Which job to do first - sitting room re-furbishment Re-generate an old or tired space and give it a fresh breath of life. Click here for answers, information and tips

[badger243]

Hi,
I'm planning on tackling a long over due sitting room project.

I know that the walls and ceiiing need skimming, and I'd also like to remove the carpet and sand the floorboards.

I'm balancing the 'keeping the cost down newbie diyer' with actually wanting a good job to be done, so am happy to strip wall paper and paint once the plasterer has been in, but I really don't know whether to start with the floor or the walls/ceiling.

Also would it de advisable to have the floor sanded professionally?

All advice welcomed

Thank you

[stoneyboy]

badger243,
The plasterer will make one hell of a mess of the floor so get this done first. Floor sanding is fairly straightforward - drive all nails down, fix loose boards, hire the equipment and do it. Just make sure you have thick enough boards to sand especially if they are uneven.
end

[Sheal]

You would probably find it best to work from the ceiling down. It's a good idea to get the wallpaper stripped before new plaster in case the walls need some work to. Leave your floor till last as this is where all the grime from preparation falls.

Have a go at tackling the floor sanding, there's not a lot you can do wrong there. If it doesn't work out then call somebody in.

[rlm603]

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[gc9]

Stoneyboy is right. The plasterer will most probably make a huge mess. Get the floor done first.

[Building Accessories]

Stoneyboy is right. The plasterer will most probably make a huge mess. Get the floor done first.

I think what Stoneyboy meant was get the plasterer in first.
Tackle the skimming of the ceilings and walls first. Then, if you're repainting the walls, whilst the paint is drying in between coats, you can focus your attention on the floor. This will save time and minimise mess, since all the mess from the plasterer will fall onto your old carpet, which you can just throw away.