[Closed] Tool time. House refurb DIY man-knowledge required

Bought a new (Victorian) house and am now two weeks in to the refurb.... All the dodgy fixed furniture has come out and I've hired a lacky to help strip out the blown plaster this Saturday, but I need to start thinking ahead to the decorating phase to keep my mind off of what I'm going to find under that lath and plaster.... so, picture rails and skirting, what's the consensus?

1. Fill defects and sand down by hand / oversized tool, then paint
2. Get a heat gun and strip with FIRE
3. Paint it and squint
4. Strip out and replace

Keep in mind that I've been banned by the other half from going into a tool shop unaccompanied....