Cladding is a protective outer layer of boards or panels, such as timber, composite, fibre cement or uPVC, fixed to battens on the outside of a wall to change its appearance, shed rain and, where insulation is added, reduce heat loss.
Homeowners in Derry/Londonderry usually consider cladding for one of a few reasons: something has worn out, the house no longer suits the way they live, or they are getting it ready to sell. We visit, agree a specification and put a fixed price in writing. Most jobs like this take 3 days to 3 weeks depending on area, and we work across County Londonderry, including Strabane, Limavady and Coleraine.
- Guide price
- £4,300–£10,500 inc VAT
- Time on site
- 3 days to 3 weeks depending on area
- Postcodes
- BT48
- Planning rules
- Northern Ireland
- Local area
- Derry
- Survey
- Free, with a written quote
What should you budget for cladding in Derry/Londonderry?
Here is how the guide price for cladding breaks down in Derry/Londonderry. We start from national figures and adjust for Northern Ireland, which comes out about 14% below the national guide. The resulting range, VAT included, is £4,300–£10,500, and a survey, at no cost to you, firms it up.
| Type of job | What it usually involves | Guide in Derry/Londonderry |
|---|---|---|
| Feature area or dormer | A gable, dormer, bay or small feature wall in uPVC, timber or composite. | £1,300–£4,300 |
| Extension or upper storey | About 40–60m² of timber, composite or fibre cement with membrane and battens. | £4,300–£10,500 |
| Whole house | Cladding most elevations of a house, often with added insulation. | £10,500–£26,000 |
What moves the price up or down:
- Cladding material and board profile
- Insulation behind the cladding
- Window reveals, corners and roof junctions to detail
- Scaffolding, access and distance from boundaries
What’s included?
- Survey of the wall, boundaries, damp and window details
- Scaffolding or access towers as needed
- Breather membrane and treated battens fixed to the wall
- Insulation behind the cladding where agreed
- Cavity barriers and fire-stopping where regulations require
- Waste removal and a clean site on completion
Homes in County Londonderry
Derry has Georgian and Victorian terraces around its walled city, alongside large post-war estates and newer developments. Coleraine, Limavady and Magherafelt mix older town centres with semis and estates, Portstewart has seaside villas, and rural areas have many detached homes and bungalows, often roughcast.
The north coast faces Atlantic wind, rain and salt, and the Sperrins inland are colder and wetter.
So when we survey a Derry/Londonderry property for cladding, the first step is working out how it was built and what has been changed since.
Permissions for cladding in Derry/Londonderry
Derry/Londonderry is in Northern Ireland, so the planning and building rules set out below are the ones that apply. We confirm the details with the council before we quote.
In Northern Ireland, re-rendering is usually treated as repair, but conservation areas and listed buildings are controlled.
Significant re-cladding or external insulation should be checked with building control under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland).
Rules change and every property is different, so we check the planning history and constraints for your address before we quote.
What happens after you get in touch?
Survey and measure
It starts with a survey at the property, free of charge. We check condition, access and services, ask how you want the finished result to look, and answer any questions you have about cladding.
Written quote
After the survey we send a quote for cladding that fixes the price for the scope we've agreed. If you want to change materials or scope, we revise it in writing before anything is booked.
Plan and prepare
Once you accept, we agree start dates, order materials and deal with any planning, building control or neighbour notices the job needs. You'll know who is coming and when before work begins.
Finish and handover
On site, the agreed plan is followed and any change is put in writing first. At completion we do a final clean, go through the snagging list with you and leave you with the relevant documents.
How we work
Cladding in Derry/Londonderry: questions
Which cladding material needs the least maintenance?
Fibre cement, composite and uPVC cladding need the least upkeep, usually just an occasional wash. Thermally modified and hardwood timber can be left to weather naturally to a silver-grey, which needs no treatment, but keeping the original colour means re-staining every few years. Painted timber needs repainting regularly. We explain the long-term care of each option.
How much will cladding cost in Derry/Londonderry?
As a guide, expect to pay £4,300–£10,500 including VAT for cladding in Derry/Londonderry. That range is adjusted for Northern Ireland, which runs about 14% below the national guide. Where your project lands depends on size, materials, access and the condition of what is already there. We confirm a fixed price in writing after a free survey of your home.
Do I need planning permission in Derry/Londonderry?
It depends on the work, the size of the project, your property type and whether the building is listed or in a conservation area. Derry/Londonderry is in Northern Ireland, so Northern Ireland's rules apply. Many smaller jobs need no planning application, but some still need building control approval. We check what applies to your address before quoting.
How much does house cladding cost?
Cladding around 40–60m² of wall, such as an extension or upper storey, costs £4,300–£10,500, including membrane, battens and trims. As a guide, allow roughly £80–£180 per square metre plus fixed costs for scaffolding and set-up. uPVC and softwood sit at the lower end, while hardwood, composite and fibre cement cost more. Adding insulation increases the price. We confirm a fixed figure after the survey.
How long does cladding take to install?
Cladding a small dormer or gable usually takes a few days, an extension or upper storey around one to two weeks, and a whole house two to three weeks or more. Scaffolding, insulation and detailing around many windows add time. Timber boards may need to acclimatise on site first. We give you a programme with the written quote.
Nearby towns
Homes across BT48 in Derry/Londonderry are within our coverage, as are those in Strabane, Limavady and Coleraine. If you are just outside these areas, ask anyway, because we work right across the UK.