Company Logo
Back to Blog
Planning & Preparation21 Jan 20263 min read

How to Prepare Your Home for Renovation: What to Expect Before Work Starts

How to Prepare Your Home for Renovation: What to Expect Before Work Starts

How to Prepare Your Home for Renovation: What to Expect Before Work Starts

Renovating your home is exciting. It can improve day-to-day living and increase your property’s value. Whether you are planning a kitchen renovation, a bathroom upgrade, or a full refurbishment, good preparation helps everything run smoothly from day one.

For homeowners in London, planning access, deliveries, and shared-building logistics can make a real difference.


Prepare your space before work starts

Before the project begins, clear the areas where work will take place. Remove personal belongings such as:

  • photos and decorations
  • electronics and valuables
  • fragile items
  • anything stored on worktops or shelves

If the renovation includes a kitchen or bathroom, empty cupboards and clear surfaces. This protects your belongings and gives the team the space they need to work efficiently.

Tip: If you are unsure what to move, ask your builder for a quick checklist before the start date.


How professional builders protect your home

A well-organised renovation team will protect your home from day one. Typical protection includes:

  • floor coverings and dust sheets
  • corner guards and surface protection
  • furniture wrapped where required
  • sealed areas to reduce dust spread

Daily tidy-ups matter. While renovation is disruptive by nature, a clean site improves safety and comfort, especially if you are living in the property during the works.


Access, deliveries, and practical considerations

Renovation projects require regular deliveries and daily access for tools and equipment. In London, this often means planning ahead due to parking restrictions and narrow streets.

If you live in a flat

You may need to:

  • arrange lift access
  • book delivery slots
  • inform building management in advance
  • follow house rules for working hours and waste removal

If you live in a house

It helps to:

  • keep driveways and entrances clear
  • identify a safe drop-off point for materials
  • agree where tools can be stored (if needed)

Clear access reduces delays and keeps the project running on schedule.


Living in your home during renovation

Many homeowners stay in the property during works. A few simple adjustments make the experience easier.

If a kitchen or bathroom will be temporarily out of use, plan alternatives in advance. For example:

  • set up a temporary food prep area
  • plan where you will shower (if bathroom works are extensive)
  • agree a daily schedule with the team

If you work from home, ask your builder about the noisiest tasks and when they are planned. Good planning reduces disruption and helps everyone coordinate their day.


Neighbours, safety, and communication

Neighbours matter, especially in terraced homes and apartment buildings. A short conversation before work starts can prevent issues later. It helps to share:

  • expected working hours
  • key milestones
  • an estimated timeline

Safety should always come first. Renovation areas can be dangerous for children and pets. Establish clear boundaries and avoid access to work zones.

Good communication throughout the project is just as important as physical preparation. Regular updates and clear discussions about timelines reduce misunderstandings and keep progress steady.


A well-prepared renovation makes all the difference

Preparation, protection, and communication make renovation smoother, safer, and more predictable.

That is exactly what we deliver at Construction of a Dream Ltd (COFAD). If you are planning a kitchen renovation, a bathroom upgrade, or a full home refurbishment in London, get in touch and discuss your project with our team.

Planning a renovation in London?

If you want advice, a quote, or help planning the works properly, message us and we’ll guide you through the next steps.