Redecorating a room - where to start?

[ApocalypseNowt]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but if I'm completely redoing a room in what order should I get things done?

Say I want to replaster, new curtain rail, possibly change/add more light fittings, paint/wallpaper and do something with the floor (make floorboards nice or put down carpet).....what would I do first?

I get that I'll only paint after I plaster but other than that I'm not sure. Is there a good book or website anyone could recommend that would help a newbie like me?

Start at the top and work down. So ceiling, walls, skirting, floor. It will all fall into place once you start. Although there will be a point you wish you hadn't started.

Good luck!

Right. Ok that makes sense!

At the moment this is hypothetical as we're having heating issues and need some guttering/pointing work done so my decorating money has been wiped out! However I keep looking at my scruffy rooms, thinking about what to do.

It's annoying as if it was just a lick of paint needed I could get stuck in but unfortunately a bit lot more is needed!

If you're considering electrics as well, you'd need to remove everything from the room, strip existing wallpaper/lining paper, get 1st fix electrics, plastering, painting, 2nd fix electrics, carpet.

If you decide to re-do the floorboards, I'd sand them earlier on and then cover up (can get pretty dusty). Depending on your current flooring, you might need to replace or re-position your skirting boards and door if the floor level changes.

Thanks JoJo - see this is where I get confused. What are 1st and 2nd fix electrics?

Plan nowhere needs finalised but at present there's just one light fitting in the centre of the ceiling. I'm thinking about possibly putting some lights on the walls. Plug sockets I think are ok where they are.

Re the floorboards - I quite fancy putting carpet down but DH likes the floorboards. They're a bit beaten up though so would need sanding etc if we decide to keep them.

Oooh forgot to say we've got a lovely fireplace which is not used currently. Thinking about a woodburning stove or something.

1st fix is when the electrician chases cables in the walls and 2nd fix is when he attaches light fittings and switches.

Attached photo shows what walls look like after the first fix.

The final decision on the flooring should really be made before you start but sanding and refinishing floors can look lovely.

Thank you!

Yes, we'll definitely get the whole plan together before we start