May 4, 2025
Undertaking a major home renovation project is an exciting but complex process. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a loft conversion, or a full-scale extension, preparing your home properly is essential to ensure the work runs smoothly and safely. Renovations can disrupt daily life, increase stress levels, and cause delays if not planned correctly. From protecting your belongings to coordinating with builders, each step plays a vital role in the success of the project.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to prepare your home for major renovation work. Whether you're living in the house during the process or vacating temporarily, careful preparation will help reduce stress, maintain safety, and ensure your renovation stays on track and on budget.
Before the physical work begins, a clear, realistic plan is crucial. Start by outlining the scope of the renovation: what rooms or structures are involved, what changes are being made, and the intended results. Work with your architect, contractor, or designer to establish a realistic timeline that accounts for lead times on materials, planning permissions (if needed), and potential delays.
Ensure that everyone involved in the project understands the phases of work, from demolition to finishing. A good timeline keeps the project on track and provides a framework for managing expectations, especially if you're remaining in the home throughout the renovation.
Key Tip: Include a buffer of at least 10–20% in both your budget and timeline to accommodate unexpected challenges or changes.
Many major home renovations require planning permission or building regulation approval, especially if the changes affect the structure, footprint, or use of the building. Check with your local authority to determine what permissions are required for your specific project. Skipping this step can lead to legal issues and even require work to be reversed.
If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, the rules are even more stringent, and you may need special approvals. Always retain records of all permissions and approvals for future reference or property resale.
One of the most practical steps in preparing for a renovation is removing personal belongings from the areas being worked on. Pack away furniture, electronics, artwork, and other valuable or delicate items to avoid damage or dust contamination.
Use labelled boxes and store items in a secure part of the house or an external storage unit. If space allows, use unused rooms or garages. For larger renovations, it may be worth renting a short-term storage facility.
Key Tip: Decluttering before renovation can also help streamline the space, making it easier to visualise the final design and reduce stress.
Depending on the scope of the renovation, you may need to temporarily relocate. Even if you're staying at home, your usual routines may be significantly affected. Consider how the renovation will impact access to the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, or electricity and water supplies.
Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, kettle, and mini-fridge if your main kitchen will be out of action. If bathrooms are being renovated, schedule alternative washing arrangements or portable bathroom hire. Families with children or pets should plan additional precautions to maintain safety and comfort.
Renovation work generates dust, noise, and vibrations. Even if the work is confined to a particular area, the rest of the house can still be affected. Take proactive steps to seal off non-renovated zones.
Use dust barriers, heavy-duty plastic sheeting, or zip walls to cordon off work areas. Cover floors with protective sheeting, especially in high-traffic zones. Consider installing air purifiers or fans to help circulate air and reduce dust accumulation.
Key Tip: Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are still functional and test them regularly throughout the renovation.
Open, honest communication with your contractor or builder is critical. Set expectations early on, especially regarding work hours, access, noise levels, and how unexpected issues will be handled.
Have regular site meetings or check-ins to track progress and address any concerns. If you are not living on-site, schedule periodic walkthroughs or request updates with photos and reports. Transparency helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that any issues are resolved quickly.
During major renovation work, your home will likely receive deliveries of materials, tools, and fittings. Ensure there is a clear, safe path for delivery trucks and workers. If parking is limited, secure permits or notify neighbours in advance.
Protect outdoor spaces like driveways, pavements, and gardens from damage. Lay down boards or mats where heavy equipment or materials will be transported.
Even the best-planned renovations can encounter surprises—rotting beams, outdated wiring, or damp issues. Set aside a contingency budget, typically around 10–15% of your total project cost, to handle these issues without derailing the entire project.
Be cautious of making changes mid-project, as these often lead to increased labour and material costs. Stick to agreed-upon specifications wherever possible.
Inform your home insurance provider about your renovation plans. Major works can affect your policy and may require adjustments to your cover. Failing to notify your insurer may invalidate your policy, especially if structural changes are made or the property is left vacant for extended periods.
You may also wish to ask your builder for proof of their public liability insurance, ensuring that any damage caused during the work is covered.
Major renovations can be stressful, even when everything goes to plan. Prepare yourself and your family for the inevitable disruption. Be flexible, patient, and ready to adapt as work progresses.
Keeping a renovation journal or photo log can help you track changes and celebrate milestones. Remind yourself of the end goal and the improvements the renovation will bring.
It depends on the scale of the project. For extensive work involving multiple rooms or utilities, temporary relocation is often more practical. For smaller or phased projects, staying on-site with proper preparation can be manageable.
Seal off unaffected areas with plastic sheeting, cover floors with dust sheets, and clean regularly to reduce buildup. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service at the end of the project.
If your project is large or involves several trades, a project manager can be invaluable for coordinating schedules, solving problems, and keeping the renovation on track.
Yes, if the renovation is confined to specific areas. However, ensure you have access to key amenities like a bathroom and kitchen, and take steps to ensure safety and minimise dust exposure.
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project. A loft conversion might take 8–10 weeks, while a full extension could take 3–6 months. Always allow for some flexibility.
Discuss the issue with your contractor immediately. If necessary, consult a structural engineer or specialist. Having a contingency budget allows you to address problems without derailing the project.
Preparing your home for major renovation work is more than just moving furniture and covering floors. It involves detailed planning, clear communication, legal compliance, and a readiness to adapt. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, converting a loft, or extending your property, taking the time to prepare thoroughly can make all the difference.
With the right preparation, your renovation journey can be smoother, less stressful, and ultimately more rewarding. From securing the proper permissions to managing your daily routine during construction, every step taken before the first hammer swings lays the foundation for a successful project.
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.
