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Avoid Chaos: Your Complete Renovation Roadmap

  • Writer: Room Planner Team
    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.


renovation timeline

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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