Full Property Renovation Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

Weeks 1 to 2: Strip Out

The renovation begins with complete strip out, removing kitchens, bathrooms, plaster, flooring, ceilings, and non-structural partitions. Waste is skipped daily. This stage is noisy and dusty, so most clients move out.

Structural survey happens during strip out. Once walls are exposed, we assess any unexpected issues (rot, inadequate foundations, asbestos) and adjust the programme if needed.

Weeks 3 to 4: Structural Work

Structural alterations include removing or adding walls, installing RSJs (rolled steel joists), and underpinning if needed. This is when the layout takes shape.

New window and door openings are formed. External repairs to brickwork, pointing, and roof are done. Skip space is critical during this stage.

Weeks 5 to 6: First Fix

First fix electrics: new consumer unit, wiring to all outlets, lighting circuits, and appliance connections. First fix plumbing: hot/cold water pipes, waste pipes, radiator positions, and bathroom connections.

Heating system installation: boiler position, pipework, underfloor heating manifolds if specified. Data cabling for internet/TV is also installed now.

Weeks 7 to 8: Plastering & Flooring

Plasterers board and skim all walls and ceilings. This transforms the property from construction site to recognizable rooms. Plaster needs 2 to 3 weeks to fully dry before decoration.

Floor screeding happens if needed (for underfloor heating or level floors). External works like extensions' roofing and glazing continue in parallel.

Weeks 9 to 10: Second Fix

Second fix electrics: sockets, switches, light fittings, and consumer unit completion. Second fix plumbing: radiators, boilers, taps, toilets, basins, and showers installed.

Kitchen units are fitted (worktops templated and installed separately). Bathroom sanitaryware is positioned but not fully sealed until decoration is complete.

Weeks 11 to 12: Decoration & Finishes

Decorators prepare surfaces (filling, sanding, priming) and apply paint or wallpaper. Typically 2 to 3 coats throughout. Flooring is laid (except in wet areas).

Tiling in kitchens and bathrooms. Worktops are templated and installed. Final connections for appliances. This stage makes the property feel finished.

Weeks 13 to 14: Snagging & Handover

Comprehensive snagging inspection identifies any defects or incomplete items. We work through the snag list systematically. Building Control final inspection happens now.

Final handover includes: all certificates (electrical, gas, Building Regulations), warranties, appliance manuals, and keys. We do a final walkthrough with you to ensure satisfaction.

What Can Delay a Renovation

The most common cause of delay is finding something unexpected once work starts: old wiring or pipework that needs replacing, damp, structural problems, or asbestos in older properties. A survey before you begin reduces this risk, but cannot remove it entirely.

The second most common cause is late decisions. Kitchens, windows, bathrooms and floors often have lead times of several weeks, so choosing and ordering them early keeps the programme on track. Changes made during the build, known as variations, should be agreed and priced in writing before the work is done.

How Should You Prepare Your Home and Yourself?

Decide early whether you will live in the house during the work. A full renovation is much quicker and cheaper to carry out in an empty house, but many people stay in part of the property. If you do, agree with your builder which areas will be available and when, and where tools and materials will be stored.

Agree a regular update, for example a weekly walk round the site with the site manager, so you always know what is happening next and can make decisions in good time.

Next Steps

If you are planning a renovation, we can visit, talk through the likely programme for your property and give you a written fixed price. Call 020 4569 0526 or use our contact page.