Renovations - which order do you think?

[IHeartHoumous]

Just completed on a 1st floor conversion (built 1890) flat, the following needs doing - wondered what order you would advise?

Windows need replacing – currently has old, wooden sash ones with signs of rot round the frame

Wiring is fairly old so a complete re-wire

Combi boiler put in – has an older system/regular boiler with a cylinder for storing hot water

WC is separate to bathroom (stud wall between them) so want to make it onto one, bigger bathroom with new bathroom suite and tiles

The rest just aesthetics i.e. walls skimmed and painted; and carpet taken up throughout and mostly replaced with laminate flooring bar the stairs up to the flat and the landing which will be re-carpeted.

I know re-wiring is messy so was thinking that first (plus allows us to ask for sockets etc in new places) then carpet as the last ‘new’ thing to go down? Are there any workmen that would need to work simultaneously?

NB: The flat is totally empty (probate sale) and we have alternative accommodation (parents) whilst the work is being carried out.

Cheers!

I would definitely start with the wiring. Windows a tricky one as sometimes replacement can be quick and easy and not leave a mess and other times less so!

You work from the inner structure outwards: so wiring/heating/plumbing first which all need walls opening up/floorboards lifting, then replastering, then redecorating and replacing broken joinery such as skirting boards then flooring.

I would look at refurbishing the windows if possible because they look much nicer than uPVC.

Check that you are allowed to use laminate in your flat (the lease should specify) and, if you are, put lots of insulation underneath because it is hideous for other residents if you don't.

I'd definitely start with the wiring. Our renovation was on a different scale, but because of the lath and plaster, and stone walls our re-wire took as many months as they first thought it would take in weeks, and was very very messy. Get that out of the way and everything else will seem like a breeze.

Plumber and electrician can probably work alongside each other if need be.

Apologies, skirting boards go on last if you are using laminate or wooden flooring so that you can put them on top of the boards rather than use that edging stuff.

For the combi boiler, you need to have your water pressure checked first. There are some old properties where the pressure on the first floor is too low for this type of boiler. It isn't always possible to replace just the boiler either - you may need to replace the radiators as well if they are very old and the water pipes / central heating pipes will need to be checked too. Combi boilers may not work if there are leaks in the pipework.
Our house is 1900s and still had some lead water pipes which needed to be replaced with copper ones.
Replacing pipework involves lifting up floor boards so needs to be done before laying new flooring.

You might need planning permission for replacement windows as flats have different permitted development rights. I'd refurb them, a little bit of rot is easy to treat.

You might also need permission of the freeholder to do the works as well. Laminate likely to be a no no.

Wiring then boiler. Although get the heating serviced before winter.

We had a Victorian conversion. Loved it but every time we did something to it, we find problems 😨

We had a similar bathroom but kept them seperate in the end.

Decorating the hallway last, it's a thoroughfare.