Renovating a house can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’ve never done it before. Between budgeting, approvals, trades and timelines, it’s not always obvious where to start or what order things should happen in.
The good news is that the process of renovating a house follows a fairly consistent structure. When each stage is planned properly and carried out in the right order, renovations are far more manageable, predictable and successful.
This guide walks through the renovation process step by step, explaining what happens at each stage and what homeowners should expect along the way.
Phase 1: Planning and Preparation
Every successful renovation starts well before any work begins on site. This planning phase is where most problems are either avoided or locked in.
Define the scope and budget
Start by clearly defining what you want to renovate and why. This could be a bathroom upgrade, kitchen renovation, extension or a full home renovation.
At this stage, it’s important to:
Prioritise what matters most
Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves
Be realistic about what your budget can achieve
A contingency allowance is essential. Most builders recommend allowing 15–20% on top of your estimated budget to cover unexpected issues, particularly in older homes.
Design and approvals
Once the scope is clear, designs can be developed. Depending on the complexity of the renovation, this may involve a designer, draftsperson or architect.
If your renovation affects the structure, layout or footprint of the home, council approvals may be required. This can include development applications, construction certificates or complying development approvals, depending on your local council and the type of work.
Approvals can take time, so they should be factored into the overall timeline early.
Hire the right professionals
Choosing the right builder and trades is one of the most important steps in the renovation process. Look for licensed, insured professionals with relevant experience and a clear communication style.
A good builder will help guide decisions, identify potential issues early and manage the process from start to finish.
Review insurance
Before construction begins, it’s important to review your home and contents insurance. Some policies require notification when renovation work is being carried out, and additional cover may be needed depending on the scope of the project.
Phase 2: Structural and “Behind the Walls” Work
Once planning is complete and approvals are in place, construction can begin. This stage focuses on the core structure of the home and all the work that needs to happen before finishes are installed.
Demolition
The first physical step is demolition. This may involve removing old fixtures, cabinetry, wall linings, flooring or even sections of the structure, depending on the renovation.
Demolition needs to be carefully managed to avoid damaging parts of the home that are staying.
Structural work and repairs
If walls are being removed, rooms reconfigured or extensions added, structural work is completed at this stage. This may include:
Installing beams or lintels
Strengthening existing structures
Addressing foundation or framing issues
Roof modifications
Any existing structural issues should be resolved before moving forward.
Rough-in stage
The rough-in stage is where the home’s services are installed before walls are closed. This includes:
Plumbing pipework
Electrical wiring
Heating and cooling ductwork
Insulation
Although this work isn’t visible once complete, it’s critical to the performance and safety of the home.
Closing walls
After rough-ins are inspected and approved, walls and ceilings are closed up. Plasterboard is installed, set and prepared for painting, marking the transition from structural work to finishes.
Phase 3: Fit-Out and Finishing
With the structure complete, the renovation starts to take its final shape.
Cabinetry and fixtures
Fixed elements such as kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, vanities and built-in storage are installed. Bathrooms begin to take form with baths, showers and toilets fitted.
This stage often depends on lead times, so items like cabinetry, stone benchtops and custom joinery should be ordered well in advance.
Tiling and flooring
Tiling is typically completed in wet areas first, followed by flooring throughout the rest of the home. The sequence matters to ensure finishes aren’t damaged as work continues.
Second fix
Second fix refers to the finishing trades, including:
Light fittings and power points
Doors and hardware
Architraves and skirting boards
Plumbing fittings
These details have a big impact on the final look and feel of the renovation.
Painting and final decoration
The final painting stage brings everything together. This may also include installing window furnishings, shelving and other finishing touches.
Phase 4: Completion and Handover
As construction wraps up, attention turns to final checks and handover.
Clean-up
A thorough clean is carried out to remove dust, debris and construction residue so the home is ready to be lived in.
Inspection and handover
A final walkthrough is completed to identify any defects or items needing adjustment. Once these are addressed and all compliance checks are complete, the renovation is officially finished.
At this point, warranties, certificates and documentation should be provided for future reference.
Key Tips for a Smoother Renovation
Always work in the correct order, from structural to cosmetic
Allow time buffers for long-lead items like cabinetry and stone
Keep contracts, approvals and invoices organised
Communicate regularly with your builder
Make decisions early to avoid delays and extra costs
Understanding the Process Makes Renovating Easier
The process of renovating a house doesn’t need to be confusing or stressful. When each stage is planned properly and managed by experienced professionals, renovations become far more predictable and enjoyable.
At Dependabuild, we guide homeowners through every step of the renovation process, from early planning and approvals through to construction and final handover. Our focus on clear communication, practical advice and hands-on project management helps keep projects running smoothly and avoids many of the common issues that cause delays or added costs.
Understanding what happens at each step helps you make better decisions, set realistic expectations and achieve a result that adds long-term value to your home.
