The renovation order of trades usually runs: strip-out, first-fix carpentry and services, plastering, drying, second-fix carpentry, decorating, then flooring and final snagging. Following this sequence protects finished surfaces and avoids rework. DAC Home Solutions plans and sequences each trade on renovations in Beckenham and across London.
At a glance
- Typical sequence
- Strip-out, first fix, plaster, second fix, decorate, floor
- Why order matters
- Later trades damage earlier finishes if sequenced badly
- Biggest delay risk
- Painting before plaster has dried
- Managed by
- DAC Home Solutions, one team and one point of contact
- Quote
- Free and no-obligation
Last reviewed: October 2026. DAC Home Solutions, Beckenham.
Why does the order of trades matter?
The order of trades matters because messy, heavy or wet work comes first and delicate finishing work comes last.
Painting before plastering is finished, or laying a floor before other trades have finished carrying materials across it, leads to damage and rework. Planning the sequence in advance keeps the project on time and on budget.
What is the usual order of trades?
Every project differs, but the sequence below is a common starting point.
| Stage | What happens | Why it comes here |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Strip-out | Remove old fittings, flooring and damaged surfaces | Reveals the true condition of the property |
| 2. First fix | Frame partitions, run cables and pipework | Hidden work must be in place before walls are closed |
| 3. Plastering | Skim or re-plaster walls and ceilings | Creates the surface for decoration |
| 4. Drying | Allow new plaster to dry | Paint applied too early can fail |
| 5. Second fix | Doors, skirting, architraves, fitted storage | Needs finished walls to fit against |
| 6. Decorating | Prepare, prime and paint | Done once messy work is finished |
| 7. Flooring and snagging | Lay floors, fit trims, fix final details | Protects the floor from other trades |
Should the floor go in before or after decorating?
Flooring usually goes in near the end so that other trades do not damage it, with skirting and final paint touch-ups completed afterwards.
The exact order depends on the floor type and the finishes chosen, so agree it with your contractor before work starts.
Do I need permission before starting?
Some renovations need planning permission, building regulations approval or a party wall agreement, depending on what is being changed.
Cosmetic work such as decorating, flooring and plastering generally does not, but structural changes, new openings and work to shared walls can. Check the current rules with your local council and the sources below before you commit.
Why use one team for all the trades?
One team removes the gaps between trades, because a single contractor controls the schedule.
DAC Home Solutions brings flooring, plastering, decorating, carpentry and kitchen fitting together under one point of contact, so no trade is left waiting on another.
Sources and further reading
- Planning Portal: planning permission and building regulations
- GOV.UK: Party Wall etc. Act 1996 guidance
