What Order Do You Renovate a House in the UK?

Renovating a property can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll ever take on — but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Whether you’ve just bought a “fixer-upper” or you’re tackling your next investment property, getting the order of renovation right is the key to saving time, money, and stress.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the correct order to renovate a house in the UK, from the first inspection to the final coat of paint.

1. 🧾 Assess, Plan, and Budget

Before any work begins, you need to know what you’re working with.

• Arrange a full building survey (especially if the property is old or hasn’t been maintained).
• Identify structural issues, damp, roof problems, and electrical or plumbing faults.
• Get quotes from trades and create a realistic budget, including a contingency (10–15% is sensible).
• Apply for planning permission or building regulations approval if needed.

This stage prevents nasty surprises later — and ensures your renovation is legally compliant.

2. 🏗️ Make It Structurally Sound

Always fix the bones of the building first. There’s no point painting walls or fitting a kitchen if the roof leaks.

Key structural tasks may include:

• Roof repairs or replacement
• Fixing subsidence or cracks in walls
• Repointing brickwork or repairing render
• Replacing rotten timbers, joists, or floorboards
• Checking chimney stacks and foundations

This stage ensures your home is safe, dry, and stable before you move forward.

3. ⚡ Sort the Services — Plumbing, Electrics & Heating

Next, it’s time to rip out the old systems and install modern, efficient ones.

Typical tasks include:

• Full or partial rewire (lighting, sockets, consumer unit)
• Installing new plumbing and waste systems
• Fitting or upgrading central heating and radiators
• Adding smart home or renewable features (EV charger, underfloor heating, solar prep, etc.)

Do all of this before plastering or decorating, as it involves chasing walls and lifting floors.

4. 🪟 Windows, Doors & Insulation

Now you can make the property weather-tight and energy efficient:

• Replace windows and external doors
• Add or upgrade insulation (loft, cavity wall, floors)
• Fit new gutters, fascias, and soffits

Improving insulation and airtightness at this stage reduces your long-term running costs — and it’s easier to do before you redecorate.

5. 🧱 Plastering, Flooring & Internal Structure

Once the messy structural and service work is complete, you can start to rebuild and tidy up:

• Replace or repair internal walls and ceilings
• Plaster and skim
• Lay subfloors
• Fit new staircases if needed

This is when your property starts to look like a home again rather than a building site.

6. 🚪 First Fix Joinery

“First fix” includes the unseen but essential carpentry work done before decoration:

• Door frames, skirting, and architraves
• Window boards
• Stud walls and framework for bathrooms or kitchens

It’s also a good time to fit any built-in storage or framework for media walls.

7. 🚿 Bathrooms and Kitchen Installation

Now the fun begins — you can start to see the project take shape:

• Fit bathrooms (tiling, fixtures, plumbing connections)
• Install the kitchen, including cabinets, appliances, and worktops
• Carry out any tiling or splashback work

Always complete “wet rooms” before painting or laying final flooring elsewhere.

8. 🎨 Decorating and Finishing Touches

This is the stage most people think of as “renovating” — but it should come last.

• Paint walls and ceilings
• Fit internal doors
• Lay flooring (carpet, laminate, or wood)
• Install light fittings and switches
• Dress and style the space

Take your time here; good finishing can make or break a renovation.

9. 🌳 Exterior and Landscaping

Finally, don’t forget the outside:

• Repair paths, fences, and driveways
• Paint or render exterior walls
• Landscape the garden
• Add outdoor lighting or decking

A tidy exterior improves kerb appeal and can significantly increase the property’s value.

🔑 Final Checks & Compliance

Before moving in or listing your property:

• Get Building Control sign-off
• Obtain Gas Safe and Electrical Installation Certificates
• Make sure all warranties and guarantees are filed safely

These documents are essential for selling or renting in the future.

✅ Summary: The Correct Renovation Order in the UK

Survey, plan, and budget

Structural repairs

Plumbing, electrics, and heating

Windows, doors, insulation

Plastering and flooring

First fix joinery

Kitchen and bathroom installation

Decorating and finishing

Exterior and landscaping

Renovating a property isn’t just about transforming a building — it’s about unlocking potential.
Follow this order, plan carefully, and you’ll turn even the worst house on the street into a home (or investment) worth showing off.