Decorating/diy order?

[LawnFever]

This sounds daft but I don’t want to end up doing things twice!

We were due to get all of our downstairs skimmed (to paint) new skirting put in, new doors, some additional electric sockets and new light fittings.

The existing walls were years old wood chip, so I was expecting the walls to be horrific once it was stripped (doing that bit ourselves) but as if by magic, they’re in incredible condition and there’s no need to skim at all.

Everything else still needs doing - should I paint the walls now, or get everything else done first then paint after?

I think you need to leave it until the skirting etc is on, primed and ready to paint.

But having said that, I’d get the walls as prepped as possible now- sugar soap, mist cost and fill the bits you need to. Then once you’re top costing all round it’s ready to go.

Coat not cost

Paint last. Always last.

Thank you!

Great, I’ll get the walls all prepped, really chuffed tbh it’s saved us a fortune not needing to get it all skimmed.

Are the additional sockets in places where there aren't currently sockets? If so they will need to cut out channels for the cables so even if you don't need a full skim you'll need some remedial plaster work so don't do anything until after then.

normal order is:

• plumbing (NA for you)
• electrics (do your lights & sockets)
• any plastering (might get away with just filling any holes to channel for sockets)
• carpentry (your doors etc)
• then decorating
• carpets last if changing