Construction Price Guide
for South Wales

Includes supply, trimming, hanging and fitting of hinges and latch. Simple hollow-core doors are at the lower end; solid or rebated fire doors cost more.

• Hollow-core: £80–£120
• Solid wood: £120–£180
• Fire door (FD30): £150–£220
• New frame required: add £80–£150

External doors need weatherproofing, new locks, and often new frames. Labour only (supply your own door) is typically £150–£200.

• Labour only: £150–£200
• Supply & fit composite: £300–£600
• New frame & architrave: add £100–£200
• Multi-point lock upgrade: add £80–£120

Includes supply and fitting of MDF skirting, mitred corners and silicone seal. A standard lounge (roughly 14 linear metres) is around £250–£320 all-in.

• MDF 120mm: £14–£20/m supply & fit
• Pine: £18–£25/m supply & fit
• Oak or hardwood: £28–£45/m supply & fit
• Removal of old skirting: +£30–£60
• Painting (per room): +£120–£200

Architrave is fitted around door frames and window reveals. Often done alongside door hanging or skirting for economy.

• MDF architrave set: £60–£90
• Torus / ogee profile: +£10–£20
• Full house (10 doors): est. £500–£700

Prices vary hugely based on how the space is used. A basic cupboard conversion is affordable; a full bespoke fitted unit with drawers, shelves and a finished door is a larger investment.

• Basic cupboard conversion: £800–£1,200
• 3-door storage unit: £850–£1,500
• Full bespoke with drawers: £1,500–£3,000
• LED lighting: +£100–£200
• 1–3 day installation typically

Bespoke built-in wardrobes are priced per linear metre. A good-quality fitted wardrobe runs £530–£770 per metre. Three-door alcove units are the most common install.

• Supply & fit (per linear metre): £530–£770
• Alcove wardrobe (single): from £1,650
• Double (both alcoves): from £3,500
• Sliding mirror doors: +£300–£600
• Internal drawers: +£120 each
• LED lighting: +£150–£250

Alcove units beside chimney breasts are one of our most requested jobs. A bespoke MDF unit with cupboard below and shelves above is a classic and cost-effective result.

• 6 floating shelves: ~£390 supply & fit
• Single alcove (shelves + cupboard): £800–£1,500
• Pair of alcoves: £2,000–£3,500
• Premium bespoke: up to £4,500
• Builder rate for alcove work: £30–£35/hr

Wall panelling transforms spaces dramatically. MDF shaker-style panels are most popular. Prices depend on height, material, and complexity of the design.

• MDF shaker panels: £30–£55/m²
• Tongue & groove (pine): £35–£65/m²
• Oak / hardwood: £100–£200/m²
• Full feature wall (avg room): £300–£700
• Adding coving/dado rail: +£80–£150

Kitchen fitting prices are labour-only (you supply the kitchen). Full installations including units, worktops, and appliance connections take 5–10 days typically.

• Hourly rate in Cardiff: £28–£32/hr
• Base unit fitting: £120–£140 per unit
• Wall unit fitting: £105–£125 per unit
• Tall unit: £130–£150 per unit
• Cabinet door replacement only: from £500

The construction element of a bathroom refit includes vanity units, bath panels, storage, mirror cabinets and any MDF boxing. Full wet room installs are quoted separately.

• Vanity unit fitting: £150–£350
• Bath panel boxing: £80–£180
• Pipe boxing (per run): £60–£120
• Mirror cabinet installation: £80–£150
• Full bathroom construction: £600–£1,500

A full floor-to-ceiling media wall is one of the most impactful home improvements. Price depends on size, complexity, and whether an electric fire aperture is included.

• Essential built-in (no fire): from £1,200
• Ribbon fireplace suite: from £1,850
• Acoustic slatted wall: from £2,100
• Full cinema wall: from £3,200
• LED channel lighting: +£150–£300

Timber decking is priced per square metre including materials, frame, fixings and labour. Composite decking is more durable but costs more upfront.

• Softwood: £110–£160/m²
• Hardwood: £200–£280/m²
• Composite: £220–£350/m²
• Balustrade/rail: £80–£140/m run
• Steps per tread: £80–£150

A basic quality garden shed starts around £2,000–£4,000. A fully insulated, electrified garden office or studio starts around £8,000 and can reach £30,000+ for premium builds.

• Standard shed (10m²): £2,500–£5,000
• Insulated garden office: £8,000–£18,000
• Premium studio with glass: £15,000–£30,000
• Electrics & insulation: +£1,500–£3,000
• Planning permission may be needed >2.5m

Staircase renovation covers anything from replacing broken spindles to a full balustrade overhaul. Oak spindles and glass panels are popular upgrades.

• Replace treads (pine): £40–£80 each
• Oak tread cladding: £80–£150 each
• New spindles (per spindle): £15–£30
• New newel post: £150–£300
• Glass panel balustrade: £250–£500/panel

Loft boarding gives you usable storage without a full conversion. Includes raising the boards above the insulation on risers to maintain energy efficiency.

• Basic boarding (20m²): £350–£600
• Insulation-raised system: £600–£900
• New loft hatch: £200–£400
• Fitted loft ladder: £250–£500
• Light fitting: +£80–£150

Labour charges for floor laying are per square metre. Materials are additional — laminate is cheapest, engineered wood is mid-range, solid hardwood is premium.

• Laminate fitting: £10–£15/m²
• Engineered wood fitting: £12–£20/m²
• Solid hardwood: £20–£35/m²
• Subfloor prep: +£5–£10/m²
• Underlay: +£3–£8/m²