Reviewed by: ONEDECORE Design Team
Prepared from ONEDECORE's interior-planning framework and reviewed against current homeowner questions. Project-specific recommendations require site measurements and an approved scope.
Survey before designing
Record existing flooring, walls, plumbing, electrical points, ceilings, windows, doors and fixed furniture. Photograph concealed-risk areas where possible and note visible dampness or damage for investigation.
Decide what stays
Retaining a sound floor, door or cabinet can save work, but it also creates dimensional and finish constraints. Make retention an explicit design decision.
Separate demolition from making good
Removing something often creates another task: patching plaster, repairing flooring, relocating wiring or repainting adjacent surfaces. Include the consequence, not just the demolition.
Sequence wet and dry work
Civil, plumbing and waterproofing work generally need resolution before final cabinetry and decorative finishes. Installation planning should reflect the actual site sequence.
Keep a contingency for discoveries
Older homes can reveal conditions that were not visible during a non-destructive survey. A sensible renovation plan acknowledges uncertainty rather than pretending every condition is known.