If you are wondering what such a step-by-step renovation looks like, this guide will take you through the entire process - from planning and dismantling to the final finishing touches.
What does „general renovation” mean?
A general refurbishment covers all key elements of the interior and makes the flat practically „new”. What we can expect with such a renovation:
- dismantling of old finishes and fittings,
- replacement of plumbing and electrical installations,
- modernisation of walls, ceilings and floors,
- New plaster, plasterboard, plasterboard,
- New floors, doors, fittings, lighting,
- finishing the bathroom and kitchen from scratch.
It's a complex process that requires a plan, a sequence of works and the right team, so it's good to know what each stage looks like.
Step 1 - Preparation and planning
Before the renovation team comes in, the most important thing is to prepare the whole project well. Consider whether you want to use an interior designer or do a simple project yourself. Before the renovation team enters, already choose the tiles, fittings, switches or contacts, it may seem too early, but very often accessories in particular can change several times or you may have to wait for the material. A lack of available material can significantly delay your renovation.
Plan your furniture selection and installation. Remember that it's a good idea to order your bespoke furniture in advance or to find out when you can do this at the earliest, what the carpenter needs from you and what it will be like to work with them. If you are planning to buy furniture from a chain store, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the ordering rules beforehand.
Step 2 - Inventory and measurements
This is a mandatory first step.
It involves:
- accurate measurement of each room,
- determination of wall thickness, room height,
- assessing any damage.
You can do this step yourself or ask your renovation team to sign a contract with you.
- checking the condition of the electrical and plumbing systems - this step is worth taking with a qualified electrician and plumber.
- moisture assessment - this is also carried out by professional companies.
A reliable inventory avoids mistakes further down the line.
Step 3 - Interior design
At this stage, it is emerging:
- room layout concept,
- visualisations,
- bathroom and kitchen design,
- lighting and socket arrangement,
- bill of materials.
The project allows costs to be predicted and the exact scope of the work to be determined - especially for a general refurbishment.
PRO TIP!
If you want to save money on a project you can use design services in popular DIY stores, most offer designs for bathrooms, kitchens or storage furniture. In most cases, the service works by paying a small amount of money for a design in the region of £200, and when you order building materials from that shop you get the design for free.
Step 4 - Work schedule
The schedule specifies:
- sequence of activities,
- duration of individual stages,
- material requirements,
- moments of installation acceptance.
This is a key document that helps avoid chaos and downtime during the renovation.
Example of work schedule
Stage 1: Dismantling and preliminary work
Once the design has been prepared, the team gets down to the actual work.
a) Removal of old buildings
Dismantling includes:
- chipping of old tiles,
- dismantling of panels and mouldings,
- removal of fittings and ceramics,
- dismantling of doors and furniture fittings,
- demolition of partition walls (if provided for in the design).
This is the most „dirty” stage of the work.
(b) Securing of premises and preparation of substrates
Includes:
- securing windows, doors and floors of common parts of the building,
- rubble and waste disposal,
- levelling the surface for future installations and finishing.
Good substrate preparation eliminates later problems and improves the durability of the renovation.
Stage 2: Installations
Installation work is always carried out before the walls and floors are finished - this is the foundation for the safety and functionality of the dwelling.
Hydraulics
The scope of work includes:
- replacement of risers (in the case of a detached house) and levels,
- relocation of water and sewerage points,
- preparation of approaches for bath, shower, washbasin and WC,
- installation of new pipes in PEX or PP systems.
In general renovations, the entire installation is usually replaced with a new one.
Electrics
Assumes:
- making new circuits,
- arrangement of sockets and light points,
- Installation preparation for white goods, LED lighting, kitchen appliances,
- installation of switchgear and protection.
New electrical installation increases the standard and safety of the flat.
The role of technical acceptance
After plumbing and electrics, a technical acceptance is carried out, preferably with a qualified person to confirm:
- correct installation,
- compliance with standards,
- no leaks,
- correctness of protection against electric shock.
Only after acceptance can the next step be taken.
Stage 3: Walls, ceilings, floors
This is the moment when the flat starts to take shape.
a) Plaster, plaster, plasterboard
Typical works include:
- new plastering,
- filling and smoothing,
- erecting plasterboard walls,
- installation of installations,
- levelling surfaces for painting.
Smooth walls are the basis for an aesthetically pleasing finish.
b) Suspended ceilings
They are installed to:
- concealment of cables and infrastructure,
- LED lighting installation,
- to lower the rooms or create light decorations.
Suspended ceilings improve the acoustics and aesthetics of the interior.
c) Flooring, panels, stoneware
At this stage:
- self-levelling or traditional screeds are made,
- installs panels, vinyl, wood or porcelain stoneware,
- installs skirting boards.
Once the floors are done, the flat is ready for the final stage.
Stage 4: Interior finishing
This is the most satisfying moment of the renovation - the interior takes on a final look.
(a) Painting
Includes:
- priming,
- painting twice,
- possible improvements and decorative accents.
High-quality paints prolong the longevity of the effect.
b) Installation of lighting
It installs:
- headlamps,
- LED lighting,
- wall lamps,
- LED strips in enclosures.
It is an element that combines aesthetics with functionality.
c) Mouldings, doors, carpentry joinery
- fitting of internal doors,
- installation of skirting boards and ceilings,
- made-to-measure furniture (kitchen, wardrobes, RTV),
- installation of white goods and bathroom fittings.
After these works, the flat is ready to move in.
Summary
The general refurbishment of a flat is a complex process consisting of many stages: from the dismantling and replacement of installations, through construction work to the final finishing touches. The key to success is good planning, precise design and working with a proven team that will carry out all the work in the right order.
