New windows or new bathroom? Which would you do first?

[wonkytonkwoman]

As the title says but with a bit of context.

I've accepted a quote to completely refurbish my bathroom - cost wihtout the bathroom suite is £3470 and I'm allowing about £700 for the bath, sink and loo (which I'm getting at a discount from a local plumbing service). That's all on hold because the builder isn't doing any inside work for the forseeable future.

The double glazed windows in the house I moved into last December are old and the seals have blown so they let in some cold and mist up. They aren't huge (it's only a two bed house). So I'd be looking at 4 windows and a french door as i had the bathroom one replaced straight away because it wouldn't shut any more. I don't know how much that will be but I reckon about £5-£6,000.

I don't know which to have done first. The bathroom Iv'e got still works fine but it obviously badly needs updating in every way (except the power shower is amazing). The windows all still open and close but they're at the end of their life and functionality.

What would you do in my shoes? I can do both I'd need to space them out to be sure I've got the money and I don't want to clear my funds out in one hit really.
Thanks.

Windows. If your bathroom works but your windows don't, it's a no-brainer for me. I'd like to be nice and toasty when I close the windows.

I would probably get the windows done as that is maintenance and could cause damp and more problems whereas the bathroom is more cosmetic. I would want the bathroom though

Windows. I have the same issue (except no money for the work) and I will do the windows first.

Windows.

Ah, you all make sense and I agree (although I really want a lovely bathroom). I'll just delay the non essential work.

We've just done or are in the process of doing both. Some of my windows are rotten and hideous my bathroom apart form the shower wouldn't grace the cheapest student accommodation but it functions. But if I could only afford to do one now but know I could afford the other say next year I know it's not sensible but I think the bathroom wins hands down. Don't get me wrong my new windows are fab, and I'm not telling my DH this because he's very pleased whittle new windows but frankly you'll get more pleasure from a new bathroom.

I don't know how big your windows are but I think you might be overestimating the cost, given the size of your house. I would get quotes from a couple of local companies to do it before you make a decision as you may be pleasantly surprised!

Also, if the upvc frame is in decent condition, you could always just replace the double glazed unit, which is an even cheaper option.

(I've assumed you have upvc frames, if not then ignore me - wooden frames are very spendy!)

@LBOCS2 yes I think you're probably right they aren't huge at all and i only need 4 plus the French doors which are ok ish but I'd rather be sure and just replace the lot. I'm going to ask the company who did the one that needed replacing immediately, as they did a really good job, and a company I used in the previous house.

I think I can live with the bathroom a bit longer, and any way my guy isn't doing any indoor work for some time to come so I think I'll have time to save up again for that.

yes, UPVC!

Windows definitely, you don’t want damp and the bathroom does it’s job do is less urgent. I agree that it probably won’t cost nearly as much as you think.

Normally I'd say windows first, but I'd be tempted to get the new bathroom and do the window as well. The window in your bathroom shouldn't be that expensive.

window first.
you don't want something go wrong with that damaging your lovely new bathroom.
plus you can add ventilation/extractor to prevent future damp issues

I'd do the windows too, however, depending on your house layout, you may find thsy if you get everything else cosmetically as you want it that the potential.mess and disruption puts you totally off having the bathroom redone later.