Planning a Full House Refurbishment: The Order Works Should Happen In

A full house refurbishment involves many trades working in one building. The order in which they arrive matters, because each stage depends on the one before it. Getting the sequence right saves time, avoids rework and protects finished surfaces.

1. Surveys and strip-out

Work starts by understanding what is behind the walls. Surveys, opening-up works and careful strip-out reveal the condition of the structure, services and any hidden issues. Decisions made here shape the rest of the programme.

2. Structure and external envelope

Structural alterations, repairs to the roof, new openings and any windows or external doors come before the interior is finished. The aim is to make the building weathertight before delicate internal work begins.

3. First fix services

Electrical cabling, plumbing pipework, heating and ventilation are installed within walls, floors and ceilings. This is the moment to confirm socket, light and radiator positions, because changes are far cheaper now than after plastering.

4. Insulation, boarding and plastering

Once first fix is inspected, walls and ceilings are insulated, boarded and plastered. Plaster needs time to dry before decoration, so this stage has a natural pause built in.

5. Floors, kitchens and bathrooms

Floor finishes, joinery, kitchens and bathroom fittings follow. Many of these items have long lead times, so they are best ordered well before they are needed on site.

6. Second fix, decoration and snagging

Sockets, switches, light fittings, sanitaryware and final finishes go in, followed by decoration. A final inspection and snagging list covers anything that needs correcting before handover.

Keeping control of the programme

• Agree design and finish choices before work starts

• Order long lead-time items early

• Allow drying time between wet trades and finishes

• Have Building Regulations inspections booked at the right stages

Our full refurbishment service manages this sequence from survey to handover.

Thinking about a project in London? Get in touch with Tota Design & Build to talk it through.