1 verified renovation specialist on NI Trades · Free to post a job
A renovation specialist takes an existing home and brings it up to a modern, comfortable standard — whether that is a single-room refresh, a full kitchen and bathroom overhaul, or a whole-house refurbishment with structural alterations. They are the right call when you are not building from scratch but want to transform a home you already own. Renovations span multiple disciplines, so ask your renovation specialist to confirm their current public liability insurance and any required trade credentials for the work in scope (or for any subcontractors), and check the relevant register directly before any work begins or any money is paid.
How it works
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Describe what needs doing and your NI location. Tradespeople see only the job — never your contact details.
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Common services
Whole-home renovation & refurbishment
Kitchen renovation (full design + fit)
Bathroom renovation (en-suite, family, wet rooms)
Loft conversion (room-in-roof or dormer)
Single & double-storey extensions
Period property modernisation
Open-plan living conversions (wall removal)
Internal layout reconfiguration
Garage conversion to living space
Energy-efficiency upgrades (insulation, glazing)
Buy-to-let refurbishment to rental standard
Listed-building sympathetic refurbishment
What to ask before hiring
Can I see 3+ completed renovations with references?
Will you manage the trades directly or subcontract?
How do you handle structural work (Building Control, structural engineer)?
What is your variation (extras) process and how are they costed?
Do you provide a detailed schedule of works in writing?
How are payments staged against milestones?
What is your defects liability period after completion?
How will you protect the rest of the house during works?
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Reviews on NI Trades are tied to verified jobs. As soon as a homeowner hires a renovation specialist through the platform and the job completes, ratings will start appearing here.
To habitable room, including insulation and Building Control
Prices are indicative and vary based on job complexity, materials and location within NI. Always get 2-3 quotes.
Qualifications & accreditations to look for
Federation of Master Builders
UK's largest building trade association — vetted membership
TrustMark
Government-endorsed quality scheme for home improvement
Building Control Approval
Required for structural and most renovation work in NI
Public Liability Insurance
Minimum £2m recommended — renovations are higher-risk than new build
Employers Liability Insurance
Required when managing subcontractors or directly-employed labourers
CSR / CSCS Card
Construction Skills Register / CSCS — site safety competence
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a renovation specialist and a general builder?
A general builder is often most comfortable on new-build work — fresh foundations, blockwork, straight runs. A renovation specialist works in existing homes, where every wall might hide a surprise. Good renovators are skilled at planning around the unknown, sequencing trades inside a property someone is still living in, and matching new work to existing finishes. If your project is in an occupied or older property, a renovation specialist will usually deliver a smoother result than a builder whose day job is new estates.
How long does a typical home renovation take in Northern Ireland?
A full kitchen renovation typically runs 3–5 weeks, a bathroom 1–2 weeks, a whole-home refurbishment 8–16 weeks depending on size and scope, and a single-storey extension 12–20 weeks from groundworks to completion. Add 2–4 weeks for design and Building Control sign-off before work starts. Always agree a written programme with your renovation specialist and key milestone dates in writing.
Do I need planning permission for a renovation?
Most internal renovations in NI do not need planning permission — kitchens, bathrooms, layout changes inside the existing footprint. Building Control approval is usually required for structural work (removing load-bearing walls), electrical rewiring and significant plumbing changes. Extensions and loft conversions normally need both planning and Building Control. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas have stricter rules — your renovation specialist should be familiar with the local Council process.
How do I protect myself on a large renovation?
Get a detailed written specification and quote up front — not just a single headline price — and structure payments around completion milestones rather than one up-front sum. Confirm the renovation specialist has current Public Liability Insurance and ask to see the certificate. For larger or higher-value renovations many homeowners use a written contract such as the JCT Minor Works or HBA Home Improvement Contract. NI Trades is an introduction service and isn't party to the contract or payment arrangement; for advice tailored to your specific project, talk to a solicitor, surveyor or architect before work begins.
Important
Renovations almost always uncover surprises behind the walls — old wiring, hidden damp, dodgy plumbing. Agree a written contingency budget (10–15% of the project value is sensible) and a clear variation procedure before work starts so unexpected finds do not turn into disputes.
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Tradesperson profiles are not publicly listed. Post a job and vetted renovation specialists express interest. You'll only see profiles of those interested in your specific job.
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