Select your project. Get the exact trades you need, in the right order, with cost estimates, a realistic timeline, and links to generate quotes and agreements instantly. No other tool on the internet does this.
// choose your project
Complex🍳
Kitchen Renovation
Full kitchen refit including plumbing, electrics & units
Complex🚿
Bathroom Renovation
New suite, tiling, plumbing & waterproofing
Complex🏠
Loft Conversion
Convert loft space into a usable room
Complex🧱
House Extension
Single or double storey extension
Medium🛏️
Bedroom Makeover
New flooring, wardrobes, painting & electrics
Medium🌿
Garden Landscaping
Patio, fencing, decking, planting & drainage
Simple🎨
Full House Redecoration
Painting, wallpapering & cosmetic updates
Medium🔥
Heating System
New boiler, radiators or underfloor heating
Complex⚡
Full Rewire
Complete electrical rewire & consumer unit upgrade
The correct order depends on the project but generally follows: structural work first (builders), then first fix (plumbing and electrics), plastering, second fix (plumbing and electrics), flooring, decoration, and finally joinery and finishing. Our planner gives you the exact sequence for each project type so you avoid costly mistakes like tiling before plumbing is complete.
How accurate are the cost estimates?
Our estimates are based on 2025–2026 UK national averages and adjusted by region. Actual costs can vary by 15–25% depending on access, existing condition, specification choices and your exact location. We recommend getting at least three quotes from local tradespeople — use our Quote Generator to compare them side by side.
Do I need planning permission for my project?
Many projects fall under Permitted Development rights and don't need planning permission. However, extensions beyond certain sizes, loft conversions with dormers facing a highway, and work on listed buildings or in conservation areas typically do require permission. Always check with your local planning authority before starting work. Our planner flags which project types commonly need planning approval.
Should I manage the project myself or hire a main contractor?
Managing trades yourself can save 15–20% on costs but requires significant time, knowledge and coordination. For complex projects (kitchen, bathroom, extension, loft conversion), a main contractor or project manager is usually worth the extra cost. For simpler projects like decoration or flooring, self-managing individual trades is more practical.
How do I check if a tradesperson is reliable?
Check for: trade body membership (Gas Safe, NICEIC, FMB), public liability insurance (minimum £2M), examples of recent similar work, written quotes with clear scope, and genuine reviews. Never pay a large deposit upfront — staged payments tied to completed milestones are standard. Use our Contractor Agreement tool to formalise the arrangement.
What's the best time of year to start a home project?
Spring (March–May) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal for most projects. Trades are generally less busy than summer peak season, meaning better availability and sometimes lower prices. Avoid starting outdoor projects in winter unless they're urgent. Interior work like kitchens, bathrooms, and rewires can be done year-round.
The Complete Guide to Planning Home Improvement Projects
Planning a home improvement project in the UK can feel overwhelming. Between choosing the right trades, understanding the correct sequence of work, estimating costs, and managing timelines, there are dozens of decisions that can make or break your renovation. That's why we built this Project Planner — the first tool anywhere that takes a project type and gives you a complete, actionable plan.
Why the Order of Trades Matters
One of the most common and expensive mistakes homeowners make is hiring trades in the wrong order. For example, tiling a bathroom before the plumber has finished first fix means tiles may need to be ripped out for pipe access. Painting before the electrician has finished second fix means walls get damaged during socket installation. Our planner ensures every trade appears in the exact right position in the sequence, with dependencies clearly mapped.
Understanding UK Renovation Costs in 2026
Costs vary significantly across the UK. London and the Southeast typically see prices 30–50% higher than the North of England. Our planner adjusts estimates based on your region, giving you budget, average and premium price points for every trade involved. For more detailed cost breakdowns, explore our collection of cost guides covering everything from plumbing to roofing.
Tools That Work Together
This Project Planner is designed to connect with every other tool on our platform. Once you have your plan, generate professional quotes with our Quote Generator, create binding work agreements with our Contractor Agreement tool, and track payments with our Invoice and Receipt generators. If you're unsure which trade you need for a specific problem, try our Trade Diagnostic tool. And to understand whether your renovation will add value to your property, check our Home Value Calculator.