Novice seeks advice house renovations

Only you know how old the existing appliances are. Maybe you could expand on what's wrong with kitchen you have.

Yes, I just wondered why previous poster automatically thinks new kitchen = new appliances.
Kitchen is 30 years old cupboards and surfaces, has no rangehood, no dishwasher, needs more cupboard space, I want to put in pot drawers, run cupboards right up to ceiling instead of open spaces above: that sort of thing. Frig was updated about 5 years ago, and stove about 7 years ago. Both perfectly good.
Rest of house: carpet, though not old, is irremediably stained (we won't go into why). Wallpapers are old, a bit tatty, old-fashioned, not my taste, put up when house was new. It has shifted slightly, and there are cracks here and there to be filled in and covered, and I want the walls painted, not papered. I'd like to do nice architraves - is that the word? around the ceiling edges. I want to remove a door and put in a window; make alterations downstairs to increase garage space (without altering exterior of house); make alterations to master bedroom wardrobes. All the woodwork is in need of painting, as is the exterior.
Insulation and roof have recently been done.

From your profile I see you're out West, we got an alarm system through Mike of Universal Alarms who is also based out West, he was great to deal with, and seemed well priced, four years on the alarm has not given us any issues including false alarms etc. He works by himself operating from home so has low overheads, his number if you want it is 813-0799. You mentioned about getting a "new" alarm, if this means you've already got one then he may be able to utilise the wiring that is already in place, this will help save you money. On the kitchen side I'd recommend visiting the kitchen showrooms to get kitchen ideas, then get quotes from the small owner operator type guys, they are generally much better priced. You can also use this message board to ask people for leads on good trades to deal with that are near to you, nothing like referals and hear others experiences to give you confidence when spending your hard earnt money. Or if you get a quote ask on here for others opinions whether it is a fair price or not - lots of knowledgeable types on here who will be happy to guide you. Good luck!

We (mother and daughter) bought the house 30 years ago, brand new and just being finished. Since then it has only had plumbing work done and insulation renewed.
Now I'm on my own the house needs work:
1/ paper stripping (off bare unsealed Gib) including a stairwell
2/ interior and experior painting
3/ new kitchen
4/new carpet and vinyl.
5/ New alarm system.
The bathroom doesn't need anything doing, it was fixed a few years ago.
What I want to know is whether I should get someone to lead the work overall, using subcontractors, or should I just try and work through it all myself? I do find the idea rather daunting, but am just not sure which works best.

Run job yourself.Get three quotes from master painters for stripping wallpaper and painting.You will need the walls skim coated before painting .So get three quotes for plastering.Go to kitchen show rooms pick ones you like get a design for your place.Make sure they include all trades in price ie plumber electrian. Have an alarm person put in new system pre wire before plastering takes place.Finally carpet vinyl.Use recommendations from friends and family.Read quotes carefully so you are getting what you want

If you can find a professional manager from someone's recommendation it would be pricey but should be hassle free for you.
Talk all aspects of the project through before work commences to make sure you are happy with the arrangement.
I think the painting and decorating could be managed by a competent tradesman.
Make sure there are reasonable retention sums in the contract so that any problems after work is completed will be sorted out.

If your kitchen is to be custom built, it wouldnt hurt to visit a few showrooms so you know what is available. They can provide their own installers, so not too much overseeing involved.

Carpet and vinyl is probably something you could also handle yourself as the vendors will provide installers for those things. Same for the alarm system, as only you will know exactly what you want.

Dont forget new kitchen means new appliances

Talk to people about the tradesmen you need.

Have a walk around the area and see if any painting jobs are going on.

Carpet, we always use carpet mill, reasonable quality and price and problem goes away, in rentals as well.

Kitchen have a look at some of the diy kitchens Placemakers and bunnings they have tradesmen they will recommend for installation.

Alarm system, have your wits about you on that one, there are some right ones in that field.