Residential

Often yes for smaller jobs, but dust, noise and loss of water or power points make it harder for larger works. Decide which rooms stay usable, agree daily working hours, and consider moving out for bathroom or kitchen renovations where facilities are unavailable.

Work generally goes from structural and concealed services to ceilings, plaster and tiling, then paint, wallpaper, joinery and floor finishes, with fixtures last. Doing finishes before services causes rework. A site visit helps set the order for your particular layout.

Usually you need at least the landlord's consent, and apartment buildings often have rules on working hours, approvals for structural, plumbing or ceiling changes, and waste disposal. Check your tenancy and building management requirements before any work begins.

Remove or cover furniture, protect floors with boards or sheeting, seal doorways against dust, and mask fittings. Finished items such as new tiles or wood floors should be covered before later trades come in. Agree who is responsible for protection at the start.