How to prioritise

[Maplebean]

I’m looking for advice in which order to prioritise renovations around my flat. I bought a 1930s maisonette August 2023 that needed a lot done. Having put in flooring and a new bathroom I’m struggling to prioritise the other jobs that need doing as I am short on funds and so I can’t see all these being finished for another 6-7 years.
list of things needs done:

-two window replacements
-joinery work around some doors -old fireplace replacement
-gardening landscaping
-kitchen replacement
-new front door
-hall wallpaper off and painted

Am really struggling with how to order what jobs to do first.
Any advice appreciated.

If everything is safe and working, do the hallway while you save for the next bit. Then do the windows and door so they don't become an emergency.

I always think securing the outside and keeping the structure sound and weatherproof are the most important things so I say door and windows.

So cash wise, could you strip the wallpaper and paint it yourself, so only costing as much as some paint?
Windows could be the next thing, if they are no longer sound as this could cause a damp issue.
Assuming you are in good health, could you do some landscaping? This kind of things tends to be quite easy unless its a massive job. I have no skills whatsoever but I've dug up patios and laid lawn etc. Not at this time of year though!

Windows and door first. Kitchen and joinery next. Most decent kitchen fitters are joiners first and foremost so may be able to do both. Fireplace could be done alongside as long as they aren't crossing paths with the kitchen people. Decoration work only when no-one is bringing in wood and kitchen cabinets, etc, into your house so there's no chance of damage and the contractors aren't in the way in the hallway.

Get your quotes in for landscaping done in Feb/March so the contractors will have you booked in for weather gets better. It is weather dependent so get on their list of jobs early.

We’re in the middle of a huge renovation- and we have run out of funds and need to save again for the next load of work. So just to say, solidarity.

Just a point about the front door - how desperate is it?

The reason I ask is that builders/trades can be clumsy bastards and some kitchen appliances/cupboards can be a bit of a squeeze to get in. If the door is t desperate I’d probably get your kitchen delivered first and potentially the joinery if that involves big doors being carried in and out.

Agree with doing hallway first and getting stuck in yourself. Likewise landscaping next year.

If the front door is desperate then prioritise that first, but if it’s not dire I’d wait until the risk of getting it damaged has passed. Unfortunately speaking from experience….. 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

Re windows, doors, fireplace. Can you buy a damp meter and test yourself? If you have damp problems, then sorting them would come first with me. Structure first.

Thanks all

@TheSandgroper there is a damp smell in the back bedroom which is one of the areas that needs a new window. Good point on buying a damp meter and checking myself- never occurred to me to do this.

Really good points from everyone around thinking about what might get damaged when prioritising the order of things.

thanks @SpidersAreShitheads for the solidarity. I bought a home that had been lived in by an old lady all her life and so hadn’t been updated since the 70s! I definitely saw the potential above the sheer amount of work needing doing so have my regrets at times. Though I’m in a lovely area with a private front and back garden space in a city so do feel grateful- especially in the summer.

so I think I’m going to get quotes for the two windows this week. Maybe leave the door until the end (it’s not dire). Then some work on the hall and joinery work next as not too costly. Garden in Spring. Kitchen and fireplace once some things are paid off.