Full Home Renovation: What to Expect From Start to Finish
A step-by-step walkthrough of a complete home renovation — from initial survey and demolition through to final snag list and handover.
A full home renovation is a major undertaking. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Phase 1: Survey and Design (2–4 weeks)
A thorough survey identifies structural issues, damp problems, and planning requirements. Your design team produces drawings and specifications.
Phase 2: Demolition (1–2 weeks)
Walls come down, floors come up, and old fittings are removed. This is dusty, noisy, and reveals what's behind every surface.
Phase 3: Structural Work (2–4 weeks)
Steel beams, new openings, and structural repairs happen now. This stage requires engineering sign-off and building control inspections.
Phase 4: First Fix (2–3 weeks)
Plumbing and electrical first fixes run through walls and floors before they're closed up. Get these right — changing them later is expensive.
Phase 5: Plastering and Drylining (2–3 weeks)
Walls and ceilings are finished. This is where the space starts to look like rooms again.
Phase 6: Second Fix (1–2 weeks)
Sockets, switches, radiators, and sanitaryware go in.
Phase 7: Finishes (2–3 weeks)
Tiling, painting, flooring, and joinery. The detail stage.
Phase 8: Snag List and Handover (1–2 weeks)
A thorough walkthrough identifies defects for the contractor to fix before final payment.
Total timeline: 12–20 weeks for a typical three-bed semi. Budget 15–20% contingency. Communication with your contractor is the single biggest factor in a smooth renovation.
