Renovating from the Top Down

Every house renovation project I start, I always tell myself to work from the top down, but I get carried away with the extension, the outside, windows, and so on. When I get to the end of the project, I aways regret it!

For example, my loft is currently badly insulated and could use more floor space with storage, my husband and I are working on it every weekend, and it's made a big difference to our lives having it organized. I initially wanted to replace the roof with a new black slate one, but after getting a quote, I decided to allocate the budget elsewhere. The roof had nothing structurally wrong with it, but after fixing all the fascia and soffits by hand, I realized that if I had the budget to do it, I absolutely would have.

Roof, Fascia and Soffits before we started the house renovation

Why Should We Work from the Top Down in a House Renovation?

Working from the top down in a house renovation is essential for efficiency, practicality, and avoiding unnecessary rework. Here’s why:

1. Gravity & Mess Control

Renovating upper floors first prevents dust, debris, and damage from affecting newly completed lower levels. For example, plastering or painting ceilings can create a mess—better to do it before finishing downstairs spaces.

2. Structural Considerations

If you’re making changes to the roof, loft, or upper floors, they may impact the lower floors. It’s best to ensure the top of the house is structurally sound before working downward.

3. Services & Systems

Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems typically run from top to bottom. Starting upstairs ensures seamless installation without disrupting newly finished areas.

Re-Wire the House electrics

4. Flooring Protection

Heavy work upstairs (like moving materials, tiling, or sanding floors) can cause dust and damage. By working top-down, you avoid trampling on freshly laid flooring below.

5. Logical Workflow

• Start with the roof/loft conversion (if applicable).

• Work on upstairs rooms—structural work, plastering, and painting.

• Move to lower floors after upper spaces are complete.

• Finish with flooring, fixtures, and final details.

Checking electrics and plumbing early in the renovation is crucial. It might feel like a big expense upfront, but it’s worth every penny in the long run.

Why?

✅ Avoids costly rework—rewiring or replumbing after finishing walls and floors is a nightmare!

✅ Ensures your home is safe and up to current regulations.

✅ Future-proofs your space—adding extra sockets, smart home features, or better plumbing now saves hassle later.

✅ Prevents leaks, pressure issues, or electrical failures once everything is beautifully finished.

Old Boiler

New Boiller moved to a different location in the property

Let's re-cap : Key Considerations for Internal House Renovation

Careful planning is essential to creating a functional, stylish, and long-lasting home. Here’s what to focus on:

🔹 Structure & Layout – Ensure the building is sound, plan a smart layout, and check if walls are load-bearing before removal.

🔹 Budget & Planning – Set a realistic budget with a contingency (10-20%) and invest in quality materials, insulation, and heating.

🔹 Plumbing & Electrics – Upgrade outdated systems before decorating—future-proofing now saves costly rework later.

🔹 Insulation & Energy Efficiency – Improve insulation, upgrade windows, and use sustainable materials to enhance comfort and reduce bills.

Insulating between floors for sound proofing

💡 Final Tip: Always renovate in order—structure first, then services, then finishes—to avoid redoing completed work!

Sarah Burrows Interiors

https://www.instagram.com/sarahburrowsinteriors/