Short answer — The timeline depends on scope: a refresh generally takes weeks, a heavy renovation (services, partitions, kitchen, bathroom) several months. Lead times, especially for bespoke items, are often the deciding factor, which is why a written schedule from the quote stage matters.
The phases in the right order
- Diagnosis and plans.
- Demolition and strip-out.
- Partitions, electrics and plumbing.
- False ceilings, plastering, joinery.
- Floors, tiling, painting.
- Kitchen, bathroom, bespoke furniture.
- Cleaning and handover.
What lengthens the timeline
- Discoveries during works (damp, worn services).
- Late ordering of joinery or bespoke furniture.
- Changes of scope along the way.
- Permits or co-ownership approvals.
How to secure the schedule
Have all material choices approved before starting, order long-lead items first and ask for a schedule with checkpoints.