Renovating a whole house is exciting, but it is also where the order of work matters most. Do things in the wrong sequence and you end up paying twice – new plaster cut open for cables, finished floors damaged by trades, or a new kitchen fitted before a damp problem has been fixed. Here is the sequence we follow on whole-house renovations across Northern Ireland.
1. Survey and plan
Before anything is removed, understand what you have: structure, roof, damp, drainage, wiring and heating. Surveys at this stage often uncover issues that change the plan and the budget, so it is far better to know early. Designs, approvals and a realistic budget with contingency come next.
2. Strip out
Old kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and damaged plaster are removed, exposing the structure and showing any hidden problems.
3. Structure and envelope
Roof repairs, structural alterations, new openings, damp treatment and any extension work are carried out now. Making the building weathertight early – roof, windows and external doors – protects everything that follows.
4. First fix
Electricians, plumbers and heating engineers run new cables, pipes and ducts through walls, floors and ceilings while everything is still open. This is the moment to think about sockets, lighting positions, data cabling and future needs, because changing them later is disruptive.
5. Insulation, plasterboard and plastering
Walls and ceilings are insulated, boarded and plastered. Floor screeds are laid. Plaster and screed need time to dry before decoration and flooring, which is easy to underestimate.
6. Second fix
Joinery, doors, skirting, kitchens and bathrooms are fitted, and electrical and plumbing fittings are connected and tested.
7. Decoration and flooring
Decorating comes before final floor finishes where possible, so paint and trades don’t damage new floors.
8. External works and snagging
Paths, driveways and landscaping are completed once heavy site traffic has finished. A final snagging walk-round makes sure every detail is right before handover.
Why one main contractor helps
Coordinating multiple trades in the right order is where renovations succeed or fail. With SC Developments managing the whole project, the sequence is planned from day one. See our home renovations page or contact us to discuss your project.
