The backbone of a renovation is its order of works. Each job sits on top of the one before it; when the order breaks, finished work has to be redone. This article sets out the correct sequence and the reasoning behind each step.
The sequence and the reasons
| Order | Work | Why here? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strip-out and debris removal | Measurements and plans are not final until every layer is cleared |
| 2 | Demolishing / building walls | Service routes are set by the walls |
| 3 | Electrical and plumbing | Buried in walls; must finish before plaster |
| 4 | Service testing | Detecting leaks and faults before closing up |
| 5 | Plaster and screed | Covers services, gives flat surfaces and a level floor |
| 6 | Wet area waterproofing | Beneath tiles, after the screed has dried |
| 7 | Drywall | Suspended ceilings and coves; ceiling wiring must be in place |
| 8 | Tiling | Bathroom and kitchen walls and floors |
| 9 | Satin gypsum and paint | Dust-producing work is finished; surfaces are ready |
| 10 | Floor covering | Paint done, screed dry; parquet or vinyl laid |
| 11 | Internal doors and joinery | Door undercut is set by the floor build-up |
| 12 | Furniture installation | Paint and floors ready; furniture is not damaged |
| 13 | Worktop | Measured after units are installed |
| 14 | Sanitaryware, taps, light fittings | Final fixings |
| 15 | Touch-ups, silicone, cleaning | Final check before handover |
What happens when the order breaks
- Adding electrics after painting: the wall is chased, then plaster and paint are repeated.
- Parquet before the screed dries: the floor blisters, is lifted and relaid.
- No ceiling lighting plan before drywall: the ceiling is cut open, jointing and paint repeated.
- Drywall after flooring: the floor collects dust and scratches; protection and cleaning cost more.
- Painting after furniture: units cannot be painted around cleanly; touch-up quality drops.
Work that can run in parallel
Some jobs need not wait for others: unit production continues in the workshop while plaster and screed proceed on site; metalwork fabrication runs alongside painting. A good schedule uses these parallels to shorten the overall programme.
Curing and waiting times
Plaster, screed, waterproofing and tile adhesive all need time to cure. These waits are a natural part of the calendar; skipping them costs quality. When waiting days appear in a work schedule, it is a sign the plan is realistic.
Who keeps track of the order?
In the model where trades are hired separately, the homeowner tracks the sequence and the trades wait on each other. Under a single-responsibility team, sequence and coordination sit with the contractor. See also apartment renovation step by step and the most common renovation mistakes.
Demgirişim plans the order of works on a day-by-day schedule and delivers every item with a single team in renovation and repair projects.
Frequently asked questions
Paint first or flooring first?
Paint first, then flooring. After the floor is laid, only the skirting line and touch-ups are painted. The other way round means protecting the new floor and cleaning paint splashes.
Does drywall come before or after painting?
Before. Once drywall jointing and filling are complete, satin gypsum and paint follow.
When are kitchen units installed?
After paint and flooring are finished. The worktop is measured after the units are fitted, so it arrives last.
The initial consultation and written quote for Renovation & Repair are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.