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Full Home Renovation: Step-by-Step Process & Budget
The correct order for renovating a whole apartment, the surprise costs, and what to watch for in the contract.
2026-06-08 · 8 min read
A full renovation is more economical than redoing rooms one by one, because the crew, materials and dusty work all happen once. The key is doing the work in the right order and setting aside a 10–15% contingency.
The correct order of a full home renovation
Work proceeds from rough trades to fine finishes.
- •1) Demolition and debris removal
- •2) Renewing the plumbing and electrical infrastructure
- •3) Plaster, render and floor screed
- •4) Tiling, flooring and doors
- •5) Paint, kitchen/bathroom fit-out and final clean
Where do the surprise costs come from?
In older buildings the most common surprises are corroded plumbing pipes, uneven floors, and old wiring that no longer meets code. That is why even a fixed-price contract needs a survey report and a photographed condition assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to move out during a full renovation?
- For a full renovation we recommend moving out, because water, power and dust are disrupted for an extended period. Compressing the job into 4–8 weeks and arranging temporary accommodation is the most efficient path.