It is important to know that there are a few areas of work where a VAT registered builder would not have to charge VAT at 20%. Below is a list of examples. All these areas are complicated and you should talk to your builder and look at the HMRC VAT website for details.
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The renovation of a house or flat which has been empty for at least 2 years - 5% VAT may apply
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The conversion of any commercial building like an office or a barn into a house or flats - 5% VAT may apply
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Alterations (but not repairs) to a listed building which is a home and which has listed building consent - 0% VAT may apply
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Conversion of a house into more or less homes than it was at the start of the project e.g. a house into flats, or flats back into a house - 5% VAT may apply
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Alterations to a house occupied by a disabled person to provide improved access or bathroom facilities - 0% VAT may apply
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The installation of certain energy saving materials into a house - 5% VAT may apply.