Renovating your home is exciting, but if you've never done it before the process can feel opaque. This guide walks through what actually happens between hiring an architect and moving back in — so you know what's normal and when to expect news.
The early stages take longer than you think
Before anyone picks up a tool, your architect works through feasibility and design. This is where ideas become drawings, and it's worth not rushing. Decisions made on paper are far cheaper to change than decisions made on site. Expect this phase to involve a few rounds of back-and-forth as the design settles.
Planning permission is a waiting game
If your project needs planning permission, there's a fixed period where the application sits with the local authority. Nothing visible happens during this time, and that's completely normal. Your architect can't speed it up — but they can tell you exactly where things stand.
Construction is the visible part
Once work begins on site, progress feels fast because you can see it. You won't need a daily report, but a regular update — a photo, a note on what's done and what's next — keeps you connected without you having to chase. Keep an eye out for the moments where the builder needs a decision from you; those are the ones that hold things up if they wait.
Handover and snagging
At the end, there's a short period of finishing touches and fixing small issues — known as snagging. A clear list of what's outstanding, and who's responsible for each item, is the difference between a tidy finish and lingering frustration. When that list is empty, your project is truly done.