How long will my refurbishment take?

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is this. How long will my refurbishment take? It is a question that deserves an honest and detailed answer. Unrealistic expectations around timing are a big source of frustration. This is true of any building project. Here is what you can realistically expect for a refurbishment in prime London.

The pre construction phase

Before any building work begins, there is a significant amount of preparation required. Design development, planning applications and building control submissions all take time. So do party wall agreements, freeholder licences, and procurement. For a comprehensive refurbishment, this pre construction phase typically takes three to six months. Rushing this stage almost always leads to problems later. At NU Projects the pre construction stage is where the planning effort goes. That is what keeps a project on track once work begins.

Typical construction timelines

The duration of the construction phase depends on the project. It depends on its size and complexity. As a general guide, take a full refurbishment of a two bedroom apartment. It typically takes four to six months in prime London. A large townhouse refurbishment with structural alterations might take eight to twelve months. A project involving a basement extension can add six to twelve months. This is added to the overall programme. These are realistic timescales for high quality work. Any contractor who promises significantly shorter programmes for complex projects should be questioned carefully.

What can cause delays

Delays in construction are common, but most are avoidable with proper planning. The most frequent causes include late design decisions. They also include changes to the scope of work during construction. Others are slow approval processes from freeholders or local authorities. Supply chain issues with specialist materials cause delays too. So do unforeseen structural or building fabric problems revealed during demolition. Weather can also affect programmes, particularly for projects involving external works or roof alterations. At NU Projects, we build realistic float into our programmes. We communicate proactively when any issue arises that could affect the timeline.

How we keep projects on track

Effective programme management requires discipline, communication, and experience. We produce detailed construction programmes at the start of every project. We update them regularly. Our clients receive weekly progress reports. These have clear commentary on what has been completed and what is coming next. They also say whether the programme is on track. We hold regular site meetings with the design team. These review progress and resolve any issues quickly. That structure is how a programme is held to. It is also how a slip is spotted. That happens while there is still time to act on it.

Why the sequence matters

The order in which work is carried out has a significant impact. It affects the overall programme. Efficient sequencing means different trades can work in parallel. They do not get in each other’s way. Poor sequencing leads to trades standing idle and waiting for access. The programme extends unnecessarily. An experienced contractor sequences the trades. This keeps the work moving without cutting into quality or safety.

Ready to plan your timeline?

Are you planning a refurbishment in London? Do you want a realistic view of how long it will take? We can help. We will assess the project and prepare a detailed programme.

To talk to the team, send two lines through the contact form. You can also call 020 7731 6841. We usually reply within a few hours, weekends included.