top of page
Search

What Should You Renovate First? A Room-By-Room Carpentry Renovation Order Guide

  • Writer: Alice
    Alice
  • Dec 1, 2025
  • 2 min read

Updated: Dec 4, 2025

External cladding and decking

Starting a home renovation can feel overwhelming — especially when every room seems to need something. The good news? Carpentry gives you the perfect foundation to organise your renovation in the smartest (and least stressful) way.


Here’s the room-by-room carpentry renovation order we recommend as professional carpenters.



1. Start With: Hallways & High-Traffic Areas


Why this comes first:


These areas set the tone for the whole home and usually suffer the most wear and tear.


Best carpentry upgrades:


  • New internal doors

  • Skirting & architraves

  • Under-stairs storage

  • Wall panelling


Small improvements here create an immediate “wow” factor.


Why it adds value:


  • Reduces clutter

  • Creates a premium, custom finish

  • Makes smaller rooms feel larger


Best for: alcove shelving, living rooms, bedrooms, under-stairs storage.


2. Living Room


Once the entrance looks its best, move on to the heart of the home.


Recommended upgrades:


  • Alcove units

  • Floating shelving

  • Media walls

  • Built-in storage


This is one of the easiest rooms to dramatically transform with carpentry.


3. Bedrooms


Bedrooms often get left until last — but improved storage here makes everyday life much easier.


Carpentry that works well:


  • Built-in wardrobes

  • Over-bed storage

  • Bespoke dressing areas

  • Door upgrades


These upgrades also add strong resale value.


4. Kitchens (Carpentry-Specific)


A full kitchen renovation is a big project, but smaller carpentry improvements can make a huge difference.


Quick wins include:


  • Replacing door fronts

  • Adding shelving

  • Installing a breakfast bar

  • Upgrading skirting & trims


5. Garden & Outdoor Spaces


Finish with outdoor work so you’re not tracking debris inside through newly renovated rooms.



Top outdoor carpentry upgrades:


  • Decking

  • Fencing

  • Gates

  • Planter boxes

  • Pergolas


This stage improves kerb appeal and extends usable living space.


Ready to tick off some carpentry renovation tasks?


Renovating in the right order saves you time, money, and headaches. Carpentry should always be a key consideration early on, because it shapes the structure and feel of each room.


If you’re renovating in Cambridgeshire or Hertfordshire and want advice tailored to your home, we’d be happy to help.


Comments

bottom of page