Renovating a kitchen or bathroom typically involves 4 to 6 different trades. Without coordination, chaos is guaranteed: delays, conflicts, cost overruns. This guide explains how to manage a multi-trade project like a pro.
What is a Multi-Trade Project?
A multi-trade project involves several specialties on the same site:
- Bathroom: demolition, plumbing, electrical, tiling, joinery, painting
- Kitchen: plumbing, electrical, kitchen fitting, tiling, painting
- Apartment: masonry, plumbing, electrical, plastering, joinery, flooring, painting
Each work package depends on the others. The tiler can’t step in if the plumber hasn’t finished.
The Logical Order of Intervention
Phase 1: Demolition and Preparation
- Demolition contractor: removal of old elements, disposal
- Mason (if necessary): partition modifications, openings
Phase 2: Technical Networks
- Plumber: running water pipes and drains
- Electrician: running cables, junction boxes
- Heating engineer (if necessary): heating pipes, mechanical ventilation
Phase 3: Partitioning
- Drywaller: installing plasterboard, creating partitions
- Insulation: if included in the project
Phase 4: Coverings
- Tiler: laying floor and wall tiles
- Carpenter: fitting doors, skirting boards, frames
Phase 5: Finishing
- Painter: undercoat and finishes
- Electrician: installing fittings (sockets, switches)
- Plumber: installing sanitary equipment
- Kitchen fitter: kitchen installation
⚠️ This order is CRUCIAL: if you bring in the tiler before the plumber, you’ll have to break the tiles to run the pipes.
Sample Schedule: 6m² Bathroom Renovation
| Week | Trade | Works |
|---|---|---|
| W1 | Demolition | Removal of old fixtures, disposal |
| W1 | Plumber | Running water/drainage networks |
| W2 | Electrician | Wiring, spotlights, ventilation |
| W2 | Drywaller | Wall cladding, suspended ceiling |
| W3 | Tiler | Floor and wall tiles |
| W4 | Painter | Ceiling and finishes |
| W4 | Plumber | Fitting sanitaryware (shower, washbasin, WC) |
| W4 | Electrician | Fittings |
Total: 4 weeks with good coordination.
The 10 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Bringing in the trades in the wrong order
The plumber BEFORE the drywaller, never the other way around.
2. Not allowing a buffer between interventions
If the tiler is due on Monday, don’t schedule the drywaller until Friday evening.
3. Changing your mind mid-project
Every modification impacts all the other work packages.
4. Not appointing a coordination lead
Someone has to make the call, adjust the schedule, handle the unexpected.
5. Paying before checking
Only pay each tradesperson after their work has been validated by the next one.
6. Underestimating timelines
Always allow a 20% buffer on the announced durations.
7. Forgetting about supplies
Materials must be available BEFORE the intervention.
8. Neglecting access
Plan where to store materials and how to remove rubble.
9. Skipping the coordination meeting
A kick-off meeting with all the parties involved is essential.
10. Managing it yourself without experience
If you’re not in the trade, delegate to a professional.
Coordination Checklist
Before the works
- Detailed schedule approved by everyone
- All materials ordered
- Authorizations obtained (co-ownership, municipality)
- Site access organized
- Storage area defined
- Kick-off meeting held
During the works
- Daily check-in with the site manager
- Before/after photos of each intervention
- Written sign-off at each stage
- Real-time budget tracking
- Documented handling of the unexpected
At the end
- Handover visit with a list of reservations
- Payment of balances after reservations are lifted
- Keep invoices and guarantees
- Photos of the final result
Why Go Through a Single Point of Contact?
Managing 5 tradespeople yourself means:
- 5 schedules to coordinate
- 5 invoices to manage
- 5 contacts when there’s a problem
- Risk of “it wasn’t me, it was the other guy” conflicts
With a general contractor or project manager:
- 1 coordinated schedule
- 1 overall invoice
- 1 responsible party when there’s a problem
- Total peace of mind
Find a company for multi-trade works →
FAQ
How much does coordination cost?
If you go through a project manager: 8-15% of the works amount. If you go through a general contractor: included in the fixed price.
Can I coordinate it myself?
Yes, if you have the time, skills, and experience. Otherwise, the risk of extra costs far exceeds the cost of a coordinator.
What if a tradesperson is running late?
That’s the main coordination risk. A professional will know how to reorganize the schedule and find solutions.
