Pebble-dash & render removal in Croydon

Postcodes: CR0, CR2, CR5, CR7, CR8 · Council: London Borough of Croydon

Croydon's housing varies a lot. The council's Borough Character Appraisal describes Victorian terraces as most of the housing in Broad Green. It also describes planned estates of semi-detached houses in Coulsdon, around Rickman Hill and Marlpit Lane, and interwar semis on planned estates in Norbury (Croydon Council). Interwar suburban semis are exactly where pebble-dash was most common (Homebuilding & Renovating).

What to check in Croydon

• 21 conservation areas. Croydon Council says you need planning permission to install external cladding in a conservation area (Croydon Council). Nationally, cladding a house in render or pebble-dash in a conservation area needs permission (Planning Portal).
• Article 4 directions. These cover the Chatsworth Road, The Waldrons and Kenley Aerodrome conservation areas (Croydon Council).
• Re-render or restore? On a 1930s semi built to be rendered, the brick underneath may never have been meant to be seen. Stripping to brick is the costliest option in the national price guides (JobPrices), so get a trial patch before deciding.

Typical costs

Strip and re-render a 3-bed semi: around £3,800–£5,200 in national guides (Checkatrade); removal alone £20–£60/m² (MyBuilder). London quotes are often towards the top of these ranges. See the cost guide.