Complete Villa Renovation: In What Order Should the Work Be Carried Out?

Planning a complete villa renovation? Discover the right order for renovation work, from structural construction to finishing, and why working with an experienced renovation company is essential.

Completely renovating a villa is an exciting project, but it can also be complex. Reconfiguring spaces, creating new openings, interior renovation, façade work, roofing, utilities and outdoor landscaping all require careful planning and coordination.

When several trades are involved, the order in which the work is carried out is essential.

Poor planning can lead to delays, unnecessary remedial work and additional costs. A well-organised construction project, on the other hand, allows each stage to follow logically and helps ensure a high-quality and lasting result.

In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, where renovation projects often involve villas requiring extensive refurbishment or complete transformation, working with an experienced renovation company capable of overseeing the project as a whole can make a significant difference.

1. Assess the Existing Property Before Starting Renovation Work

Before any demolition begins, the first step is to carry out a thorough assessment of the existing villa.

The structure of the building, load-bearing walls, floors, roof, foundations and existing utility networks should all be carefully examined.

This stage also allows the proposed architectural plans to be compared with the actual condition and configuration of the property.

For a major villa renovation, an architect and, where necessary, a structural engineering consultant can determine which modifications are feasible and whether any structural reinforcement will be required.

This preparation is essential. Discovering a structural constraint once construction work has already begun can have significant consequences for both the schedule and the overall budget.

2. Begin with Demolition and Removal Work

Once the project has been clearly defined, work can begin by stripping out the areas concerned.

Depending on the scale of the home renovation, this stage may include:

• Demolition of internal partitions;

• Removal of existing floor finishes;

• Removal of sanitary fittings;

• Removal of windows and doors where required;

• Demolition of existing external structures;

• Creation of new openings;

• Partial or complete removal of the roof.

This phase also provides an opportunity to assess the true condition of the building.

In an older villa, certain issues may only become visible once demolition has started, including cracks, damp, outdated utility networks or structural elements requiring reinforcement.

3. Carry Out Structural and General Masonry Work

Once demolition is complete, structural work can begin.

This is one of the most important stages of a complete renovation.

A masonry and construction company may be required to create or modify openings, alter load-bearing walls, construct reinforced concrete elements, strengthen existing structures or build a house extension.

When the architecture of the villa is being significantly transformed, the work may also include new floors, staircases, walls, columns and structural beams.

Structural work forms the backbone of the entire project. It must therefore be completed correctly before finishing work begins.

4. Build the Villa Extension at the Right Stage

When a villa extension forms part of the project, it should generally be incorporated during the structural construction phase.

Excavation, foundations, walls, floors and the connection between the extension and the existing building should be completed before interior renovation work progresses.

Particular attention must be paid to the junction between the existing property and the new construction. Differences in foundations, structural systems and floor levels must be carefully anticipated to create a coherent and durable result.

A construction company experienced in major renovation projects can also coordinate these works to ensure that the extension integrates naturally with the architecture of the existing villa.

5. Make the Building Watertight and Weathertight

Before interior work begins, the villa must be properly protected from the weather.

Making the property watertight primarily involves the roof and the various waterproofing systems.

Making it weathertight also includes the installation of external windows, sliding doors and entrance doors.

This stage should be completed before installing materials that are sensitive to moisture, such as insulation, plasterboard and certain finishes.

For major exterior renovation projects, particular attention should also be given to thresholds, window sills, terraces and waterproofing junctions.

6. Install Utilities Before Closing the Walls

Once the structure is complete and the building is protected from the elements, the various utility networks can be installed.

These may include:

• Electrical systems;

• Plumbing;

• Drainage;

• Air conditioning and heating;

• Ventilation;

• Communication networks and home automation systems.

All of these systems should be correctly positioned before walls, linings and suspended ceilings are closed.

Good coordination between the different trades prevents newly completed work from having to be opened again because an electrical supply, pipe or technical connection has been forgotten or incorrectly positioned.

7. Insulation, Partitions and Interior Renovation

The interior renovation can then begin to take shape.

Insulation is installed first, followed by internal wall linings, partitions and suspended ceilings.

At this stage, the new layout shown on the architectural plans becomes clearly visible.

Bedrooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, kitchens and living spaces gradually take on their final configuration.

For a high-end villa renovation, precision at this stage is particularly important. Built-in niches, alignments, provisions for bespoke joinery, recessed lighting and made-to-measure fittings must all be anticipated.

8. Complete Flooring, Wall Finishes and Interior Finishing

Once the technical work has been completed, the finishing stage can begin.

Depending on the project, this may include screeds, floor tiles, natural stone, bathroom wall tiles, wall finishes, painting and the installation of sanitary fittings.

Internal joinery and decorative elements can then be installed to complete the interiors.

For a successful interior renovation, the quality of the finishing work is just as important as the structural construction. These are the elements that the owners will see and use every day.

9. Complete the Façades and Outdoor Areas

Exterior renovation work can sometimes be carried out alongside certain interior phases. However, areas exposed to construction vehicles and heavy site traffic are generally completed towards the end of the project.

This may include façade renovation, terraces, external staircases, retaining walls, access areas and landscaping around the swimming pool.

In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, outdoor living areas are often an essential part of the architectural project.

Terraces, pool areas and outdoor spaces should create a natural transition between the villa, the garden and the swimming pool.

10. Why Choose an Experienced Building Company for a Complete Renovation?

A complete renovation involves much more than simply bringing several trades onto the same construction site.

Each stage is connected to the next. A structural modification can affect windows and doors, electrical systems, plumbing, flooring and finishes.

Working with an experienced building and renovation company helps ensure better coordination between the different stages and allows technical constraints to be anticipated before they become costly problems.

Before accepting a home renovation estimate, it is therefore important to consider not only the price but also the scope of work, materials specified, insurance coverage and the overall consistency of the proposal.

A Successful Renovation Starts with Good Planning

No two renovation projects are exactly alike.

The condition of the existing property, the desired architecture and the scale of the transformation will determine the precise organisation of the construction work.

However, following a logical sequence — assessment, demolition, structural work, waterproofing and weatherproofing, utilities, interior works and finishing — helps reduce unexpected issues and ensures a more durable result.

For home renovation, villa renovation, house extensions or complete property transformations in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, L & Co Bâtiment assists its clients throughout the construction process, from structural and masonry work through to the finishing stages.

Planning a Villa Renovation or Extension?

Are you looking to renovate, transform or extend a villa in Cavalaire-sur-Mer or elsewhere in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez?

Contact L & Co Bâtiment to discuss your project and request a personalised renovation estimate based on your property, requirements and desired level of finish.