Renovating Made Easy: How to Prepare for Your Home Makeover
- Martina C.
- Dec 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Credit: bhgre.com
Renovating your home is an exciting journey, but it’s also a complex process that requires careful planning, expert advice, and a clear understanding of what’s involved. Whether you’re updating a cosy flat, a sprawling villa, or a classic house, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process with confidence.
Table of Contents
Why Renovate?
Renovating can transform your living environment and boost property value — but knowing where to start is often the biggest hurdle. Many homeowners feel stuck between planning, quotes, and permissions.
If you’re unsure how to move forward, HiiGuru’s Project Advisor Intro Call is designed exactly for this scenario. It helps you understand:
what’s realistic,
who you actually need,
and what your first step should be.
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It’s a genuine clarity session, not a commitment call. Chat with a Project Advisor today.
How do I decide what to renovate?
How do I decide what to renovate? Start with the outcome you want: comfort, rental income, resale value, or energy efficiency. Typical scopes by property type:
Houses: Interior upgrades (kitchens, bathrooms), extensions, roofs, landscaping.
Flats: Interior-focused work; check building management rules first.
Villas: Larger projects, often combining interior, façade, garden and pool works.
Credit: goodhousekeeping.com
Write a short brief: what the space must do, who uses it, and your budget range. This keeps the project focused.
Who should I hire for my renovation?
Good professionals save time and money. Typical team roles:
• Architect: Structural design and planning.
• Structural engineer: Safety and compliance.
• Interior designer: Layouts, materials, finishes.
• Landscape designer: Gardens and external spaces.
• Project manager or contractor: Trades and timeline coordination.
Platforms like HiiGuru connect you quickly with vetted experts, which reduces sourcing risk and streamlines quotes. Explore our fixed-price services here.
What should I do before renovating?
Preparation prevents delays:
Set a realistic budget and include a 10–15% contingency.
Check permissions and building regulations (get them early).
Finalise a design plan and priority list.
Hire trusted professionals (use HiiGuru for vetted options).
Inspect the property for hidden issues (damp, wiring, structural defects).
Order long-lead materials in advance.
Credit: houseandgarden.co.uk
A clear brief and early permissions make the build phase far easier.
What are the key renovation stages?
Break the work into phases so progress is visible and manageable:
Planning and demolition: Drawings finalisation, unwanted fixtures removal.
Structural work: Walls, foundations, extensions, and new plumbing/electrics.
Interior fit-out: Flooring, windows, doors, painting, kitchens and bathrooms.
Exterior work: Facades, roofs, landscaping.
Final touches: Fixtures, furnishings and snagging (final inspection and fixes).
Credit: houseandgarden.co.uk
Document each stage with the team and agree payment milestones linked to completed work.
Should I do interior or exterior first?
Interior first is usually smarter: interior work creates dust and heavy traffic that can damage finished exteriors. Finish structural and messy interior work before cosmetic external projects for efficiency and protection of new finishes.
How long does a renovation take?
Times vary by size and complexity:
Small projects (painting, bathroom refresh): between 4 and 8 weeks.*
Medium projects (kitchen, large bathroom, partial remodel): between 3 and 6 months.*
Large projects (extensions, full house or villa overhaul): between 6 and 12+ months.*
Credit: ikea.com
Discuss timelines with your contractor and build in extra time for approvals and material delays.
*Timelines vary depending on the project and local authority workload, but the outline below reflects what we typically see across straightforward building projects.
What to do after the renovation?
Wrap up professionally:
Deep clean the property.
Complete snagging: list and fix minor defects.
Schedule maintenance checks (plumbing, electrics).
Add finishing décor to personalise the space.
Keep all documents (drawings, warranties, compliance certificates) for resale or landlord checks.
Our Final Thoughts
Renovating is a rewarding process, but it can be daunting without the right guidance. By understanding the steps involved, hiring professionals through platforms like HiiGuru, and approaching the process with a clear plan, you can achieve the home of your dreams.
Whether you’re working on a flat, house, or villa, take it step by step. Invest in quality, trust the experts, and enjoy the journey to creating a space you’ll love for years to come.
Are you ready to take the next step in your property renovation? See how HiiGuru can help you make the right decision: Chat with a Project Advisor Today.