Does anyone else feel like they don't have a clue?

[ZippyDoodle]

We have a nice house in a good area that needs an update. Windows, kitchen, bathroom and garden all need sorting. Everything is a bit dated and scruffy although clean and tidy.

I just feel like I never know where to start so as a result never do anything. Previous experience with tradesmen puts me off.

I look at all these amazing renovations online and just think I'd like a house like that!

I'm a bit of a perfectionist but it can sometimes stop me from actually doing anything. I also doubt myself A LOT. Anyone have any words of wisdom or encouragement?

So windows is protection against damp and insulation so that's where you should focus

Builder usually best - do you know anyone who can recommend a builder ? Fensa registered from memory

Dated and scruffy is much less of a problem - one room at a time

instagram pictures - i bet you could stage a photo - you have no idea what the place really is, what real issues they faced - move away except for style ideas

We moved into our new home in December and we pretty much need to do the same as you. We’ve decorated the whole house as it was in desperate need because every single room looked scruffy. Then we replaced all the carpets in the bedrooms stairs and landing leaving the hard wood floors downstairs until last I’ll live with those until we replace the fireplace’s.
We quickly discovered the boiler wasn’t working very well and shall be replaced in the next few weeks. Today we’ve arranged for a quote for new windows and doors so I’ve gone through all of the brochures to give them an idea of what we’d like. I know we won’t have the most expensive options because there’s just far too many windows that need replacing due to many of them being blown because they are so old.
Our garden is slowly looking better now we’ve chopped back and removed stuff hard to find dry days on the weekends to get going but spring is coming so hopefully we can make some progress there in the next couple of months.
My kitchen and bathroom both need replacing but I’ll have to be patient deep down I just want to get it all done but we have bills to pay and we’d rather have a holiday after such a stressful year that 2024 was.

I’m with you OP.
We need a new kitchen and en-suite and bathroom. I have no idea at all how to start. I want someone to plan it all and take all the stress away.

Had the same problem a few years ago. Although I know the neighbours well having been here for a while, no one had any work done in the recent past so couldn't get any recommendations

I went on Buy with Confidence which is a Trading Standards directory online, the trades on there are recommended by their customers. Found some very good trades folk on there and have the the usual bath/kit/central heating done. The window guy came out and told us we didn't need a new lot they were fine as I was worried they were pretty old for double glazing. So if you are short of local recommendations it's a handy directory.

Yes I always feel like this before any building work, and I'm a building surveyor 😂

You need to break it down as looking at it as a whole can be overwhelming. Order each project from cheapest to most expensive. Then order each project in terms of how satisfying it would be to have done. Then identify anything that is time critical - i.e. not doing it would cause damage to your home or make it unliveable. Do the critical things first if you have any. Then look at your remaining budget, backlog the items you can't afford right now and pick the item off the remaining list from which you will derive most pleasure. Get it done, enjoy it, have a break whilst you save up a bit more money, then pick the next thing off the list.

Thanks everyone.

Windows are fine just not great quality. Bathroom and kitchen still serviceable but dated and looking tired. The house is tired and needs decorating. We don't have damp or mould.

I've had a difficult few years and the house looks like I feel, a bit worn out and tired!

I will write a list and work out what to do first. I think I just need to start and stop looking for excuses.