Dear Louisiana, I love this type of project - or I should say, I loved this type of project - until I took one on. Ohmygod - what work and filth and expense! I personally feel the recipie should progress as follows: plumbing and electrics, bathrooms and kitchen, start at the top floor and work your way down. No carpets or painting until the filthy work is finished. And another thing, those magazines and shows where they show house interiors? They are made by liars. Take any estimate you have in your head - gleaned from Property Ladder or Changing Rooms, Elle Deco, Living etc, and triple it. My beautiful home was decorated in the past by skilled tradesmen and an interior designer of international repute. When we decided to sell, we were advised to get it onto a popular TV show and magazine in order to get the best price we could. The dreadful journalists said on the programme that the house was entirely refurbished by my own darling husband with a staple gun and 2 large sheets of mdf!!! The interior designer almost swallowed his teeth with disgust. Never believe a word of what you read. Anywhere...