Renovation timeline by scope
Light refurbishment (kitchen + bathroom replacement, full decoration): 8–12 weeks on site. The main path: kitchen strip and refit 4–5 weeks; bathroom strip and refit 2–3 weeks; decoration 2–3 weeks; flooring 1 week. Standard renovation (light scope plus rewire, replumb, new boiler, new internal doors): 14–20 weeks. Adds 4–6 weeks for rewire and replumb, which often run concurrent with strip-out and first fix. Full strip-back renovation with structural changes (knockthroughs, opening up the layout, full MEP replacement, premium spec): 18–28 weeks. Listed or heritage renovation: 24–40 weeks because of slower work pace (lime plaster, period repair, conservation officer consultation) and the impact of Listed Building Consent conditions.
Week-by-week breakdown of a standard 16-week renovation
Week 1: Strip out — kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, internal doors, decoration. Skip on site, considerable noise and dust. Week 2: Continue strip-out, first fix electrics rough-in starts in the now-empty rooms. Week 3–5: First fix electrics (rewire), first fix plumbing (replumb), new heating pipework. Building control inspection mid-stage. Week 5–6: Plaster repair and skim on damaged walls; structural changes (any knockthroughs, RSJs installed). Week 7–8: Insulation top-ups, plaster cure time, prep work for second fix. Week 9–11: Second fix electrics (sockets, switches, lights), second fix plumbing (radiators, sanitaryware), kitchen installation. Week 11–13: Bathroom fit-out (tiling, sanitaryware, screens). Week 13–14: Internal doors, architraves, skirting, joinery. Week 14–15: Decoration (mist coat, full coats, woodwork). Week 15–16: Flooring, snagging, final clean, building control sign-off, handover.
What extends renovation timelines
Five factors most commonly add time to a renovation. (1) Specification changes mid-build — single biggest cause of delay. Decisions on tile, paint colour, kitchen handles made during the build instead of upfront. We use a strict specification freeze at contract signature. (2) Lead times on bespoke items — kitchens 8–12 weeks lead time on premium ranges, bathrooms 6–10 weeks on tile and brassware imports. Order at contract signature to avoid delays. (3) Structural surprises — what's behind the wall? Asbestos, rot, undersized joists, made ground all add 1–4 weeks. (4) Listed building conditions and conservation officer site visits add 2–6 weeks across a heritage renovation. (5) Trade availability — premium tilers, joiners, electricians have lead times of 4–10 weeks in busy London market.
