How much does it cost to render a house?

House rendering offers the promise of a complete makeover of your home, but the big question is, ‘At what cost?’ Let’s take a deeper look at house rendering costs, and pin-point some of the factors that contribute to the final figure.

What is rendering?

Rendering is the process by which you reinforce the walls of a property against the elements with an aesthetic and durable finish. Some homeowners dislike the monotony of brick and stone, especially as the materials aren't great at protecting your house from the weather. That's where rendering can be useful.

Wall rendering is like giving a boring, crumbling home a makeover. It's a process where you apply a special mixture of materials, often a type of plaster or cement render, to the exterior of a property's walls. The new layer covers up the bricks or concrete and makes the wall look smooth and neat.

But rendering isn't just about looks. It also helps protect exterior walls from rain, wind, and other weather conditions, keeping your home cosy and warm on the inside.

You can even choose different colours and textures for the rendering, so you can make your house look exactly how you want it to. It's like giving your home a fresh coat of paint but on a much bigger scale

How much to render a house

Rendering costs fluctuate from one region to another, and they - as with many trades - have experienced significant increases in recent years. This is why offering a precise, one-size-fits-all figure can be challenging. However, we analysed some of the costs of rendering a 3-bedroom, both a semi-detached house, and as a terrace.

What affects the cost of rendering a house?

House rendering prices are affected by a number of different variables, the most common being:

1. Whether you're updating an existing render or installing a new one

Typically, renovating an existing rendering is a more budget-friendly option than installing a new one. This is especially true when the current rendering is in relatively good shape and requires only minor repairs or cosmetic enhancements.

However, in cases where the existing job is plagued by issues, opting for a complete re-rendering of the house might be a more economic choice.

2. The condition of the external walls

The condition of your external walls can affect the final cost. If your walls require extensive repairs or preparation work before rendering can begin, this can add to the overall cost.

3. Your property type and size

The size of your property, specifically the total square footage of wall surface to be rendered, plays a significant role in determining the final house rendering cost. Larger properties require more labour and materials, increasing the overall cost.

Your house type also affects the final bill. A terrace for example, usually costs less to render, as there are fewer external walls to cover. However, a semi-detached or detached property costs more as there are more exterior walls.

4. Choice of material

Your choice of rendering material can have a significant impact on the final cost. Different materials have varying prices, with some being more costly than others. For example, traditional render like lime may be more expensive than cement or acrylic render.

5. Location

The location of your house can impact the total rendering cost due to regional variations in labour and material costs. Properties in urban areas or areas for example, tend to coincide with a higher cost of living, resulting in higher rendering prices.

How do I know which material to render my house with?

When you find a suitable contractor or construction company, they'll be able to advise you on the most suitable rendering material for your property. It's part of their job is to help their clients make informed decisions about the materials and methods that best meet their needs.

There are lots of different types of materials with which you can render your house - so many, that it can be hard to decide which one is right for your home. In the UK, cement and lime tend to be the most common - but there are many more to choose from.

Types of render materials

• Cement render: Cement is one of the most widely used rendering materials in Britain. Known for its durability and versatility's cement can be applied to many different types of substrate, including brick, concrete, blockwork, and insulation boards. Its smooth render surface can be painted or textured to achieve different finishes.
• Acrylic render: A synthetic material, acrylic has gained popularity in recent years due to its versatility and quick drying time. Acrylic comes in various textures and colours and can be applied to a wide range of substrates. It's often picked for its durability and resistance to cracking.
• Lime render: A common material for older properties, lime is known for its breathability, flexibility, and compatibility with historic buildings. It allows moisture to evaporate from the walls, which can help prevent damp. Lime render also provides a softer, more textured finish compared to cement render, making it suitable for preserving structural authenticity.
• Mineral render: As the name would suggest, mineral render contains natural minerals, such as marble or quartz, in addition to cement or lime. A modern material, mineral is valued for its durability and resistance to weathering.
• Silicone render: Silicone is a type of acrylic render that contains silicone additives, which offers additional water repellency and a smooth, clean finish. Silicone is known for its self-cleaning properties, which can help maintain the appearance of the wall surface.
• Polymer render: A type of acrylic render that includes polymer additives for increased strength and flexibility. Suitable for both traditional and contemporary properties, polymer is known for its long-lasting finish and resistance to cracking.

Rendering your home - where to start?

Let's take a look at how you can get going with the rendering process - from a first consultation with a construction company, all the way to dotting the lines on a contract.

1. Initial consultation

When you first contact a contractor or construction company for a rendering project, they'll schedule an initial consultation. In this meeting, you can discuss your goals, preferences, and any specific requirements you may have.

2. Assessment

The contractor will assess your property's current condition, including the exterior walls, the property's age, and any issues like cracks or dampness. In their assessment, they'll take your local climate into account, as well as any local regulations or restrictions.

3. Recommendations

Based on their assessment, the contractor will provide recommendations for the most suitable rendering material. They'll explain the advantages and disadvantages of each material and help you arrive at an informed decision.

Some contractors may offer samples or provide images of previous projects. This can help you visualise the final result and make a more confident choice.

4. Quotes

The contractor should provide you with quotes for both labour and materials, allowing you to compare your options and make a decision based on budget.

5. Customisation

If you have specific design or aesthetic preferences, the contractor can work with you to customise the finish and texture of the rendering material to achieve your desired look.

6. Your contract

Once the details of the project are finalised, you can enter into a contract with the contractor that outlines all the specifics, including costs, timelines, and your chosen material.

The rendering process

Now, let's take a look at the actual rendering job. What does a typical project look like?

1. Preparation

The contractors clean the exterior walls, repairing any defects or cracks, and ensuring the substrate is suitable for rendering.

2. Base coat application

Once the walls are solid and clean, one or more coats of render are applied. The first coat is often referred to as a "scratch coat," which provides adhesion to the substrate. Subsequent coats may be applied for additional thickness or to achieve a specific texture.

3. Optional mesh insulation

Depending on the project, a layer of render mesh or external wall insulation may be added over the base coat for added insulation or structural support.

4. Final render coat

The final render coat is applied. This 'external render' provides the desired finish, texture, colour, and protection. It is often referred to as the 'finish coat' or 'render finish.'

After the final coat is applied, any desired finishing touches, like texturing or decorative elements, can be added. It's at this point that the render is allowed to cure and dry, which can take some time depending on the material used.

Painting or sealing: Depending on the material and design, the rendered surface may be painted or sealed for additional protection or aesthetic enhancement.

How long does the rendering process take?

Rendering a detached property can take up to two weeks, while rendering a semi-detached house, terrace or bungalow usually takes one.

Is Building Regulation compliance necessary for rendering?

Yes, rendering often falls under the jurisdiction of Building Regulations. When undertaking a rendering project, you must adhere to various regulations, including those related to fire safety, toxic substances, conservation of fuel and power, and more.

Do you need planning permission for rendering?

Generally, you don't need planning permission when rendering a house unless your property falls within specific designations, such as:

• An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• A national park
• A conservation area
• A listed building
• The Broads

If your property falls under any of the designations above, it's best to consult with your local authority for guidance on the necessary permissions and guidelines before going ahead with your project.

Summary: You get what you pay for

You might think rendering a house is a massive project - but the job can be done in as soon as two weeks. Despite this, it's a fairly costly venture, made all the more costly by variables such as property size, chosen materials, wall condition, and aesthetic finish.

Make sure your estimate is accurate requesting multiple quotes from experienced contractors who can tailor the project to your needs.