How Long Does a Full Home Refurbishment Really Take?

Introduction

Taking on a full home refurbishment is an exciting yet demanding undertaking. Whether it’s reviving a tired Victorian terrace in London or modernising a dated suburban property, a full renovation involves numerous moving parts—from planning permission and layout changes to plumbing, wiring, and interior finishes.

The timeline for a full home refurbishment is one of the most frequently asked questions by homeowners. Understandably so—time affects everything from temporary living arrangements to overall project costs. While it might be tempting to expect a swift turnaround, the truth is more layered. Every house is different, every client brief is unique, and external factors often come into play.

This article provides a realistic and professional breakdown of how long a full home refurbishment truly takes in the UK, covering what influences the duration and what you can expect at each stage. Whether you're planning a light makeover or a down-to-the-studs rebuild, this guide will help you manage your expectations and make informed decisions.

How Long Does a Full Home Refurbishment Really Take?

A full home refurbishment in the UK generally takes between 4 to 12 months, although the actual timescale can vary considerably depending on the nature, scale, and complexity of the project. A modest refurbishment involving minor layout adjustments and internal upgrades might fall toward the shorter end of that range. In contrast, a large-scale renovation that involves structural changes, extensions, and specialist installations—or work on listed buildings—can take 18 months or more.

Key Factors That Influence the Timeline

1. Scope of Work

The overall duration of a refurbishment is closely tied to the scope and intensity of the work involved. A lighter refurbishment may only involve surface-level enhancements such as:

• Painting and decorating
• Floor replacement
• Kitchen or bathroom upgrades
• Light electrical and plumbing adjustments

Such a project might be completed in 8 to 12 weeks, assuming minimal disruption to the structure or building systems.

However, full-scale refurbishments are more complex. These projects often involve:

• Rear or loft extensions
• Reconfiguration of internal walls
• Full rewiring and plumbing replacement
• Insulation and damp proofing
• New windows or roof structures
• Installing smart home technology or energy-efficient systems

In these cases, the timescale can easily stretch to 9 to 12 months or longer, particularly when specialist works (e.g. underfloor heating, solar panels, or custom staircases) are involved.

It’s also worth noting that listed buildings or properties in conservation areas can require painstaking, time-consuming work with heritage specialists, bespoke materials, and strict compliance with historical guidelines—making 15 to 18 months a realistic timeframe.

2. Planning and Design Phase

No refurbishment begins without thorough design and planning. This initial stage typically takes 1 to 3 months, but can be longer depending on the complexity of the project and the speed of decision-making.

Key activities in this phase include:

• Establishing objectives, must-haves, and nice-to-haves
• Determining budget range and contingency fund
• Engaging architects, interior designers, and structural engineers
• Creating draft designs and architectural plans
• Specifying finishes, materials, and fittings
• Acquiring cost estimates and construction quotes
• Scheduling site inspections and surveys

If the scope includes extensions or external changes, you’ll also need to account for planning permission and design revisions. Planning applications, particularly in urban boroughs or conservation zones, are often subject to multiple rounds of feedback or neighbour objections, which can cause delays of 2–3 months or more.

An important consideration during this stage is the level of design detail you provide before work starts. Fully resolving your plans, finishes, and layouts early reduces the chance of changes mid-project, which are one of the main causes of overruns later on.

3. Permissions and Surveys

Even if your planned works fall under permitted development, several legal and technical assessments may still be required. The time taken to secure permissions and complete essential surveys often catches homeowners off guard.

Expect to allocate time for:

• Planning Permission (if applicable): Typically 8 weeks for standard cases. This can extend significantly if revisions are needed or if the application is refused and resubmitted.
• Building Regulations Approval: Whether using a Building Notice or Full Plans application, expect 5–8 weeks. Some aspects (e.g. structural alterations or new drainage systems) may require inspections and staged approvals.
• Party Wall Agreements: If work affects shared walls, boundaries, or structures (common in terraced and semi-detached homes), party wall notices must be served. If neighbours dissent, surveyors will need to draw up an agreement—adding 1 to 3 months.
• Structural or Condition Surveys: These are often conducted before design work begins. For older or neglected properties, asbestos checks, damp assessments, or drainage inspections may also be required. These typically take 1–2 weeks, but findings may introduce new design or safety challenges.

Thorough due diligence at this stage is critical to avoid expensive, time-consuming surprises during construction.

4. Structural and Construction Work

Once all approvals are in place, construction begins. This phase accounts for the bulk of the timeline and typically lasts 5 to 9 months, depending on complexity.

Here’s a general breakdown:

Phase

Tasks

Estimated Duration

Strip-out

Removing outdated fittings, wall finishes, floors, ceilings

1–3 weeks

Structural Work

Demolition, new walls, steel beams, extensions, loft conversions

3–8 weeks

First Fix

Plumbing and electrical runs, new joists, floor levelling, carpentry

3–5 weeks

Plastering/Flooring

Reboarding, plastering, screeding, installing subfloors or heating systems

2–4 weeks

Second Fix

Fitting radiators, sockets, switches, kitchen cabinets, bathroom suites

3–5 weeks

Decoration

Painting, tiling, wallpaper, lighting fixtures, final carpentry finishes

2–4 weeks

Snagging

Inspections, final adjustments, defect resolution

1–2 weeks

Specialist elements—like integrated smart home systems, custom joinery, or polished concrete floors—can require longer installation and curing times. Similarly, work involving acoustic insulation, basement waterproofing, or eco-retrofitting may extend the overall schedule.

5. Availability of Trades and Materials

In the UK’s current construction environment, availability of labour and materials can significantly impact timelines. Demand for experienced electricians, plumbers, tilers, and plasterers often exceeds supply—especially in high-demand areas like London and the South East.

Material shortages and long lead times are also a common cause of delay, particularly for:

• Bespoke kitchens and joinery (8–12 weeks lead time)
• Imported or specialist tiles
• Custom glazing or bifold doors
• Flooring with long acclimatisation periods (e.g. parquet, engineered oak)
• Specialist finishes (lime render, microcement, reclaimed timber)

Mitigating these risks involves early ordering, strong project management, and working with suppliers who are transparent about delivery schedules. An experienced builder or project manager will help sequence work around delivery delays, minimising idle site time.

6. Weather Conditions

While most internal works can continue in any weather, external works are weather-sensitive. Rain, snow, high winds or freezing temperatures can impact:

• Roof installations
• Rendering or brickwork pointing
• Excavations and foundation pouring
• Exterior painting or timber treatment

Winter months may therefore slow progress, especially in projects that rely on dry, mild weather. Projects starting in autumn or winter often need to account for seasonal slowdowns.

7. Client Decision-Making Speed

One of the most underestimated variables in project duration is client responsiveness. Refurbishment projects often require hundreds of decisions—from door handles and paint colours to radiator styles and lighting positions.

Slow or last-minute decisions can cause ripple effects, such as:

• Trades needing to pause while waiting for instructions
• Reordering of incorrect or unsuitable materials
• Extra cost or delay for redoing work that’s already completed

A proactive, decisive homeowner working to a clearly defined brief can significantly improve project flow. Conversely, clients who frequently change their minds or delay approving drawings can inadvertently add weeks or even months to the programme.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Can I live in my house during a full refurbishment?

In most full refurbishments, especially where electrical and plumbing systems are being redone, it is not practical or safe to live in the house. You may be able to stay in part of the property during light work, but expect significant disruption. Many people choose temporary accommodation to speed up progress and reduce stress.

Q2: What’s the shortest time a full refurbishment could take?

For a well-prepared, straightforward project with a clear brief and experienced contractors, a modest three-bedroom home can be fully refurbished in 4–6 months. However, this requires everything—from planning and design to trades and materials—to line up seamlessly.

Q3: How can I avoid unnecessary delays in my refurbishment?

Preparation is key. Finalise designs and selections before work starts, work with reputable contractors, ensure planning permissions are in place, and stick to decisions once made. Delays often stem from late material orders, changes in scope, or unresolved legal issues.

Q4: Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment?

Not always. Internal refurbishments and many types of alterations fall under permitted development. However, if you're changing the structure, adding an extension, or live in a conservation area or listed property, planning permission may be required. Always check with your local authority or planning consultant.

Q5: How much of the time is spent on paperwork versus actual construction?

It varies, but administrative and planning tasks can take up 25–40% of the total project time—especially when dealing with local authorities, party wall surveyors, and specialist consultants. Early planning helps compress this phase and avoid delays once building begins.

Q6: What’s the difference between a refurbishment and a renovation in terms of time?

Though often used interchangeably, a refurbishment typically involves improving and modernising existing structures (replacing kitchens, floors, bathrooms), while a renovation may include more invasive work such as altering layouts, extensions, or correcting structural issues. Renovations usually take longer due to the complexity and need for permissions or inspections.

Conclusion

A full home refurbishment is a major undertaking with many moving parts—and the timeline reflects that. While a simple update might be finished in a few months, a comprehensive structural and aesthetic transformation can easily take a year or longer.

Understanding the stages involved—planning, design, approvals, construction, and finishing—helps homeowners make informed decisions and manage expectations. Timelines can be shortened with thorough preparation, clear communication, and working with experienced professionals.

If you're considering a full refurbishment, start by defining your goals and gathering the right team early. With realistic expectations and a structured plan, you can turn your vision into a home that’s both beautiful and functional—without the stress of unexpected delays.

If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or full home transformation, visit our website Milkov & Son Construction to explore our expert services and recent projects. Take the first step toward creating your dream space by contacting us online or calling +44 7951 625853.