How to Prepare Your Home for a Major Refurbishment

Taking on a major refurbishment is one of the most exciting — and occasionally nerve-wracking — decisions a homeowner can make. Whether you're transforming a Victorian terrace in Blackheath, opening up the ground floor of a 1930s semi in Eltham, or converting a period property in Greenwich into something truly spectacular, the preparation you put in before the first tool is lifted can make all the difference to the final result.

At Heath Projects, we've worked on hundreds of refurbishments across SE London, and the projects that run most smoothly are almost always the ones where homeowners have prepared thoroughly. So here's our practical guide to getting ready for the big build.

Start with a Clear Vision (and a Realistic Budget)

Before anything else, get clear on what you actually want to achieve. Are you reconfiguring the layout, updating the interiors, adding an extension, or all three? Write it down. Create a mood board. The more specific you can be with your contractor from the outset, the more accurate your quote will be — and the less likely you are to encounter costly surprises mid-project.

Budgeting in SE London requires an honest conversation. Costs here reflect the local market, and premium materials and skilled tradespeople command fair rates. Always factor in a contingency of 10–15% for the unexpected — because in older properties across areas like Deptford, Lewisham, or Woolwich, hidden issues such as outdated wiring or damp beneath floorboards are more common than you might think.

Sort Your Planning Permissions Early

Many major refurbishments in SE London will require either planning permission or at minimum a Permitted Development check. Properties in conservation areas — and Blackheath and Greenwich have several — often have stricter rules around external changes, window replacements, and extensions.

Contact the Royal Borough of Greenwich or Lewisham Council early in your planning process. Delays waiting for approvals can push your project back by weeks or even months, so getting this sorted before you appoint your contractor keeps everything on track.

Declutter and Prepare the Space

This one sounds obvious, but it's often underestimated. If your contractor is refurbishing your kitchen, living room, or bedrooms, those spaces need to be properly cleared before work begins. That means furniture moved, valuables stored safely, and access routes kept clear for tradespeople carrying materials and equipment.

For larger projects, consider hiring a storage unit — there are good options available locally across Catford, Lee, and Kidbrooke — to temporarily house furniture and belongings. Protecting what you already own is just as important as building what comes next.

Think About Where You'll Live During the Works

This is the question many homeowners put off until the last minute, and it invariably causes stress. If the refurbishment is extensive — affecting kitchens, bathrooms, or multiple rooms simultaneously — living on-site during works can be genuinely disruptive and even unsafe.

Speak honestly with your contractor about the programme. At Heath Projects, we always map out a clear project timeline so you know exactly when each phase is happening. Some of our clients in Greenwich and Blackheath choose to move in with family nearby, while others rent short-term accommodation in areas like Lee or Eltham for the duration. Planning this in advance keeps your stress levels manageable.

Communicate with Your Neighbours

SE London is a community, and major building works affect more than just your own household. Letting your neighbours know in advance — particularly if you're in a terrace or a flat — is not just good manners, it can prevent disputes and complaints that slow down works.

Give them a rough idea of the programme, your contractor's working hours (which should comply with the local council's noise guidelines), and a point of contact for any concerns. A friendly note through the door goes a long way in tight-knit streets across Blackheath, Kidbrooke, and Deptford.

Choose the Right Contractor

Perhaps the most important preparation of all is selecting a contractor you genuinely trust. Look for a company with a proven track record in your area, verifiable references, and transparent communication. Ask to see examples of previous work — ideally on similar properties in SE London — and never appoint purely on price alone.

A good contractor will survey your property thoroughly before providing a detailed quote, flag any potential issues upfront, and keep you informed throughout the project. That's exactly the approach we take at Heath Projects on every single job, from a bathroom renovation in Lewisham to a full commercial fit-out in Woolwich.

Final Checklist Before Works Begin

• Written contract and programme agreed and signed
• Planning permissions and building regulations sign-off confirmed
• Property cleared and protected
• Temporary living arrangements in place if needed
• Neighbours informed
• Utility isolation points identified (gas, water, electricity)
• Valuables and irreplaceable items removed from site

Ready to Get Started?

A major refurbishment is a significant investment in your property and your quality of life — and with the right preparation and the right team behind you, it can be a genuinely rewarding experience.

Heath Projects are SE London's trusted refurbishment specialists, working across Blackheath, Greenwich, Lewisham, Eltham, Kidbrooke, Deptford, Woolwich, Catford, Lee and beyond. Shaping spaces, defining standards — that's our promise on every project we take on.

Ready to start your refurbishment? Book a free site visit and let's talk through what we can create together.