How Do You Complete a Home Renovation?

Renovating a home is one of the biggest and most complex projects most of us will ever undertake. It can also be one of the most rewarding, particularly if you’re adding value to a tired property, restoring a period home, or simply improving energy efficiency.

But where do you even start? What legal and practical considerations need to be made? How do you prevent unexpected delays and costs spiralling out of control?

In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through the entire home renovation process step-by-step – from the initial planning and budgeting stages, through to the professionals you should hire, specific tips per room, and all the way to final touches.

We’ll also explain the vital role LB Group can play in supporting your project – specifically in terms of making your heating upgrade as quick, easy, and compliant as possible.

Why Renovate Your Home?

Home renovation in the UK is more popular than ever, driven by record house prices, remote working opportunities, and a desire for improved energy efficiency. But why should you consider renovating your property?

• Increase Property Value: Smart renovations can increase the value of your home and offer good ROI
  
• Improve Energy Efficiency: Replace insulation, windows, and boilers to save money on energy bills
  
• Adapts to Your Lifestyle: Open-plan kitchens, home offices, and ensuite bathrooms are modern essentials
  
• Safety & Compliance: Older houses may have outdated wiring, damp problems, inefficient boilers, etc
  

The size, scale, and speed of your renovation will vary greatly. It might take a few weekends or stretch over months. Do you have the time (and patience!) to complete the work yourself? Consider bringing in professionals where needed.

Whatever your goals, proper planning will help you achieve the results you want.

Planning Your Renovation Project

The golden rule of renovation is to never skip the planning process. Before swinging the first hammer or removing any tiles or fixtures, take the time to carefully prepare.

Define Your Goals

Ask yourself, what are you hoping to achieve with this renovation? More space, a better layout, improved resale value? Get clear on this before proceeding.

Prioritise Rooms

You may not be able to do everything in one go. Tackle the most urgent or used rooms first – bathrooms and kitchens often come first.

Visual Inspiration

Search UK-based renovation sites, Instagram, or Pinterest for ideas. Compile a mood board of styles you like to keep consistent.

Setting a Realistic Budget

Budgeting is where most projects fall apart, so it’s important to get this right. Be ambitious in your goals, but realistic in your finances.

Tips for Budgeting

• List all the materials and labour costs
  
• Add 10–15% contingency for unexpected costs
  
• Factor in VAT and permit costs
  
• Consider cost vs value (some renovations have better ROI)
  

Try to stick to the budget – adding on more features can be a slippery slope.

Securing Permissions and Regulations

If you are in the UK, you will need approval from your local authority for certain renovation projects. This is particularly true for structural changes, extensions, or anything that affects a party wall.

Common Requirements

• Planning Permission (extensions, loft conversions, etc)
  
• Building Regulations Approval
  
• Party Wall Agreements (if you share a wall with neighbours)
  

It is essential to consult with your local council and review the Planning Portal website to be clear on what is required.

Failure to comply can lead to fines or legal trouble.

Finding the Right Contractors

A renovation can only be as good as the professionals you bring in to help. Word of mouth recommendations and online directories are good places to start.

What to Look For

• Proper certification (Gas Safe Register for heating engineers, etc)
  
• Detailed quotes and transparent pricing
  
• Portfolio of previous work
  
• Willingness to provide a contract and timeline

LB Group, for example, only partners with fully certified and qualified heating engineers in the UK. So you know the work will be done safely and by experts.

Home Renovation Timeline: What to Expect

The timeline of a renovation will vary greatly by scope and size, but most will include the following stages:

• Initial Planning & Surveys – 2 to 4 weeks
  
• Design and Budget Finalisation – 1 to 3 weeks
  
• Securing Permissions – 4 to 8 weeks (can take longer)
  
• Site Preparation – 1 week
  
• Main Renovation Work – 4 to 16 weeks depending on scale
  
• Final Fixes & Decoration – 2 to 4 weeks
  

Note that delays are common for a variety of reasons – bad weather, supplier issues, unexpected structural problems, etc. So try to allow some flexibility in your timeline.

Room-by-Room Renovation Tips

Kitchen

Focus on layout and efficient workflow (sink, cooker, fridge triangle) when renovating. Consider underfloor heating and energy efficient appliances. Splashbacks and hardwearing surfaces will add longevity.

Bathroom

Waterproofing should be your top priority. Invest in quality, durable fittings (thermostatic showers, etc) and good ventilation to prevent mould.

Living Room & Bedrooms

Acoustic insulation can be a smart addition, along with built-in storage furniture to save space. Energy-efficient lighting will help reduce bills.

Managing Utilities: Heating, Plumbing & Electrics

Utilities are the backbone of a functional home, so they must be updated and meet UK safety standards.

• Rewire older homes to prevent fire hazards
  
• Check plumbing for leaks, corrosion, or poor pressure
  
• Boiler replacements or servicing are often necessary
  

This is why engaging with specialists, like LB Group, becomes invaluable during your home renovation. Their team can inspect your current heating system, provide advice on energy-efficient models, and make sure everything complies with current UK regulations.

The Importance of Heating Systems – How LB Group Can Help

Heating is a major consideration during home renovation. The UK’s often unpredictable weather demands an efficient and modern boiler. An outdated system can be expensive to run, uncomfortable, and even dangerous.

Why Consider a Boiler Upgrade?

• Improved energy efficiency and lower bills
  
• Increased home comfort
  
• Compliance with building regulations
  
• Reduced carbon footprint

LB Group is here to help every step of the way. From guiding you through the selection of the right boiler size/type for your home, to connecting you with a fully-registered engineer to carry out the work.

Plus, their website has great advice articles. They break down the heating elements of a renovation in simple terms, without overwhelming jargon or pushy sales. This can be a smart resource to reference during your project.

Sustainable Renovation Practices

Sustainability is increasingly a concern for UK homeowners. Thankfully, there are many green options and products available.

• Double or triple glazing
  
• Insulation (walls, floors, roof)
  
• Low-flow taps and dual flush toilets
  
• Smart thermostats and zoned heating
  
• Replacing your boiler with an A-rated model – especially via an expert platform like LB Group – is also a great step toward a more eco-friendly home.

Post-Renovation Clean-Up and Inspection

Once your project is complete, it’s time for one final push – a thorough clean-up and professional inspection.

Final Checklist

• Are all fixtures and appliances in working order?
  
• Have you received building control sign-off (where applicable)?
  
• Do you have warranties for all materials and appliances?
  
• Is your boiler serviced and registered with the manufacturer?
  

You should take photos of everything at this stage for your records. It’s also a good time to review energy consumption and see where further improvements can be made.

Also read: – What are the plans followed in home renovation?

Final Thoughts

Renovating a home is a significant undertaking in the UK. But it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience, if done properly.

That means being prepared and paying close attention to all the steps above – from planning and budgeting, to choosing the right professionals and not cutting corners on safety or regulations.

Whether you’re selecting the right materials or need help ensuring your heating system meets modern standards, we can offer reliable guidance and support.

You not only get access to products, but peace of mind – an invaluable asset for any homeowner during a renovation.

By following each step thoughtfully and not rushing the process, you’ll end up with a home that’s beautiful, functional, efficient, compliant, and ready for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does a full home renovation typically take in the UK?

The duration of a home renovation depends on the scope of the project. A small-scale renovation might take 4 to 6 weeks, while larger, structural renovations or full-house refurbishments can take 3 to 6 months or longer. Always build in time for unexpected delays such as weather, planning approvals, or supply issues.

2. Do I need planning permission for a home renovation?

Not always. Internal renovations generally don’t require planning permission unless you’re in a listed building or conservation area. However, extensions, loft conversions, or major structural changes will often need approval. It’s best to check with your local planning authority or consult the official Planning Portal website.

3. What is the best time of year to renovate a home in the UK?

Spring and early summer are often ideal, thanks to milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, professional availability and contractor costs can vary throughout the year, so flexibility with timing can sometimes result in savings.

4. How much should I budget for a full renovation in the UK?

This varies depending on property size, location, and scope. As a rough estimate:

• Basic refurbishments: £15,000–£30,000
  
• Mid-range full renovations: £40,000–£75,000
  
• High-end or structural renovations: £100,000+
  

Be sure to include 10–15% extra for unexpected expenses.

5. Should I move out during the renovation process?

If the work is extensive (e.g., major plumbing or structural work), moving out is often recommended for safety and comfort. If it’s a room-by-room renovation, you might be able to live in part of the home during the work — just expect some disruption.