Full Interior Renovation: Steps

Full Interior Renovation: Steps

1. Prep & Protection
   Site survey, “before” photos, final layout; protect entries/floors/windows; isolate work zone; safe temporary power/lighting and utilities shut-offs.
2. Demolition & Disposal
   Selective removals (finishes, sanitaryware, fixed furniture, doors/frames), floor and tile strip-out; licensed debris disposal; rough clean.
3. Structure Check & Base Repairs
   Inspect cracks, damp, weak plaster; local structural fixes, injections if needed; mark new walls/levels.
4. MEP Rough-In (Phase 1)
   Electrical: new circuits, boxes, panel upgrades, data/TV.
   Plumbing/HVAC: new routes, slopes, drains, heating/cooling lines, condensate; pressure tests on water/heat; label circuits.
5. Walls & Partitions
   Build AAC/brick partitions or drywall (studs, acoustic mineral wool, boards); hidden frames, niches, curtain/bulkhead details.
6. Substrates & Leveling
   Screeds/self-leveling, falls in wet rooms; wall renders/straightening; corners and reinforcement where needed; moisture testing before finishes.
7. Waterproofing (wet rooms/balconies)
   Primers, corner tapes, two coats membrane with upturns; shower tray/linear drain detailing; 24-hour flood test.
8. MEP Close-Up (Phase 2)
   Close chased routes after tests; set in frames (WC, niches, shower trays), back boxes, and service panels.
9. Skim/Jointing & Sub-Finish
   2–3 coats skim (walls/ceilings); sanding/flatness checks; primer before paint/tile.
10. Tiling & Stone
    Set-out lines, correct adhesives (C2/S1/S2), trims; maintain shower falls; grouting and sanitary sealants later.
11. Paint – First Coat
    Mist/first coat to reveal defects; patch and re-prime as needed; mask for next trades.
12. Flooring
    Final self-level (if needed); install LVT/engineered wood/laminate/stone; dilatation joints; temporary plinths/edge protection.
13. Joinery & Fixed Elements
    Interior doors/frames, sills, skirtings; install kitchen, wardrobes, worktops; set sanitaryware (leave final silicone later).
14. Lighting & Devices
    Fit lights, sockets, switches, thermostats/sensors; label and test.
15. HVAC/MEP Commissioning
    Fit grilles/registers; start-up AC/ventilation/heating; flush and bleed systems; record temps/flows/pressures.
16. Decor & Feature Elements
    Wallpaper, wall panels, LED coves, mirrors, shower glass, hardware and accessories.
17. Paint – Final Coats
    Final coats after heavy installs; remove masking; fine touch-ups.
18. Final Sealing
    Silicone in wet areas, perimeter/trim joints, worktop joints, all penetrations.
19. Professional Post-Build Clean
    Remove protections, HEPA vacuum, wash surfaces, remove grout haze, polish; change temporary filters if used.
20. Snagging, Handover & Documents
    Snag list and fixes; “after” photos; deliver warranties, product sheets, electrical schematics, commissioning certificates, and a simple maintenance plan.

Critical Order (do not swap)

Demolition → MEP rough-in → Substrates (screeds/renders) → Waterproofing → Skim → Tiling → First paint → Flooring → Joinery/Kitchen → Devices/Lighting → Commissioning → Final paint → Sealing → Deep clean → Handover.

Control Points (quality checks)

• Pressure tests before closing walls.
• Screed moisture before wood/LVT (CM/RH).
• Wet room flood test before tiling.
• Sample approvals (paint, grout, profiles).
• MEP commissioning before closing access ceilings.

Pro tips

• Keep a Gantt with dependencies to cut idle time.
• Pre-order long-lead items (tiles, doors, lighting).
• Use one project lead for coordination and a single warranty line.
• Protect finished floors until handover.