MDS NE

Domestic · Refurbishments

Property refurbishments
in Newcastle
& the North East

Get a Free Quote
07880 712570

Whole home refurbishments managed end to end. One contractor for structural work, 

plumbing, heating, electrics, joinery, plastering, kitchens, bathrooms and decoration across 

Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland.

✓ CHAS Accredited✓ Fully insured✓ Dedicated Project Manager
◈ CHAS Accredited

◈ All Trades Managed

◈ Fully Insured

◈ Free Site Visit

◈ 5-Star Google Reviewed

What's included

Every trade, one programme

Refurbishments go wrong when trades are not properly coordinated. We sequence every element including structural work, services and finishes so nothing has to be undone and redone.

  • Initial design & costing
  • Strip-out & structural alterations
  • Plumbing, heating & electrical
  • Plastering & screeding
  • Kitchens & bathrooms
  • Joinery, staircases & fitted furniture
  • Decorating & flooring
  • Snagging 

How it works

Property refurbishment order: a step by step guide for UK homeowners

While every refurbishment is different, most full property refurbishments follow a similar sequence of stages. Proper coordination of trades is essential as work carried out in the wrong order leads to delays, additional costs and work having to be redone.

1 

Consultation, design & quote

The first stage involves a site visit, a full assessment of the scope and a detailed fixed price quote covering every trade before any work is agreed.

2

Planning & programme

The sequence of trades is planned in full, a start date is agreed and the homeowner is briefed on what to expect at each stage.

3

Strip-out & structural

The property is cleared, areas not being worked on are protected and any structural alterations are carried out.

4

First fix

First fix is where all the behind the scenes work takes place. Plumbing pipework, heating systems and electrical cabling are installed throughout the property before any walls are plastered or finished. 

5

Plastering

The plastering stage covers plasterboarding, skimming and making good any areas disturbed during strip-out or first fix work. The property needs adequate drying time before second fix and decoration can begin.

6

Kitchens & bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom installations are completed once plaster is fully dry. Units, worktops, sanitaryware, tiling and all final plumbing and electrical connections are completed at this stage

7

Second fix, joinery, flooring & decorating

Second fix and finishing covers skirting boards, architrave, internal doors, any bespoke joinery and fitted furniture. Once joinery is complete, floor finishes are laid and the property is decorated throughout.

8

Snagging & handover

Once all trades are complete, a full snagging inspection is carried out throughout the property. Any minor remedials, touch ups or adjustments are completed before a final walk-round with the client to confirm everything has been delivered to the agreed standard. The property is then handed back clean and ready to use.

Avoid costly mistakes

Common refurbishment mistakes to avoid

A poorly planned refurbishment can cost significantly more than the original budget and take far longer than expected. These are the most common mistakes homeowners make when refurbishing a property in the North East and how to avoid them.

Not getting a fixed price quote

Many homeowners accept a rough estimate rather than a detailed fixed price quote before work begins. This leaves the door open for costs to escalate as  the project progresses. Always insist on a fixed price quote covering every trade before any work is agreed.

Hiring trades separately

Booking a plumber, electrician and plasterer independently might seem like a way to save money but it creates significant coordination problems. When trades are not working to the same programme, delays are almost inevitable and the cost of putting mistakes right can far outweigh any initial saving.

Starting work before all decisions are made

Changing your mind about a layout, a finish or a fitting once work has started can be extremely costly. Kitchens, bathrooms, tiles and flooring should all be chosen and signed off before work begins so trades can work to a fixed specification throughout.

Underestimating the timescale

Most refurbishments take longer than homeowners expect, particularly in older properties where unexpected issues such as outdated wiring, hidden damp or structural problems can add time and cost to the programme. Always build a contingency into your timescale.

Ignoring building regulations

Certain types of refurbishment work require building regulations approval regardless of whether planning permission is needed. Electrical work, structural alterations and changes to heating systems all fall into this category. Failing to obtain the correct approvals can cause problems when selling the property.

Choosing the cheapest contractor

The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. A contractor who cuts corners on materials, skips proper testing or uses unqualified tradespeople will often cost more in the long run when remedial work is needed. Always check accreditations, read reviews and ask for examples of previous work before committing.

Not planning for disruption

A full property refurbishment is a significant undertaking and homeowners who are not prepared for the level of disruption involved often find the process far more stressful than it needs to be. Having a clear plan for where you will live, how you will manage without a kitchen or bathroom and how your belongings will be stored makes a significant difference to the experience.

Homeowner checklist

Refurbishment checklist for UK homeowners

Planning a property refurbishment in Newcastle or the North East? Use this checklist to make sure everything is in place before work begins.

Before you start:

  • Have a clear idea of the style and look you want to achieve before approaching any contractor. Even a rough starting point helps the design process significantly.
  • Set a realistic budget including a contingency of at least 10 to 15 percent for unexpected costs
  • Decide whether you will remain in the property during the works or make alternative arrangements
  • Be confident in your final design choices for Layouts, kitchens, bathrooms and tiling before work starts. Changes made once work has begun can be costly and cause delays to the programme.
  • Check whether any planning permission or building regulations approval is required
  • Agree a programme of works before the first day on site

During the refurbishment:

  • Make sure you have a single point of contact managing the project
  • Do a walk-round at the end of each key stage. 
  • Keep a record of any changes agreed during the project and their cost implications
  • Raise any concerns with your project manager as soon as they arise

At handover:

  • Check all work against the original specification before signing off
  • Do a thorough walk-round before final payment is made to confirm you are happy with every element of the finished project
  • Retain all certification and warranty documentation provided at handover
  • Register any new appliances, boilers or heating systems with the manufacturer to activate the warranty.

Why MDS NE

North East refurbishment specialists you can rely on

Proper coordination is what separates a smooth refurbishment from a stressful one. We plan every stage before work begins.

  • One project managerYou always know who is managing your refurbishment and who to call at any stage of the project.
  • Trades that work in sequence Proper planning means every trade picks up exactly where the last one finished with no gaps or delays.
  • Clear, fixed pricingYou know the full cost of every stage before work begins with no hidden extras or surprise invoices.
  • Full documentation on completionAll gas certificates, electrical certification and warranty paperwork provided when we hand the property back to you.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How much does a full house refurbishment cost in Newcastle?
The cost of a full property refurbishment in Newcastle and the North East varies significantly depending on the size of the property, the scope of work involved and the specification of finishes chosen. Even a partial refurbishment covering key rooms represents a significant investment, while a full whole house refurbishment including structural work, new kitchen, bathrooms, rewire, heating and decoration can run into tens of thousands. We provide a detailed fixed price quote covering every trade and every stage before any work is agreed so you know exactly what you are committing to before work begins. Get in touch to arrange a free site visit and quote.
How long does a full property refurbishment take?
The length of a property refurbishment depends on the size of the property, the scope of work and whether the property is occupied or empty during the works. A partial refurbishment of one or two rooms can be completed in a matter of weeks, while a full whole house refurbishment typically takes between eight and sixteen weeks depending on the complexity of the project. We produce a full programme before work begins so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
 Do I need planning permission for a property refurbishment?
In most cases a standard internal refurbishment does not require planning permission. Work such as rewiring, replumbing, new kitchens and bathrooms, plastering and decoration all fall under permitted development and do not need approval from the local authority. However, planning permission may be required if the refurbishment involves structural alterations that change the appearance of the property, such as changes to windows, doors or the roofline. Building regulations approval is also required for certain types of work including electrical work, structural alterations and changes to heating systems. We will advise you on any permissions or approvals required as part of your initial consultation.
Do you do landlord refurbishments?
Yes. We carry out landlord refurbishments across Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland, including full property refurbishments between tenancies, kitchen and bathroom replacements, redecoration and compliance work such as electrical and gas safety certificates. We understand that time is money for landlords and work efficiently to get properties back on the market as quickly as possible.
Which areas do you cover for refurbishments?
We carry out property refurbishments across Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland. This includes Gosforth, Jesmond, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, Wallsend, Killingworth, Ponteland, Darras Hall, Cramlington and South Shields. If you are unsure whether we cover your area give us a call on 07880 712570 and we will be happy to confirm.

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MDS NE

Ready to start your
refurbishment?

Tell us about your project and we will get 

back to you to arrange a free no-obligation 

site visit and quote.

Get a Free Quote
07880 712570
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