How to Prepare Your Property for a Renovation
The work done before a renovation project begins has a significant effect on how smoothly the project runs, how much time is wasted, and how much stress is experienced during the build. Preparation isn't glamorous — but it's one of the highest-return investments in a successful renovation. Here's a practical checklist.
Clear the Space
Before the contractor arrives on day one, clear the rooms in which work is planned — furniture, personal belongings, artwork, and anything that might be damaged or that will impede the trades. Any items that cannot be removed (fitted wardrobes that will be retained, for example) should be protected with dust sheets and sealed where dust infiltration would be damaging.
On a full house refurbishment, find storage for all removable furniture and belongings off site — in a container on the street, a removals storage unit, or with family. The cost of temporary storage is modest compared to the cost of protecting belongings from dust and damage on site, and the contractor's productivity improvement from working in a clear space.
Arrange Access
Consider: how will the contractor access the property? If you're living in during the works, agree the start and finish time each day. If you're vacating, arrange key holding and a plan for emergency access. Make sure all necessary utility company access points (gas meter, electricity meter, water stopcock) are located and accessible — the contractor needs to know where these are to isolate services before work begins.
Inform Neighbours
Inform your neighbours in advance of when the work starts, what it involves, what the expected duration is, and who the contractor is. Provide a contact number for the site manager. Early communication prevents the friction that arises when neighbours are surprised by noise, dust, or deliveries without warning.
Review Your Insurance
As covered in the home renovation insurance section, confirm with your insurer that your policy provides adequate cover during the build, and source additional or specialist cover if required. Do this before work starts, not after a problem arises.
Disconnect Services Where Needed
Where services need to be disconnected for the works — broadband, satellite dish, external gas meter relocation — arrange these in advance. BT and other broadband providers often have long lead times for service work. Arranging a temporary broadband or SIM-based internet solution for the period when the main service is unavailable avoids the frustration of being without connectivity unexpectedly.
Prepare for Dust and Noise
If you're living in the property during the works, prepare physically and psychologically for the dust, noise, and disruption that a major renovation involves. Create a dust-free zone (a clean room sealed from the rest of the house) where you can retreat and relax. Agree with the contractor the expected noise levels and times — and plan around the noisiest elements of the programme (breaking out concrete, cutting, grinding) in advance so they're not a surprise.
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