What Is Flat Renovation and When Do You Need It?
There is a moment when you look around your flat and think: this place needs more than a fresh coat of paint. Maybe the bathroom has been the same since the 90s. Perhaps the kitchen cupboards do not close properly anymore. Or you have finally admitted that your living room does not actually “work” as a space. That is when a flat renovation comes into the picture.
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In the UK, apartment renovation has become more popular in recent years—mainly because moving is so expensive. Why start over when you can transform what you already have? The key is planning. And that is where a proper renovation checklist comes in.
Pre-Renovation Checklist
Think of this stage as laying the groundwork before any dust, noise, or builders show up. It is not glamorous, but it saves you from future headaches.
Permissions and Freeholder Consent
If your flat is leasehold, you will almost certainly need freeholder consent for big changes. Pulling down walls, moving plumbing, or changing windows are not things you can just “go ahead” and do. It sounds boring, I know, but get it in writing before you spend a penny. Otherwise, you could end up with expensive legal problems later.
Building Rules and Quiet Hours
Every block has its quirks. Some buildings only allow noisy work between 9am and 4pm. Others have rules about which lift the builders can use or how you dispose of rubble. These may sound minor, but ignoring them is the quickest way to fall out with neighbours. And trust me, you do not want to be dodging angry looks in the hallway for the next six months.
Insurance and Neighbour Notices
If your project touches shared walls, you may need a party wall agreement. That is basically a formal way of saying, “Here is what I am doing, and if anything goes wrong, you are covered.” While you are at it, check your insurance. Many policies will not cover you during building work unless you update them.
Layout and Design Basics
This is the fun stage, where you imagine how your flat could really work for you.
Flow, Storage, and Natural Light
Do you always end up cooking with your back to guests in the living room? Maybe it is time to open up the kitchen. Forever tripping over shoes near the front door? Built-in storage could fix that. And never underestimate natural light—sometimes moving a door or knocking down a stud wall can change the whole feel of a room.
What Is Bathroom Renovation? Steps and Timeline
Bathrooms tend to be the most challenging due to plumbing and electrics. It tends to be a two-stage process: first fix (the behind-the-scenes stuff—pipes, wires, drainage) and second fix (the obvious finishes—tiles, taps, mirrors). Size and complexity dependant, it tends to take two to four weeks. Yes, that may involve showering at the gym for a while!
Kitchen Renovation: What It Includes and How Long It Takes
Kitchen and bathroom renovation often go hand in hand, but the kitchen is where things can really stretch. If you are keeping the layout, it could be done in three weeks. Move gas or water lines, though, and you are looking at six weeks or more. Cabinets, flooring, appliances, lighting—the works. It is messy, but the payoff is huge.
How Long Does a Living Room Renovation Take? Key Steps
The living room is usually simpler. Strip-out, first fix, plastering, second fix, then decorating. On average, three to five weeks. The difference between a dated lounge and a modern, comfortable space is often less time than people expect.
Materials and Finishes that Last
Everyone loves a bargain, but there is a reason cheap flooring does not hold up. Good finishes—solid worktops, proper tiling, quality paint—are worth the investment. Not just for daily life, but for resale value too. Buyers notice when things feel solid.
Technological Installations
While the walls are open, think about the future. Underfloor heating. Smart lighting. Extra sockets (because somehow, there are never enough). These are easiest to do now, not later when the plaster is dry.
Safety and UK Compliance
Every flat renovation must meet building regulations in the UK. These cover everything from fire safety to ventilation and electrics. It may feel like red tape, but it is there for a reason. If you skip this part, you could struggle to sell later—or worse, end up with a flat that is not actually safe to live in.
Book A Trusted Pro Today via Homerun
All of this can sound overwhelming, and that is because it often is. Renovation is rarely straightforward. The good news is you do not have to do it alone. Homerun connects you with trusted professionals who know the ins and outs of freeholder consent, party wall agreements, and how to keep your renovation timeline on track. Book a pro today and make the process much less stressful.
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