in conservation areas are subject to additional planning controls that can affect what works require permission and what materials or finishes are acceptable. Internal works are generally unaffected, but external alterations — including changes to windows, doors, roofing materials, or front elevations — may require consent. We recommend checking your property's status with the local planning authority before proceeding, and we can advise on what is likely to apply based on our experience working in the area.

Related Services

Renovation projects often go hand-in-hand with structural building work. If you are also considering adding space to your property, see our home extensions service. For clients who need ongoing upkeep once renovation is complete, we offer planned and reactive property maintenance across Brighton, Hove, and Sussex.

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Serving Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Shoreham-by-Sea, Peacehaven & across East and West Sussex.