How Long Does a Full House Refurbishment Take?
One of the most common questions clients ask when planning a full house refurbishment is how long it will take. The answer depends significantly on the size of the property, the scope and depth of the works, whether structural alterations are involved, and how well the project is prepared and managed. Here's a realistic guide.
Typical Durations by Project Scale
One-bedroom flat, full refurbishment (cosmetic to moderate scope): 6–10 weeks. Includes full redecoration, new kitchen and bathroom, flooring throughout, and upgrade of electrical distribution board and heating controls. Assumes no structural alterations.
Two-bedroom flat, full refurbishment with M&E upgrade: 10–16 weeks. Includes rewire, new heating system, new kitchen and bathroom, replastering where required, and redecoration throughout.
Three-bedroom terraced house, mid-level refurbishment: 12–20 weeks. Kitchen extension or rear reconfiguration, structural opening, full redecoration, new kitchen and bathrooms, M&E upgrade, flooring throughout.
Four-bedroom Victorian terrace, full strip-out and refurbishment: 20–30 weeks. Full strip-out to structure, rewire, new heating system, replastering throughout, full reconfiguration, new kitchen and bathrooms, loft conversion, all finishes.
Large detached house or complex project: 30–52 weeks+. Complex structural works, large floor area, high specification, or multiple concurrent packages.
What the Programme Looks Like
A typical refurbishment programme follows this sequence: strip-out and demolition; structural works (if applicable); first-fix M&E (plumbing, electrics, heating); insulation; plastering; second-fix M&E; tiling (bathroom and kitchen); carpentry (joinery, skirting, architrave, doors); kitchen installation; bathroom installation; decoration; flooring; and final fixes (light fittings, switches, taps, sanitaryware). Each stage must be substantially complete before the next can begin.
What Extends the Programme
Programme delays on refurbishment projects most commonly arise from: late delivery of client-supplied materials (particularly kitchens, sanitaryware, and flooring); unforeseen conditions discovered during strip-out (hidden structural issues, old asbestos-containing materials, unexpected drainage routes, or services in unexpected locations); design changes during construction; and poor contractor resource management.
On a well-prepared project with a competent contractor and timely material delivery, programmes are typically achieved within 10–15% of the original estimate. On poorly prepared projects, overruns of 50–100% are not unusual.
The Importance of Pre-Construction Preparation
The best investment in a short, well-run programme is made before the project starts: clear and complete drawings, confirmed material specifications, structural engineer's calculations issued, and Building Control engaged before day one on site. A week saved in preparation is often worth a month saved in delivery.
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