The CPL Roadmap: The Essential Order for a Flawless Full Home Renovation
- Collective Projects London
- Dec 3
- 3 min read
Where Do We Begin? Understanding the Non-Negotiable Order of Your Home Renovation
Embarking on a full home renovation in London is an exciting journey, but it requires meticulous planning. The sequence in which work is executed is crucial—getting the order wrong can lead to costly delays, damaged finishes, and structural issues.
At Collective Projects London (CPL), our success is built on a structured, phased approach. We don't just jump straight into design; we start with the foundations of structural and mechanical integrity.
Phase 1: The Blueprint and The Brutal Work (The Start)
Every successful luxury renovation begins long before demolition.
1. Design, Planning, and Procurement:
The true starting point. This phase includes finalising architectural drawings, securing planning permissions, selecting all major fixtures (kitchen units, bathroom suites, major appliances), and creating a detailed project timeline. CPL starts here, working closely with clients to finalise design before any boots hit the ground.
2. Demolition and Strip-Out:
This is the "out with the old" stage. Everything that needs to go—from non-load-bearing walls to old fixtures and finishes—is carefully removed.
3. Structural Work:
This includes major changes like extensions, loft conversions, opening up floor plans, and installing new steel beams (RSJs). This must be done first, as it defines the shape of the new home.
Phase 2: The Hidden Infrastructure (First Fix)
This phase involves all the messy, invisible work that ensures your home is functional and comfortable. Everything done here will be covered by plaster and finishes later.
4. First Fix Electrics and Plumbing (M&E):
Running new wiring, moving sockets, installing drainage, pipework for heating, and ventilation (HVAC). All cables, ducts, and pipes are laid within the walls, floors, and ceilings.
5. Window and Exterior Doors Installation:
Installing new windows and doors (excluding final decorations). This seals the property, allowing interior work to proceed protected from the elements.
Phase 3: Building the Shell (Insulation and Walls)
6. Insulation and Drywall/Plastering:
Insulation is fitted, and new stud walls, drywall, and plasterboard are installed. This creates the smooth, finished surfaces. Painting and Decorating depends entirely on this phase being flawless.
7. Second Fix M&E (Pre-Plaster):
Any final wiring or piping that needs to be installed before plastering is completed, such as recessed lighting housings.
Phase 4: The Finishing Detail (Second Fix and Beyond)
This is where the structure becomes a luxury home, and our evaluation points for Installations, Fixtures, Painting, and Flooring come into play.
8. Flooring Installation (Subfloor/Underlay):
Preparing the subfloor and installing any heated flooring systems. The final decorative floor covering (tile, wood) is often done later (step 11) to protect it.
9. Kitchen and Bathroom Installations:
Fitting of major elements like kitchen cabinets, built-in wardrobes, and bathroom shower trays and plumbing units. This includes the bulk of the "Fixtures" installation.
10. Painting and Decoration:
Primer, base coats, and often the first two topcoats of paint are applied.
11. Final Flooring and Tiling:
Installation of the beautiful, finished floor surface (hardwood, carpet, marble tile). This is the main "Flooring" element.
12. Second Fix Electrics and Plumbing (Final Fixtures):
Installing light fixtures, switches, sockets, faucets, showers, and connecting the boiler. This completes the "Installations" and "Fixtures" evaluation points.
13. Final Decorating and Snagging:
Final coats of paint, hanging wallpaper, and installing mirrors, curtain rails, and other soft fixtures. The CPL team performs a meticulous snagging list review to ensure absolute perfection.
Working with Your Budget
At every stage, Collective Projects London works closely with clients to accommodate budgets. We believe a well-phased, high-quality renovation is always the best long-term investment. By adhering to this tried-and-tested order, we minimise waste and maximise the value of your investment.
Ready to start your renovation journey on the right path? Contact Collective Projects London today to schedule your initial site evaluation.
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