Interior renovation: what order should the work follow?
The exact order depends on the project, but one logic tends to hold true: deal first with what needs to go behind the walls and ceilings, then close everything up, prepare the surfaces, and finish.
1. Define the project
Before any work begins, know which rooms will change, what equipment will be installed and which services need to move before opening finished surfaces. A late decision on where to put an air conditioning unit or a water point can mean reopening a surface that's already finished.
2. Plan technical services
Plumbing, ventilation, drainage, air-conditioning pipework and certain wiring need to be planned before wall linings and ceilings are closed up wherever they have to run through them. This is the trickiest stage to fix after the fact.
3. Build partitions and ceilings
Once routes are prepared, plasterboard partitions, wall linings and suspended ceilings can be completed while keeping necessary access points.
4. Prepare surfaces
After drywall and repairs, walls and ceilings are filled, sanded and otherwise prepared as required.
5. Paint and finish
Painting comes once technical work likely to leave dirt, holes or openings in the surfaces has been completed. The final touch-ups come at the end of the project.
What about sanitary fittings?
The exact timing depends on the project. Some plumbing connections are prepared early while visible fittings are installed later so they aren't damaged during the rest of the work.
What about air conditioning?
Routes may be prepared before final finishes, while the exact installation sequence depends on the system and space.
Why coordinate several trades?
The aim is to avoid reopening a freshly painted wall for a forgotten pipe or dismantling a finished ceiling to add ductwork. That's the whole point of coordinating a second-fix project across several trades.
Is there one universal sequence?
No. This is a general logic, not a fixed schedule for every property. The existing building and site constraints determine the final order.