Cost calculator
Rendering cost calculator
Render is a weatherproofing system, not a coat of paint. The system you choose, the preparation beneath it and the bead and bell-cast details decide whether it lasts 30 years or cracks in three.
External wall area, deducting large openings.
Broad trade availability keeps day rates near the national average.
Estimated range, ex VAT
£6,450 – £16,000
- Labour (typical)
- £6,100
- Materials (typical)
- £5,000
Guidance only. A real quotation depends on site conditions, specification and access — which is exactly what an independent review of your own quote will tell you.
What affects the cost
Render system
Sand and cement cheapest, monocouche through-coloured mid-range, silicone and acrylic thin-coat systems higher, external wall insulation highest.
Substrate preparation
Removing failed render, treating damp, applying mesh and primers — priced separately and often understated.
Property height and access
Scaffolding for a two or three storey house is a fixed cost of £1,200–£3,500.
Detailing
Bell-cast beads, stop beads, window reveals, plinths and drip details all take time.
Colour and finish
Through-coloured systems avoid repainting; painted sand and cement needs redecorating every 5–10 years.
Regional pricing differences
Materials cost roughly the same everywhere in the UK; labour does not. Use the region selector above to apply a local index — London and the South East typically run 15–30% above the national average, while the North East, Northern Ireland and Yorkshire sit below it.
Labour vs materials
Roughly 55% of this type of work is labour and 45% materials. Scaffolding is a substantial fixed cost. Labour then dominates on traditional render; insulated systems shift cost towards materials.
Common hidden costs
- Repointing or brick repair discovered once old render is removed.
- Lowering ground levels or adding a plinth to avoid render bridging the damp proof course.
- Extending window sills and moving downpipes and vents to accommodate the new thickness.
- Weather delays; render cannot be applied in frost or heavy rain.
How to save money
- Render and replace windows or guttering in the same scaffolding period.
- Choose a through-coloured monocouche to avoid future painting cycles.
- Render only the elevations that need it if the others are sound brick.
- Ask for the system manufacturer's name and warranty in the quotation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does rendering a house cost?
A typical three-bed semi costs £6,000–£13,000 in 2026 including scaffolding, depending on the system.
How long does render last?
Sand and cement 20–30 years if unpainted movement is controlled; silicone and monocouche systems 25–30+ with far less maintenance.
Why does render crack?
Movement, no bead or expansion joints, applying over an unsuitable substrate, or drying too fast in hot weather.
Does rendering improve insulation?
Only insulated render systems do. Standard render is weatherproofing, not insulation.
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