House renovation, in what order?

llizz88

We are about to purchase and embark on the renovation of a wonderful property. We feel extremely lucky to be in this position  

We are intending on living in our MIL's caravan on the driveway of said property whilst we have things going on, so having some rooms 'done first' isn't really an issue. 

Having done small projects in the past we have never taken on anything this big before... and needless to say our excitement is mixed with anxiety too. 

Our question really, is for a house that needs a full Reno' what order is recommended to carry out tasks? 

It will need (that we know of):
Removal of one internal wall
Soffits, facias, guttering 
Windows and doors
Rewiring
Damp proofing
Plastering (not sure to what extent yet)
Internal doors

New bathroom 
New kitchen
New carpets/flooring
Paint etc
and we'd also like a log burner installing... 

Please help us to understand a sensible order to do these things in... I realise tradies can hold things up and getting every thing to align may not be possible but just for transparency I'm asking for advice in an 'ideal' world... 

TELLIT01

The external and internal work can go on alongside each other in many cases.  The sequence seems sensible, get the windows and external doors installed before internal plastering.  I would reverse the order of painting and carpeting/flooring, and probably get the log burner in place before decorating and flooring.  Paint first and you don't have to be quite as careful :-)

YBR

You do the most messy first, so removing a wall and re-wiring before plastering; plastering needs to dry before painting; painting before floors and carpets.

You need the bathroom and kitchen planned before re-wiring so the sockets, cables and pipes run in the best places, but you'll nor start work on building it until after replastering, I think.

The external Soffits, facias, guttering, might be independent, unless the same contractor is also doing windows and doors.

mlz1413

So 1st you need to plan the rooms.
Decide where lights and sockets are going. Some people what 1 ceiling light in centre of room, but this is the time to decide if you want 2 lights in a ceiling or wall lights or a combination. 

Decide where beds will go and get a double socket each side.  Or if there isn't space for sockets each side where will you plug in a hairdryer,  phone, lamp etc etc.

Kitchens need to be planned for waste, air extraction over hobs, dishwasher,  washing machine etc etc.

Bathrooms do you want a mirrored cabinet with light? A shaving point? Shower? Etc.

Once you know these plans, get quotes and ask the person quoting what order they want.  You may get one builder who will manage it all or you may be project managing many different single trades.

Get the structural stuff done first along with DPC and then make the house secure,  ie windows and external doors. 

Then electrics and plumbing as floor boards need to be up for both these trades.

Then plastering.

Skirting, architrave and internal doors.

Then decorating whilst the rooms are empty

Kitchens, bathrooms and flooring next.

Outside guttering and soffit can be anytime after windows are in, but could be at the same time if you are getting scaffolding. 

FreeBear

llizz88 said:

We are about to purchase and embark on the renovation of a wonderful property. We feel extremely lucky to be in this position  

We are intending on living in our MIL's caravan on the driveway of said property whilst we have things going on, so having some rooms 'done first' isn't really an issue.

It will need (that we know of):
Damp proofing

Damp proofing ???

If this involves chemical DPC injections and waterproof render/plaster internally, spend your money on something else.

Be careful about living in the caravan whilst having the work done - Unless you get approval from the local council, you might get a letter (or a visit) telling you not to use the caravan.

You may well need Building Control sign off on the wall removal, especially if it is structural - Do not accept the opinion of a builder, they are not qualified to make such a determination.

Oh, and while you are at it, don't forget to boost the loft insulation.

35har1old

TELLIT01 said:

The external and internal work can go on alongside each other in many cases.  The sequence seems sensible, get the windows and external doors installed before internal plastering.  I would reverse the order of painting and carpeting/flooring, and probably get the log burner in place before decorating and flooring.  Paint first and you don't have to be quite as careful :-)

If the plastering entails the use of a wheelbarrow I wouldn't have the external door fitted and protect the frame from  accidental damage.

Albermarle

Are you not doing anything with the central heating/hot water. Is that all OK?

llizz88

We actually need clarity on this, there is a brand spanking new boiler installed but we've been unable to clarify whether this has also had any alteration to the heating system... 

Why do you ask? 

Are we being naive? 

Sorry this reply is all over - I'm new to this forum

Albermarle said:

Are you not doing anything with the central heating/hot water. Is that all OK?

FFHillbilly

Removal of one internal wall do this first
Soffits, facias, guttering If they aren't leaking, can be left to the end
Windows and doors Do before you plaster
Rewiring Get an EICR first, and and plan where you would like extra sockets & lights before you get an electrician round to quote, but definitely do the rewiring as early as possible before plastering/decorating/floors

Damp proofing best form of damp proofing is ensure the cavity is clear, the render is waterproof, windows are sealed properly, gutters/downspouts don't leak. Be wary of any internal damp proofing before you've ensured all of that is done properly first, it's a last resort
Plastering (not sure to what extent yet)strip off any wallpaper before you even bother a plasterer for a quote. and do this after plumbing/electrics 1st fix
Internal doors, if the frames are ok, this can be left towards the end

New bathroom depends how soon you want it
New kitchen same as above
New carpets/flooring this should be one of the last jobs
Paint etc one of the last jobs
and we'd also like a log burner installing... no idea, I've never had much to do with them but if unsure, ask a log burner professional as early as possible

Albermarle

llizz88 said:

We actually need clarity on this, there is a brand spanking new boiler installed but we've been unable to clarify whether this has also had any alteration to the heating system... 

Why do you ask? 

Are we being naive? 

Sorry this reply is all over - I'm new to this forum

Albermarle said:

Are you not doing anything with the central heating/hot water. Is that all OK?

The question was in case the heating system/boiler/radiators/hot water systems were on their last legs, it would be a good time to replace them and fit this in to your timetable.

jonnydeppiwish!

For us, it was windows and door, then bedroom. This way you always had a ‘sanctuary’ clean and tidy, away from the mess. Bathroom and plastering next.