A full renovation can feel messy because it mixes many types of work. You might need to fix hidden damage, change the layout, upgrade finishes, and build something new—like an extension or a new bathroom wing. If you plan it in the right order, the project becomes much smoother and you avoid redoing work.
If you want one team to manage the full scope, working with an experienced renovation contractor like CBS Renovation can help you connect repairs, design upgrades, and new construction in one clear plan—without gaps between trades.
Start with a clear renovation goal (and write it down)
Before you choose materials or colors, decide what “success” means for your home. A goal keeps you from making random choices that fight each other later.
Write a short goal statement like:
- “Make the home brighter, fix moisture issues, and add one extra room.”
- “Upgrade the kitchen and bathrooms, improve insulation, and extend the living area.”
- “Repair structural problems first, then modernize the interior, then add new space.”
Then list your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. This protects your budget when prices or timelines shift.
Create a simple scope checklist
Use a checklist so you don’t forget important items:
- Structural repairs (cracks, damp, roof, floors)
- Electrical and plumbing updates
- Heating and ventilation
- Windows and insulation
- Layout changes (walls, doors, stairs)
- Finishes (plaster, paint, flooring, tiles)
- Any new construction (extension, dormer, shed, extra bathroom)
Inspect first: repairs should lead the plan
A full renovation is not just “new finishes.” Many homes have hidden issues behind walls, under floors, or around windows. If you skip a proper inspection, you risk installing new materials on top of a problem.
Common repair issues that should be checked early:
- Damp spots and mold (often around basements, bathrooms, and exterior walls)
- Cracks in walls (which may be cosmetic or structural)
- Rotten wood around frames
- Uneven floors
- Old wiring or weak electrical capacity
- Leaking pipes or outdated plumbing routes
A practical approach is to do a walk-through, then a deeper check of the highest-risk areas. The output should be a repair plan with priorities. Repairs that affect safety, structure, or moisture control usually come first.
Design upgrades: make choices that match your daily life
Design upgrades are not only about looks. They should make the home easier to use and cheaper to run. Once you know what must be repaired, you can design around it instead of fighting it.
Start with “function design,” then move to “style design.”
Function design includes:
- Where you actually need storage
- How people move through the kitchen and living areas
- Lighting needs (task lighting vs. soft lighting)
- Sound control (bedrooms, office space)
- Ventilation, especially in wet rooms
Style design comes next:
- Wall finishes (smooth plaster vs. textured)
- Floor choices (laminate, parquet, tile)
- Door style, trims, and hardware
- Paint colors
Tip: Pick finishes after you lock the layout. If you choose a floor pattern before final wall placement, you may end up with awkward cuts and extra waste.
New construction: connect it to the renovation, not as a separate project
New construction (like an extension) affects everything around it—structure, heating, electricity, and even drainage. Treat it as part of the renovation plan from day one.
Key questions to answer early:
- What is the purpose of the new space? (Bedroom, office, bigger living room, etc.)
- How will it connect to the existing structure? (Open plan, hallway link, new doorway)
- What services need to be extended? (Radiators, underfloor heating, outlets, water lines)
- Do you need permits or approvals in your area?
- How will natural light enter the new space?
A good plan also considers the “transition zone” where old meets new. This area often needs extra attention so floors line up, walls meet cleanly, and insulation remains continuous.
The right order of work (so you don’t pay twice)
A full renovation goes wrong when trades overlap in the wrong sequence. For example, painting before heavy installation work is a fast way to ruin new walls. Use a work order that protects finished surfaces.
A common high-level sequence looks like this:
- Site protection and safe access
- Dismantling and demolition (only what’s needed)
- Structural repairs and moisture control
- Rough-in work: electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation
- New construction structure (extension framing, roof work, exterior closure)
- Wall and ceiling build-up (plasterboard, stucco, leveling)
- Flooring base work (subfloors, underlayment, leveling)
- Tiling and wet room finishes
- Painting and final wall finishes
- Final installations: doors, switches, lighting, fixtures
- Punch list and final inspection
This order reduces rework and keeps quality consistent.
Structure matters: where brick and stone work fit in the plan
In many homes, brickwork and exterior walls play a big role in comfort and durability. You may need repairs, upgrades, or new wall sections—especially if you are extending the property or improving thermal performance.
This is also where professional masonry work can make a real difference. It supports the structure, improves the look of the facade, and can help with weather resistance when done correctly.
When planning masonry-related work, be specific about:
- Which walls need repair vs. full rebuild
- Whether you want new openings (doors, windows) that affect load paths
- Exterior finish goals (matching existing brick, modern contrast, or cladding)
- Details around edges: lintels, sills, corners, and ventilation gaps
If you add new construction, think about how the new brick or stone matches the old. Even small differences in mortar color or brick size can stand out.
Budget planning that stays realistic
A full renovation budget should be broken into parts. If everything sits in one number, it’s hard to control costs.
Use simple budget buckets:
- Repairs and structural work
- Installations (electric, plumbing, heating)
- Design upgrades and finishes
- New construction
- Contingency (often 10–15% for older homes)
Also decide your “splurge” items and “save” items. For example, you might invest in better insulation and windows (long-term savings) while choosing a simpler paint system.
A useful habit is to track decisions as “locked” or “not locked.” Price changes often come from late changes, not from the original plan.
Timeline planning: reduce delays with early decisions
Delays usually come from:
- Late material choices
- Missing measurements
- Unclear responsibilities between trades
- Waiting for approvals or inspections
To avoid this, decide these items early:
- Kitchen layout and appliance sizes
- Bathroom fixture positions
- Floor types and thickness
- Lighting plan (ceiling points and switch locations)
- Door swing directions and hardware
If you lock these early, the work on walls, floors, and services can move forward without pauses.
Quality control: simple checks that protect your result
You don’t need to be a builder to do basic quality checks. Walk the site regularly and look for clear, visible issues.
Quick checks you can do:
- Are walls straight and corners clean?
- Do doors open and close smoothly?
- Are tile lines even and grout consistent?
- Do sockets and switches align neatly?
- Are wet areas properly sealed and sloped toward drains?
- Is there damage to finished surfaces that needs repair before handover?
At the end, create a punch list (a short list of remaining fixes) and confirm everything is completed before you consider the job finished.
Conclusion
A full renovation works best when repairs, design upgrades, and new construction follow one connected plan. Start with a clear goal, inspect and prioritize repairs, lock the layout before finishes, and use a work sequence that prevents rework. With the right planning—and a team that can handle many trades under one roof—you get a home that looks better, works better, and stays solid for years.
Planning a Full Renovation: How to Combine Repairs, Design Upgrades, and New Construction in One Project