Planning & Checklists
Renovation Sequence Guide
Updated 2 min read
The short answer
Work from structure outward: demolition, structural, rough-in services, insulation, drywall, primer, millwork, flooring, countertops, trim, then final paint. The two sequencing decisions people most often get wrong are flooring versus cabinetry, and painting before trim is installed — both create avoidable rework.
The standard sequence
Rooms vary, but the logic — never install something that a later trade will damage or have to work around — does not.
- Demolition and disposalEverything out first. This is also when the surprises appear, so it is the right point to reassess scope.
- Structural workAny wall removal, beam installation or framing changes. Permits and inspections apply.
- Rough-in servicesElectrical, plumbing, HVAC and low-voltage, by licensed trades. Also the moment to install blocking for TV mounts, floating shelves and grab rails.
- InspectionsRough-in inspections before anything is covered. Skipping this means opening walls again.
- Insulation and vapour barrierThen a further inspection where required.
- Drywall, taping and primerPriming before millwork gives a better result and is far easier while the room is empty.
- Millwork installationCabinetry and built-ins installed, levelled and scribed. Countertops cannot be templated until this is done.
- FlooringUsually after cabinetry, so baseboard can sit directly on the finished floor.
- Countertop template, fabrication and installOne to three weeks between template and installation. Plan for it.
- Trim and doorsBaseboard, casing and interior doors.
- Fill, caulk and final paintThe stage that makes separate components read as one.
- Fixtures, hardware and final fitHandles, lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliance install.
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The sequencing decisions people get wrong
| Decision | Do this | Or you get |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring vs cabinetry | Cabinetry first, then flooring | Cabinets sitting on flooring you paid to run underneath |
| Flooring vs baseboard | Flooring first, then baseboard | A gap needing shoe moulding to cover |
| Paint vs trim | Install trim, then paint everything | Cut lines in the wrong place and touch-ups everywhere |
| Countertop vs cabinetry | Cabinets installed and levelled first | A template that does not fit |
| Appliances vs cabinetry | Appliances selected first | Panels built to the wrong dimensions |
| Blocking vs drywall | Blocking before boarding | Opening a finished wall to hang a TV |
Answers
Frequently asked questions
- Should flooring go in before or after cabinets?
- Generally cabinets first, then flooring up to them. Running flooring underneath cabinetry means paying for material nobody sees, and it raises the cabinet height relative to appliances. The main exception is floating floors, which need careful detailing either way — ask your installer.
- When should trim be painted?
- After installation, and ideally at the same time as the walls. Pre-finished trim always needs touch-up at the nail holes and joints, and those touch-ups show. Installing, filling, caulking and then painting gives a visibly better result.
- What causes the most delays?
- Countertop templating and long-lead appliances, followed by inspection scheduling. All three are outside a contractor's direct control, which is why they should be identified and ordered as early as possible rather than when the schedule reaches them.
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