1. Approvals and permissions

If you own a flat in a managed building, you will usually need approval from the managing agent or building management before any work can begin. This means the start of your renovation is not entirely in your hands.

Approval processes can take weeks or even months. You may be asked to provide:

• a detailed description of the planned works
  
• a list of materials to be used
  
• information about the contractor and their qualifications
  

There are often additional house rules that directly affect the pace of work, such as restricted working hours, bans on work during weekends or bank holidays, or requirements to protect communal areas.

2. Material delivery times

Choosing materials is one of the most demanding parts of any renovation, especially if you opt for bespoke or less common products. Manufacturing and delivery can take many weeks, and waiting times of several months are not unusual.

If materials are ordered from abroad, further delays can occur due to transport or customs processes.

Many stages of a renovation cannot be completed until specific items are on site. A missing kitchen unit, tile or fixture can bring the entire project to a halt. For this reason, it is essential to monitor delivery times closely and consider alternative options where possible.

3. Unexpected discoveries during the works

Without a thorough inspection beforehand, it is impossible to know exactly what lies behind walls, under floors or above ceilings. While detailed surveys are ideal, they are rarely carried out in full before work begins.

As a result, unexpected issues may emerge once work is underway, such as:

• damaged pipework or wiring
  
• moisture problems or mould
  
• structural defects
  

These discoveries often require specialist intervention and can significantly extend the renovation timeline. This is why it is wise to allow both time and budget contingencies.

4. Building approvals and inspections

Building control approvals and inspections almost always influence how quickly a renovation can progress. Certain stages of work cannot continue until an inspection has been completed.

For example, when plumbing or electrical systems are altered, walls often cannot be closed until they have been inspected and approved. This can lead to unavoidable pauses in the schedule.

Discuss the sequence of approvals and inspections with your contractor in advance to gain a realistic understanding of the timeline.

5. Downtime on site

Days with little or no visible progress do not necessarily mean that your renovation is failing, but they can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are living in the property without a functioning kitchen or bathroom.

Renovations rarely move forward without interruptions. Common reasons include:

• required drying and curing times for materials
  
• waiting for specialist trades
  
• illness or personal circumstances affecting workers
  
• contractors working across multiple projects
  

As the project advances, the need for specialised skills increases. A team handling demolition work may not be the same team installing bespoke joinery or fine finishes. This often results in gaps between different phases of work.

If the pace of progress causes concern, open communication with your contractor is key. Understanding the reasons behind delays and having clear expectations about completion dates can reduce stress and help you plan more effectively.