What Order Should You Renovate Your House?
Guide by BAYT

Renovating a home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re trying to decide where to start.

Should you renovate the kitchen first? The roof? Or maybe the plumbing?

Getting the order right is one of the most important parts of a successful renovation. When the sequence is wrong, it can lead to wasted time, extra costs, and unnecessary stress.

At BAYT, we manage the entire renovation process from start to finish, making sure each stage flows smoothly into the next.

Below is the smart order to renovate your home, and why it matters.

1. Start with Planning and Design

Before any construction work begins, you need a clear and well-thought-out plan.

This stage defines your goals, budget, and timeline, and turns ideas into practical, buildable designs.

At BAYT, this includes:

• Measuring and assessing the existing property
• Creating design drawings and 3D visuals
• Managing planning applications where required
• Finalising layouts, finishes, and materials

A strong planning and design phase prevents costly changes later and provides an accurate quote and schedule before construction begins.

2. Structural and Foundational Work

Once the design is approved, construction begins with the structure of the house.

This stage typically includes:

• Site preparation and demolition
• Groundworks and foundations
• Structural framing, walls, and roof installation

This work forms the backbone of your home. Completing it first ensures the property is safe, stable, and ready for the next phases.

If walls are being opened or extensions added, structural steel and supports are installed at this stage. At BAYT, engineers and builders work closely to ensure everything is carried out safely and correctly.

3. External Works and Insulation

Once the structure is complete, the focus shifts to sealing the building from the elements.

This includes:

• Roofing and waterproofing
• Installing windows and external doors
• Wall insulation and external finishes

Making the building weather-tight allows internal work to continue safely without the risk of water or weather damage.

4. First Fix Services

With the shell complete, it’s time to install all services that sit behind walls and under floors.

This stage includes:

• Electrical wiring
• Plumbing and heating systems
• Ventilation and insulation
• Underfloor heating, if planned

The first fix stage is critical to your home’s comfort and functionality. Every socket, pipe, and light point is carefully planned and positioned.

5. Plastering and Internal Walls

Once first fix services are complete, walls are closed up and plastered.

This is when the house starts to feel like a home again.

Plastering creates smooth, finished surfaces ready for painting or wallpaper and ensures a clean base for all final finishes.

At BAYT, we carefully coordinate trades at this stage to keep the site organised and on schedule.

6. Second Fix Services and Joinery

Now the finer details begin to appear.

The second fix includes:

• Fitting sockets, switches, and light fixtures
• Installing doors, skirting boards, and architraves
• Fitting kitchens, bathrooms, and built-in cabinetry

Every item is checked against the approved design to ensure it aligns with your vision and the overall plan.

7. Decoration and Flooring

With the main construction complete, attention turns to finishes.

This stage includes:

• Painting and decorating
• Laying floors and tiling
• Final carpentry and decorative details

Because BAYT manages all trades under one roof, finishing work is carried out in the correct order, cleanly and efficiently.

8. Snagging and Final Touches

The final step is quality control.

Snagging involves inspecting every part of the home and correcting any minor imperfections before handover.

We walk through the property with you, agree any adjustments, and ensure everything meets our standards before completion.

Why Order Matters

Each stage of a renovation depends on the one before it.

Changing the order or skipping steps can damage finished work, increase costs, and extend timelines.

For example:

• Installing flooring before plastering can lead to damage
• Decorating before electrics or plumbing are complete often means redoing work

This is why having one experienced team overseeing every stage makes such a difference.

The BAYT Advantage

With BAYT’s design-and-build model, your renovation follows a proven and structured path.

• The same team handles design, construction, and finishes
• All trades are scheduled and managed in-house
• Communication is clear and consistent throughout

This approach keeps projects on time, on budget, and delivered to a high standard.

Thinking of Renovating Your Home?

Let BAYT manage the full journey from planning through to final finishes.

We’ll guide you through every stage, coordinate all trades, and ensure your renovation runs smoothly from start to finish.

Contact us today to get started on transforming your home.