Avoid Chaos: Your Complete Renovation Roadmap
- Room Planner Team
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 6
Renovating an apartment without finishing? This detailed renovation timeline and construction materials checklist is designed for spaces up to 100m².

Learn how long each stage of the renovation takes — from rough engineering to decor — and when to buy essential materials like tiles, flooring, pipes, and paint. Whether you're working with contractors or managing everything yourself, this guide helps you avoid delays, budget smarter, and stay fully organized throughout your project.
You’ll learn how to prepare like a pro, keep your project on schedule, and make sure every bag of cement, roll of film, or circuit breaker arrives right when you need it.
Full Timeline + Smart Shopping Plan for Every Renovation Stage
Stage | Duration | Key Tasks | Materials to Prepare | When to Buy |
Preparatory Stage | 1–2 weeks | Measurements, planning, approvals, contractor selection | Laser level, angle ruler, level, masking tape, gloves, buckets, film, trash bags, ladder, notebooks | Immediately |
Furniture & layout planning, socket & light planning | Room Planner app, tape measure, sketch paper, planning software | Immediately | ||
Get 2–3 contractor quotes, sign contract | Contractor contract template, project folder, quote comparison sheet | Week 1 | ||
Get approval from building management | Application form, noise schedule, garbage removal plan | Week 1 | ||
Temporary Setup | 1–2 days | Protect entry door and windows | Protective film, painter's tape, cardboard or plastic sheets | 2–3 days before works |
Temporary lighting and sockets | Extension cords, temporary fixtures, LED bulbs | 1 week before works | ||
Temporary toilet, garbage handling | Toilet rental, garbage bags, dumpster rental | 1 week before works | ||
Stage 1: Engineering & Walls | 2–3 weeks | Partition wall construction | Aerated concrete blocks, tongue-and-groove slabs, adhesive mortar, mesh, beacons, primer | 1–2 weeks before start |
Electrical rough-in | Cables (VVGng-LS), PVC corrugated pipes, boxes, circuit breakers, RCDs, distribution panel, mounting tape | 1–2 weeks before start | ||
Plumbing layout | PEX or PP pipes, fittings, shut-off valves, tees, collector box, filters, sound insulation | 1–2 weeks before start | ||
Underfloor heating installation | Heating mats or water pipes, thermostat, insulation underlay, sensor conduit, clips | 1–2 weeks before start | ||
Ventilation and heating systems | Ducts, grilles, valves, radiators, brackets, pressure testing tools | 1–2 weeks before start | ||
Stage 2: Rough Finishing | 2–4 weeks | Waterproofing wet areas | Waterproofing compound, tape for corners, roller/brush, primer | During Stage 1 |
Screed and leveling | Cement-sand mix or ready screed, mesh, beacons, damper tape, primer, plastic sheeting | End of Stage 1 | ||
Wall plastering | Gypsum or cement plaster, metal corners, deep primer, trowels, buckets | End of Stage 1 | ||
Ceiling prep | Drywall, joint compound, putty knife, mounting rails | End of Stage 1 | ||
Install slopes and seal window gaps | Foam sealant, putty, paintable caulk | During Stage 2 | ||
Stage 3: Finishing | 3–6 weeks | Paint prep & wall finishes | Putty (start + finish), primer, paint, rollers, tape, trays | 1 week before finishing starts |
Tile work (bathroom/kitchen) | Tiles (+10%), tile adhesive, spacers, grout, decorative trims, waterproofing layer | 1–2 weeks before | ||
Flooring | Laminate/parquet/vinyl, underlay, thresholds, trims, baseboards | 1–2 weeks before | ||
Install doors | Door panels, jambs, handles, locks, seals | Order in advance | ||
Install switches, sockets, lights | Electrical fixtures, LEDs, frames, dimmers | During finishing | ||
Stage 4: Fixtures & Decor | 2 weeks | Install bathroom and laundry fixtures | Toilet, sink, vanity, faucet, washing machine, valves | Order mid-Stage 3 |
Kitchen assembly and installation | Cabinet modules, countertop, sink, stove, hood | Order mid-Stage 3 | ||
Hanging curtains, decor setup | Curtain rods, curtains, lighting, shelves, mirrors, art, rugs | Final week of finishing | ||
Stage 5: Final Cleaning & Checks | 2–3 days | Deep cleaning, systems check, final punch list | Vacuum, mop, sponges, touch-up paint, sealant, instruction manuals | Final week |
Notes:
This is a generalized renovation roadmap suitable for spaces without finishing (bare shell).
Always check local building regulations and adapt timelines to your contractor's availability.
Material delivery should be planned in advance for each stage to avoid delays.
Use Room Planner to create your layout, annotate socket locations, and export PDF reports for your contractor.

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