Home renovation checklist

Before you pick up a paintbrush, or sledgehammer, pause and picture the result. It may be that you want extra space for family life, a fresh modern look, or help to lower bills through better energy efficiency. ^{Footnote [1]} Writing your top three goals, and how each room will be used could help clarify your next steps.

Then, you may be ready to think about the type of work. Structural changes affect the “bones” of your home (think walls, floors, roof or extensions). And if these are complex, you may need to get Building Regulations approval or Planning Permission (more on these below). ^{Footnote [1] Footnote [2]}  Cosmetic changes, however, are surface updates (think paint, tiles, kitchens, lighting). They could be simpler, but they still need time and budget. ^{Footnote [1]}  

Finally, break the project into clear stages so it feels manageable:

• Design – sketch ideas, measure up, set a rough budget.
• Approvals – check what permissions or standards might apply.
• Build – plan the order of works and how you’ll live around them.
• Finish – snagging, cleaning, and storing key paperwork.

Keep your scope tight: what’s in, what’s out, and what “good” looks like. A short, one‑page brief helps you stay focused, compare quotes fairly, and avoid surprise costs later.

You might start by sketching out everything that has a price tag. Think about materials, labour, approvals and surveys, deliveries and skip hire, plus any storage. ^{Footnote [2]} It’s also wise to leave a contingency for the little surprises most projects bring.

When gathering prices, a few quotes can be useful. Try to compare the same things: scope of work, materials, timeline, warranties and VAT. If something isn’t included, ask so you can weigh up options fairly. Clear, written quotes make it easier to choose with confidence.

Keeping an eye on spend doesn’t need to be fancy. A simple spreadsheet or notes app works well. Pop in deposits, stage payments and any changes. It’s also worth holding on to receipts and certificates, as they help with warranties and future claims. ^{Footnote [3]}  

After the dust settles, take a moment to review your home insurance. If your renovation increases your home’s value or contents, your sum insured may need an update so your cover keeps pace. ^{Footnote [4]}  

Permissions and regulations are there to help keep people safe, protect neighbours and make sure homes are built to a good standard. They also protect you when you come to sell or insure your property, because buyers and insurers often ask for proof that work met the rules. Following the rules can also reduce the risk of delays or costly do‑overs. ^{Footnote [3]}  

You won’t always need formal permission, but some projects do. Planning permission controls how your home looks and its impact on the street. It may apply to extensions, loft conversions with big dormers, major changes to windows or doors, new outbuildings, or work in conservation areas and on listed buildings. ^{Footnote [3]  Footnote [5]}    

Building regulations are different. They set safety and performance standards for things like structure, fire, electrics, gas, drainage, insulation and accessible design. Most structural changes, rewires and new boilers must meet these rules, even if no planning permission is needed. ^{Footnote [2]}

If you share a wall, boundary or party fence wall with a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to work such as loft steels, chimney breast removal or foundations near a boundary. That means giving notice and agreeing a party wall award before works that could affect the shared structure. A chat with neighbours early on can make the process simpler and help keep your project on track. ^{Footnote [6]}  

Planning permission

Some changes are permitted development, which means you can do them without a full planning application, as long as you follow size and design limits. This could be small rear extensions, roof lights, and garden rooms within height and placement rules. Larger or more visible projects usually need full permission, like

• big dormers
• two‑storey extensions
• work on listed buildings
• or anything in a conservation area. ^{Footnote [5]}  

The best way to be sure is to check with your local planning authority early. Their website should explain the rules and give local guidance; many offer pre‑application advice for a small fee. ^{Footnote [7]} Keep simple drawings, measurements and photos handy. These make it easier to confirm what’s allowed and avoid redesigns later. If in doubt, ask before you book tradespeople.

Building regulations

Building regulations focus on safety and quality. ^{Footnote [2]} They cover structure, fire safety, ventilation, and energy efficiency. Many works are ‘notifiable’, meaning Building Control must be told. These could be:

• removing a load‑bearing wall
• changing stairs
• converting a loft or garage
• installing a boiler
• creating new electrical circuits or a rewire
• changing drainage. ^{Footnote [3]}  

You can apply to Building Control yourself, or use registered contractors who can self‑certify. For gas, look for Gas Safe registered engineers and for electrics, use a Part P registered electrician. When the project is done, keep the certificates and the Building Control completion notice. These prove the work meets regulations and could help with insurance, remortgaging and selling your home. ^{Footnote [8]}  

Before any building work begins, call your home insurer. Work, like new rooms, moved walls, scaffolding, or parts left empty, can change your home and the risks. Your insurer needs this information to make sure your cover is appropriate and to tell you if you need extra cover while the work is happening.

The law also says you must take care to give the facts when your policy is set up or changed. Telling your insurer about the work helps you do that. ^{Footnote [9]}  

When the job is finished, keep all the papers (for example, Building Control completion certificates, and Gas Safe or electrical Part P certificates). Buyers, lenders and sometimes insurers ask to see these.  ^{Footnote [10]} 

For more details, check out our article: The home improvements to tell your insurer about.

As you’re planning the renovation, it’s worth having a list of qualified and insured contractors you can rely on.

Before saying yes to anyone, make sure to check:

1. ID and safety - for gas work, use a Gas Safe engineer only because it’s the law. For electrics, use an electrician who can self‑certify Part P work (a “Competent Person”). ^{Footnote [11]  Footnote [12]} This way, you’ll likely get the appropriate safety certificates.
2. Proof and insurance - ask to see public liability insurance (and, if they have staff, employers’ liability insurance). Keep copies.
3. Credentials: check they’re qualified and experienced with your type of job. Ask for references and recent photos.

It’s also important to have a written contract or agreement, which lists:

• scope of work included
• start and finish dates
• who clears waste
• payment terms (for example, small deposit, then staged payments after agreed milestones). Try to avoid big sums of cash up‑front.

While work is going on, keep your home safe and tidy. Ask your builder to set solid fencing or hoarding and to lock gates. Builders should also take away any ladders (or keep them locked after hours) and keep  tools, skips and materials neat, so they don’t block paths or fall over. ^{Footnote [13]}  

To cut down on mess, ask your builder to seal doorways with plastic sheeting or a zip door. Ask tradespeople to cut and drill with water or on‑tool extraction, and to wear the right dust masks. ^{Footnote [14]} Open windows when it’s safe and clean as you go. Set a clear storage area for materials, away from heaters and walkways. Label it and keep routes clear so people don’t trip. Move valuables off‑site if you can or lock them safely away.

If you’ll be away or parts of the home will be uninhabitable, check your home insurance policy’s rules for unoccupied homes and tell your insurer. ^{Footnote [15]} Some policies change cover after 30–60 days.

Also, make sure you have the right insurance in place: buildings insurance protects the structure and fixtures, and contents insurance protects your belongings.