A clear sequence helps a renovation team coordinate surveys, approvals, opening-up work, installations and finishes. This guide sets out useful stage gates while leaving the final programme to the inspected property, agreed scope and appointed team.
Stage 1 — Feasibility and brief
Sequence wet work, services, closing-up, joinery and finishes around the actual design and drying or inspection dependencies. Record who can authorise progression so one trade does not conceal work that still needs checking.
Use agreed stage gates for inspections, applicable Building Control checks and preparation of the next work area. The contract or project plan should identify the evidence needed at each gate and who records acceptance.
Stage 2 — Design and architect appointment
Sequence wet work, services, closing-up, joinery and finishes around the actual design and drying or inspection dependencies. Record who can authorise progression so one trade does not conceal work that still needs checking.
Use agreed stage gates for inspections, applicable Building Control checks and preparation of the next work area. The contract or project plan should identify the evidence needed at each gate and who records acceptance.
Stage 3 — Planning application
Pre-application advice may be useful for a proposal with unresolved policy or design questions. Check the responsible authority's current service, scope and published charges before deciding whether it is proportionate for the individual project.
A conservation designation does not answer every consent question by itself. Compare the proposed work with the current official guidance and property record, and obtain address-specific advice where the effect of the work is unclear.
Stage 4 — Building Regulations submission
Use agreed stage gates for inspections, applicable Building Control checks and preparation of the next work area. The contract or project plan should identify the evidence needed at each gate and who records acceptance.
Trade coordination should make interfaces explicit: service routes, pressure or functional tests, substrate readiness, protection and final tolerances. Capture those decisions in the programme and written scope rather than relying on informal assumptions.
Stage 5 — Groundworks and foundations
Sequence wet work, services, closing-up, joinery and finishes around the actual design and drying or inspection dependencies. Record who can authorise progression so one trade does not conceal work that still needs checking.
Use agreed stage gates for inspections, applicable Building Control checks and preparation of the next work area. The contract or project plan should identify the evidence needed at each gate and who records acceptance.
Stage 6 — Structure and weatherproofing
Sequence wet work, services, closing-up, joinery and finishes around the actual design and drying or inspection dependencies. Record who can authorise progression so one trade does not conceal work that still needs checking.
Use agreed stage gates for inspections, applicable Building Control checks and preparation of the next work area. The contract or project plan should identify the evidence needed at each gate and who records acceptance.
Stage 7 — First fix services
Prioritise active leaks, unsafe conditions and defects that could damage retained fabric, then record lower-priority items for monitoring. Service intervals and inspection methods should come from current instructions and the relevant system or material, not a generic area schedule.
Keep dated photographs, reports, invoices and any applicable certificates together. Clear records help future contractors understand what was observed, what was changed and which assumptions still need verification.
Stage 8 — Plastering and second fix
Use agreed stage gates for inspections, applicable Building Control checks and preparation of the next work area. The contract or project plan should identify the evidence needed at each gate and who records acceptance.
Trade coordination should make interfaces explicit: service routes, pressure or functional tests, substrate readiness, protection and final tolerances. Capture those decisions in the programme and written scope rather than relying on informal assumptions.
Stage 9 — Fit-out and finishes
Trade coordination should make interfaces explicit: service routes, pressure or functional tests, substrate readiness, protection and final tolerances. Capture those decisions in the programme and written scope rather than relying on informal assumptions.
Sequence wet work, services, closing-up, joinery and finishes around the actual design and drying or inspection dependencies. Record who can authorise progression so one trade does not conceal work that still needs checking.
Stage 10 — Snagging and sign-off
Sequence wet work, services, closing-up, joinery and finishes around the actual design and drying or inspection dependencies. Record who can authorise progression so one trade does not conceal work that still needs checking.
Use agreed stage gates for inspections, applicable Building Control checks and preparation of the next work area. The contract or project plan should identify the evidence needed at each gate and who records acceptance.
Ready to discuss your project?
To arrange a site visit or request a written quote, contact us on +44 20 7101 3168. For regulated work, ask which authorisations and supporting evidence apply to the proposed scope and how they will be checked before acceptance.