Introduction
The correct order to renovate a house starts with planning and permits, then demolition, structural work, rough-in, walls, flooring, fixtures, and final finishes. Many Sydney homeowners jump into renovations without a clear sequence. This leads to costly rework and budget blowouts.
At Sydney Home Renovation, we guide clients through every stage. Our team knows the exact steps that save time and money.
This guide gives you a complete AU checklist for your Sydney home renovation. You will learn costs, timelines, and which room delivers the best return on investment.
Why Renovate an Old House?
Older Sydney homes often need updates to meet modern living standards. Many properties in suburbs like Marrickville and Balmain have outdated wiring. They also lack proper insulation and energy efficiency.
Renovating adds value to your property. According to CoreLogic data, well-renovated homes in Sydney sell for 10-15% more than unrenovated ones. Buyers want move-in ready properties with modern kitchens and bathrooms.
Old houses also have structural issues that worsen over time. Fixing problems early prevents expensive emergency repairs later. A planned renovation protects your investment for decades.
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a House in Sydney?
A full house renovation in Sydney costs between $150,000 and $500,000 for a standard three-bedroom home. The final price depends on scope, materials, and labour rates.
Basic cosmetic updates run $1,500 to $2,500 per square metre. Mid-range renovations cost $2,500 to $4,000 per square metre. High-end projects exceed $5,000 per square metre. HIA housing data shows Sydney labour costs increased 8% in 2024.
Budget for a 15-20% contingency fund. Hidden costs include asbestos removal, council fees, and temporary accommodation. Sydney Home Renovation provides detailed quotes that cover all expenses upfront.
Which Room Should You Renovate First for the Best ROI?
Bathrooms and kitchens deliver the highest return on investment for Sydney renovations. These rooms influence buyer decisions more than any other space.
A bathroom renovation returns 60-70% of costs at resale. Kitchen updates return 50-80% depending on quality. Realestate.com.au research confirms these rooms top buyer priority lists.
Start with the room that needs the most work. If your bathroom has water damage, fix it first. Structural problems always take priority over cosmetic upgrades. This approach prevents damage to newly finished areas.
How to Create a Renovation Timeline for Sydney Homes (Step-by-Step Template)
A realistic Sydney renovation timeline spans 12 to 24 weeks for a full home project. Council approvals alone take 4-8 weeks in most Sydney LGAs.
Break your project into phases. Weeks 1-4 cover planning and permits. Weeks 5-8 handle demolition and structural work. Weeks 9-16 focus on rough-in, walls, and flooring. Weeks 17-24 complete fixtures and finishing.
Add buffer time for weather delays and material shortages. Sydney’s wet seasons slow exterior work. Order materials 6-8 weeks before you need them. Supply chain issues still affect Australian building products.
House Renovation Order Checklist for Sydney Homes (Step-by-Step)
Planning and Permits
Every Sydney renovation starts with proper planning and council permits. Check if your project needs Development Application (DA) approval. Most internal renovations only require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).
Hire a licensed builder and get three detailed quotes. Confirm all contractors hold current NSW licences. Create a realistic budget with contingency funds included.
Demolition
Demolition removes old materials before new work begins. This includes stripping walls, removing fixtures, and clearing debris. Sydney requires licensed asbestos removal for homes built before 1990.
Protect areas you want to keep. Cover floors and seal doorways. Demolition creates dust that spreads throughout the house.
Structural Work
Structural work addresses the bones of your home. This includes foundation repairs, wall removal, and beam installation. A structural engineer must approve any load-bearing changes.
Sydney’s clay soils cause foundation movement. Many older homes need underpinning or restumping. Complete all structural work before other trades arrive.
Rough-In (First Fix)
Rough-in installs plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems inside walls. Licensed plumbers and electricians run pipes and wires to new locations. This work must pass council inspection before covering.
Plan outlet and fixture locations carefully. Moving pipes and wires later costs thousands. Sydney Home Renovation coordinates all trades for efficient scheduling.
Walls & Ceilings
Walls and ceilings go up after rough-in passes inspection. Plasterboard installation creates your room shapes. Insulation goes in before closing walls.
Allow proper drying time for plaster compounds. Sydney humidity affects curing rates. Rushing this stage causes cracks and imperfections.
Tiling & Flooring Prep
Tiling and flooring prep creates level surfaces for final finishes. Waterproofing in wet areas must meet Australian Standards. Screeding levels uneven concrete floors.
Bathroom waterproofing requires certification. This protects against water damage and insurance claims. Never skip this critical step.
Carpentry & Windows
Carpentry and window installation happens before painting begins. This includes door frames, architraves, and skirting boards. New windows improve energy efficiency significantly.
Measure twice and cut once. Custom joinery takes 4-6 weeks to manufacture. Order early to avoid project delays.
Painting (First Coat)
First coat painting seals surfaces before final fixtures. Primer and undercoat prepare walls for topcoats. This stage happens before flooring installation.
Use quality paints suited to Sydney’s climate. Cheaper products fade and peel faster. Professional painters deliver better results than DIY.
Flooring
Flooring installation happens late to protect finished surfaces. Options include timber, tiles, carpet, and vinyl. Each material has different installation requirements.
Timber floors need acclimatisation time. Store boards inside for two weeks before laying. This prevents warping and gaps after installation.
Final Fixtures (Second Fix)
Second fix installs all visible fixtures and fittings. Electricians connect switches, outlets, and light fixtures. Plumbers install taps, toilets, and showerheads.
Choose fixtures before this stage. Back-ordered items delay project completion. Sydney Home Renovation helps clients select quality products within budget.
Final Painting & Decorating
Final painting adds topcoats and touch-ups throughout. This stage covers any marks from fixture installation. Decorating includes window treatments and hardware.
Clean & Furnish
Professional cleaning removes construction dust and debris. Move furniture in only after final inspection. Your renovation is now complete.
Conclusion
Renovating a house in the correct order saves money and prevents costly mistakes. Sydney homeowners who follow this checklist complete projects faster. They also avoid the stress of rework and budget blowouts.
Sydney Home Renovation delivers expert guidance from planning to final clean. Our team coordinates every trade and manages your timeline. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden surprises.
Contact Sydney Home Renovation today for your free consultation. We will create a detailed renovation plan tailored to your home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do when renovating a house? Planning and permits come first. Create a detailed budget and timeline. Get council approvals before any work starts.
How long does a full house renovation take in Sydney? Most full renovations take 12 to 24 weeks. Complex projects with structural changes take longer. Council approval times affect your schedule.
Do I need council approval for renovations in Sydney? Most renovations need some form of approval. Internal cosmetic changes may be exempt. Structural work always requires permits.
Should I live in my house during renovation? This depends on the project scope. Full renovations make living onsite difficult. Budget for temporary accommodation if needed.
What is the most expensive part of renovating a house? Kitchens and bathrooms cost the most. Structural changes also add significant expense. Labour represents 40-50% of total costs.
Can I renovate my house in stages? Staged renovations work well for tight budgets. Plan the sequence carefully to avoid rework. Complete wet areas before adjacent rooms.
How do I find reliable contractors in Sydney? Check NSW Fair Trading for licence verification. Read online reviews and ask for references. Get three detailed quotes before deciding.