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Planning a full house renovation: what happens and in what order.
In short: A full renovation follows a fixed order: strip-out and repairs, first fix plumbing and electrics, plastering, then kitchens, bathrooms, second fix and decorating. Planning that sequence, the budget and any approvals before work starts is what keeps the job on track.
Planning a full house renovation in Hull and East Yorkshire
What actually happens on a full house renovation, in what order, and what to plan for before work starts.
A full house renovation involves more trades, in a stricter order, than most people expect. Getting the sequence right is one of the biggest factors in keeping a renovation on schedule, so this guide walks through what typically happens and when.
The typical renovation sequence
- Structural work and strip-out: removing anything being replaced, and any structural alterations (e.g. removing a wall), signed off against building regulations where required.
- First-fix plumbing, electrics and insulation: pipework and cabling run before walls are closed up, plus any insulation upgrades.
- Plastering: skimming walls and ceilings once first-fix work is complete and inspected.
- Kitchen and bathroom installation: cabinetry, tiling and fixtures fitted once plaster has cured.
- Flooring: fitted once messier trades are finished.
- Decorating: the final stage - filling, painting and finishing throughout.
- Second-fix and snagging: sockets, switches, door furniture and a final walk-through to catch any outstanding details.
Do you need planning permission or building regulations approval?
Most internal renovation work - new kitchens, bathrooms, re-plastering, rewiring - doesn't need planning permission. Structural changes, such as removing a load-bearing wall, loft conversions and some electrical or plumbing work, do need to meet building regulations, and some may need a building control inspection. Properties in conservation areas (parts of Beverley, for example) or listed buildings may have additional restrictions on materials and alterations.
How to budget and plan
- Build in a contingency for unexpected issues found once walls, floors or old fittings are opened up - this is common in older East Yorkshire housing stock.
- Decide on kitchen and bathroom specifications early, since lead times on cabinetry and fixtures can affect the schedule.
- Agree a payment and project schedule up front so you know what happens and when.
- If you're staying in the property during the renovation, plan which rooms will be affected and when, particularly for kitchen and bathroom work.
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