New-Build Renovation: Stages, Timeline & Order

Renovation in a shell apartment follows a strict sequence: handover → design and estimate → MEP → rough works → finishing → final acceptance. For a typical 60 m² apartment, the full cycle usually takes 3 to 6 months, but the timeline depends on scope, deliveries, and building rules for noisy work. You cannot start with finishing — without prepared substrates and routed utilities, the final layer will need rework soon.

New-build renovation stages: overview

Stage	What it includes	Why it matters	Typical timeline*
1. Handover & survey	Acceptance report, measurements, walls, floor, windows, utility entries	Record defects before renovation and define prep scope	1–3 days
2. Design & estimate	Layout, outlet locations, plumbing and lighting scheme	Align decisions before purchases and rough work	1–3 weeks
3. Demolition & prep	Remove temporary structures, prime, prepare openings	Base for MEP and finishes	3–7 days
4. MEP	Electrical, plumbing, ventilation, low-voltage	Route utilities before walls and floors are closed	2–4 weeks
5. Rough finishing	Screed, plaster, wet-area waterproofing	Level substrates and allow drying	3–6 weeks
6. Finishing	Tile, flooring, paint, doors, fixtures	Final look and readiness for furniture	4–8 weeks
7. Acceptance	Checklist, report, warranty documents	Confirm quality before final payment	1–2 days

*Indicative timelines for a typical 60 m² apartment. The actual schedule depends on the project, materials, and building regulations.

More on finish formats in Rough, White Box, or Turnkey. Context for new builds: renovation in a new building.

Stage 1. Developer handover

Before any work, document the condition of the unit. At handover, check:

• wall and corner geometry (deviations affect furniture and tile);
• floor levelness and slab cracks;
• windows, sills, reveals, sealing;
• entrance door, locks, scratches;
• electrical, water, sewer, and heating entries;
• ventilation ducts and access to risers.

Record every issue in the acceptance report. Defects not documented at handover are harder to claim from the developer later.

Stage 2. Design, estimate, and schedule

Even without a full design project, you need a working scheme: outlets, switches, lighting, plumbing, exhaust, air conditioning. Without it, the client and contractor often mean different things by "standard renovation," and the estimate drifts.

The estimate should be staged: demolition, electrical, plumbing, screed, plaster, tile, painting, doors. You can get a rough budget from the capital renovation calculator or comfort-class calculator — the final amount appears only after measurement and agreed scope.

Stage 3. Demolition and preparation

In a bare new build, demolition is usually minimal, but exceptions exist: temporary developer partitions, extra reveals, poor priming. At this stage:

• mark door openings and niches;
• prepare spaces for panels and manifolds;
• verify wet-area ties to risers.

Stage 4. MEP systems

MEP comes before walls and floors are closed.

Electrical: panel, circuits, RCD/breakers, room wiring, grounding, low-voltage (internet, intercom, cameras as needed).

Plumbing: manifold or distribution, risers, outlets for bath, shower, toilet, washer, dishwasher.

Ventilation: check natural draft, plan kitchen and bathroom exhaust; forced ventilation if needed (approval depends on the project and building).

Document concealed work with photos/video before plastering.

Stage 5. Rough finishing

Typical sequence:

1. Waterproofing and wet-area prep.
2. Floor screed (with slopes in wet zones).
3. Wall and ceiling plaster (or drywall framing).
4. Drying — a critical stage; rushing leads to cracks and finish delamination.

New buildings often settle in the first years. That is not a reason to skip proper substrate prep, but build technological pauses into the schedule.

Stage 6. Finishing

Work order:

• ceilings (if not done at rough stage);
• prep for flooring;
• tile in wet areas;
• doors (after main dust);
• paint or wallpaper;
• flooring;
• fixtures, lights, outlets, hardware.

Finishing works best after all wet processes are complete and substrates are dry.

Stage 7. Final acceptance

Before the last payment, run a checklist: surface geometry, electrical and plumbing operation, document set, warranty terms. Full list in How to Accept a Renovation.

Common mistakes

Mistake	Consequence	How to avoid
Starting without developer handover	Lose claims for slab and window defects	Handover with report before renovation
Finishing before MEP	Rework walls and floors, higher estimate	Strict stage sequence in the contract
One lump-sum estimate	Disputes over extras	Staged estimate and acceptance reports
Skipping screed drying	Cracks, floor blisters	Respect technological pauses
No photos of concealed work	Cannot prove quality	Document before closing
Ignoring building rules	Fines, work stoppage	Align schedule with management company

Questions to ask the contractor

1. What stage sequence do you use and where are technological pauses?
2. Who is responsible for material procurement and how are substitutions approved?
3. How do you document concealed work (photos, reports)?
4. How are estimate changes handled — in writing, before execution?
5. Is the payment schedule tied to stage acceptance, not just the calendar?
6. What warranties apply to workmanship and for how long?
7. Who coordinates delivery and lift access in the new build?
8. How do you comply with building rules on noise and waste removal?

Full Profmaster services and completed projects in portfolio.

What Profmaster can check

• Technical survey after handover: geometry, entries, wet areas.
• Working scheme with MEP locations for your living scenario.
• Staged estimate with clear scope for a new build.
• Work schedule accounting for technology and building rules.
• Site supervision at key stages: MEP, screed, finishing.
• Stage acceptance against a checklist before final payment.

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