Renovation vs kitchen extension- which first?

[BerryTiredMama]

So we’ve just had an offer accepted on a fixer upper. We have around 80k to spend on it. The kitchen itself is modern enough. The rest of the house needs a total reno - bathroom, rewire etc. Luckily windows are in a good condition.

However! we also want to do a huge 6m extension in the future.

Obviously 80k will not cover both renovation and extension so i was wondering if anyone has done their kitchen extension first and then done the rest of the house room by room or would it be wise to fix the entire house but leave the kitchen dining room as is until we have money saved.

The thing is we know we wont have that kind of money saved up again and dont really want to remortgage and borrow more but we dont know anyone who has does their extension first. Any first hand experience or advice would be appreciated!

I hope this makes sense! Thanks

Definitely do your extension first. You'll need to sort electrics for the extension and other parts of the house may get trashed by builders / dust will get everywhere. You might also find you use the rest of the house differently once you have the extension and you'd use the rooms differently/ maybe want to play around slightly with the layout (which would make sense before you renovate).

I also wouldn't renovate (and spend all my savings) banking on being able to do a 6m extension in the future. Finances might change / planning permission might be problematic and you might not be able to do it as you currently plan. Spend your savings on the extension, smaller renovations can be done slowly as and when finances allow.

How long in the future?
I'm guessing you are thinking at least a couple of years of saving (& maybe extra mortgage borrowing?). Any chance of circumstances changing (having a baby, for example) that might push it back further?

Personally I'd do the other work if it really needs doing - having the electrics up to spec will probably make the extension easier. You'll have other finished rooms to retreat to while the work is done, & to enjoy in the meantime.
If you don't end up extending, decide to move instead or life changes, you'll have a finished house with a "modern enough" kitchen.

We did similar - new roof, windows, partial rewire, repointing, boiler etc, added an upstairs bathroom & fully stripped out and decorated the living room and master bedroom.
We wanted to extend the kitchen but knew it would be a few years. We've just remortgaged & got planning permission - by the time the work is done next spring it will be 5 years in(!). At least I've had the nice bedroom, bathroom and living room to retreat to in the meantime!

Saying that we have side access and a downstairs toilet at the back of the existing kitchen - so builders shouldn't need to access the finished rooms and we can tape up the doorways to minimise dust!

Agree with the above. A large extension will inevitably affect the rest of the house.
It may involve moving the boiler or fuse box. You may need to lift carpets, floorboards etc to access wiring and plumbing.
You will also hopefully get to know tradesmen in the process so will help getting other jobs done.

Only reason not to do it this way round is if you think you might need to move within a few years. Trying to sell a half done house is difficult as the price tag puts off those who want a doer upper And the lack of finish puts off everyone else