Home renovations are stressful for everyone involved and the biggest problem is often not knowing where to start or what the timeline should look like.

Though there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to renovations, as all projects are different, there is a ‘best practice’ when it comes to the order of work which will also answer one of the questions that we get asked most often - when is the right time to fit the flooring?

Here is what most professionals would recommend when it comes to the schedule of works for a full or extensive home renovation project...

FIX ANY STRUCTURAL ISSUES

Before any work can really begin, you will need to ensure that the property is structurally sound. Hire a structural engineer to assess the inside and outside of the building and then, using their report, take the appropriate steps to resolve any issues.

This may involve repairing rafters, stabilising walls and fixing bad damp problems all of which could cause the building to be unsafe.

ENSURE THAT THE PROPERTY IS WEATHERTIGHT

Once the structural repairs work has been completed, you need to make sure that the property is weather/watertight which means that rain, and other outside elements, cannot get into the property and cause damage.

Start by making sure that the roof is not leaking and check for any missing tiles or structural roof issues. Then, assess all the windows and make sure that none are missing, damaged or broken.

Any problems that do crop up need to be fixed before the real renovation work can get underway as a property that is not weathertight can put the entire project in jeopardy.

STRIP EVERYTHING OUT

The real renovation work can now begin.

This could include stripping off wallpaper and carpets, knocking out walls or chimney breasts and demolition of the kitchen, bathroom and all other fittings throughout the property until you are left with nothing but the bare bones.

This will leave you with your blank canvas in which to start creating your dream home.

THE FIRST FIX

This is when everything needed to enable your home to run smoothly is installed such as the pipes, insulation, cables and boiler. Any stud walls that are being added will need to be put up at this point too.
You should think of the first fix as the stage in the project where the property is being given everything it needs to provide plumbing, heating and electricity.

If you’re having underfloor heating, then it would be fitted at this stage in the process.

PLASTERING

Since all the work inside the walls and under the floors has now been completed, you can plaster the entire property, starting with the ceilings, to prepare it for the decorating part of the project.

THE SECOND FIX

Now it’s time to fit the finishes with the second fix.

This is where things get a bit more fun and you can start bringing some character and interior design elements into the home.

During the second fix, you will fit the kitchen, lighting fixtures, doors, radiators and, most importantly, this is when you will lay the wood flooring.

DECORATING

Essentially, any work that’s left (i.e. anything that we have left until the very end because it could get damaged during the previous steps) is completed at this stage.

This usually means painting, wallpapering and fitting any carpets.

SNAGGING

Before you can move into or sell this newly renovated property, final checks will need to be carried out by surveyors to make sure that the building is safe and highlight any areas that need improvement. This could be because the quality of the work is not up to scratch or certain jobs have not been completed.

For example, any plaster that’s cracking, floorboards that are creaking or light switches that are not working will be reported on during the snagging stage.

This allows for any final fixes or improvements to be made so that the home is fully-functional and exactly as you imagined it.

MOVE IN/FURNISHING

Your new home is now complete and ready for moving in. All that’s truly left is to add your finishing touches with some furniture and furnishings.