A full house renovation can feel daunting, mostly because it's hard to picture how it all unfolds. Knowing the typical order of work takes a lot of the stress out of it. Here's a realistic, week-by-week look at how a renovation actually progresses, based on the projects we run across Dorset.
Every home is different, so treat this as a guide rather than a fixed timetable. A whole-house renovation often runs 12 to 20 weeks depending on size and scope.
Weeks 1 to 2: Strip-out and structure
The first stage is the messiest and, oddly, the most satisfying. We strip out everything that's coming away, old kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, sometimes plaster, back to a clean shell. Any structural work happens now too: removing walls, installing steel beams and forming new openings. The house looks worse before it looks better. That's normal.
Weeks 3 to 5: First fix
With the structure sorted, the trades move in for "first fix", all the work that gets hidden inside walls and floors:
- New wiring and consumer unit
- Plumbing and heating pipework
- Any new stud walls and door openings
- Insulation
This is where good coordination really matters, because the electrician, plumber and carpenter are all working around each other. Managing that sequence so nobody's waiting is a big part of what we do. You can see how we handle whole-home projects on our renovations page.
Weeks 5 to 7: Plastering
Once first fix passes inspection, the house gets plastered. This is a real turning point, suddenly the rooms feel like rooms again. Plaster needs time to dry properly before decoration, so we plan the programme around it rather than rushing it.
Weeks 7 to 11: Second fix
Now the house starts to come to life. Second fix is all the work that goes on after plastering:
- Kitchen and bathroom installation
- Flooring
- Internal doors, skirting, architrave and the carpentry details
- Sockets, switches, radiators and light fittings
This is the stage where the finish quality really shows, and where the carpentry we're known for makes the difference.
Weeks 11 to 13: Decoration
With everything in, the decorators take over: filling, sanding, priming and painting. A good decoration stage pulls the whole project together and gives you that clean, finished feel.
The final week: Snagging and handover
Before we hand back the keys, we walk the whole house and create a snagging list, the small final tweaks that take a project from "done" to "right." We work through every item, give everything a final clean, and only call it finished when we'd be happy to live there ourselves.
Living through it
Many clients stay in the house for part of a renovation and move out for the more intensive stages. We'll always advise honestly on the best approach for your project and your sanity. Clear communication and a tidy site make a huge difference, and they're things homeowners in Christchurch and across Dorset tell us they value most.
Planning your renovation
The single biggest factor in a smooth renovation is planning it properly before anyone picks up a tool. Get the sequence and the decisions right early, and the weeks above flow far more predictably.
If you're planning a renovation in Dorset, get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote or call Finn on 07808 293854. We'll talk you through a realistic programme for your home.
Related reading: 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Builder in Dorset and Do I Need Planning Permission for a Loft Conversion in Dorset?.
