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.
How to plan a full renovation
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 1 — Strip-out and structural
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 2 — Damp proofing and tanking
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 — First fix — electrics, plumbing, heating
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 4 — Insulation
Begin with evidence about heat loss, condition and how the building is used, then compare compatible fabric and services options. There is no universal ordering: benefits, risks and approvals depend on the individual property and proposed system.
Energy-efficiency work should be calibrated to the inspected construction, ventilation, moisture behaviour and services. If external appearance or protected fabric may be affected, verify the planning and heritage position for the exact address before fixing the specification.
Stage 5 — Plastering
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 — Joinery first 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 7 — Second fix services
Build a maintenance plan from a baseline inspection of accessible external elements, internal finishes and building services. The review frequency should follow condition, exposure, manufacturer information and professional advice for the actual property.
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.
Stage 8 — Flooring and tiling
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 9 — Kitchen and bathroom fit-out
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 10 — Decorating
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 11 — Snagging and handover
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.
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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.