How to save money when renovating an apartment. How to save on renovating an apartment in a new building? Ceiling and doorways
Purchasing an apartment in a new building is certainly a joyful event. But this entails a whole series of questions. Bare concrete walls are all that awaits happy buyers behind the standard door. Everything else is up to you. Of course, it is better to seek the help of professional designers and builders. We hope our tips will help you not get bogged down in the renovation process.
Stages of renovation work in an apartment
Living by the rules is sometimes boring, but more often it is useful, especially when it comes to the renovation period. After all, compliance with standards and recommendations guarantees a high-quality result. And first, you need to draw up a clear action plan, building the progress of repair work step by step.
Traditionally, apartment renovation begins with determining the difference in heights of the floor, ceiling and the deviation of partitions from the vertical using a water level or a more modern laser level. Only after this can the finishing technology and methods for eliminating differences be determined.
At the next stage, we erect partitions from foam block, gypsum block or brick, if any are provided. Or we demolish the existing ones. Just don’t forget to coordinate this process with the BTI. Otherwise, you will have to pay a fine for an administrative violation and return the apartment to its previous condition at your own expense.
After this, experts recommend moving on to replacing windows, window sills and radiators, as well as riser taps. One important point: before installing plastic windows, warn specialists that the house is new and may shrink. In this case, installers will leave the necessary gaps in the seams so that the window does not deform.
Having overcome this stage, you can begin plastering and leveling the walls according to the beacons. Having installed the reinforcing mesh, we proceed directly to plastering. At the same time, try to maintain 90-degree angles between the partitions, otherwise there will be uneven cuts in the rooms where you plan to lay tiles.
Rough electrical, plumbing, ventilation and air conditioning wiring is the next stage of the renovation. At this point, it is necessary to draw up a clear design project, because this includes work such as laying sewerage pipes, water supply, pulling power cables, telephone, Internet, television, installing socket boxes, etc. If a design project is not provided, make several electrical points in reserve so as not to trip over wires and extension cords stretched across the room later. For the same reason, it is advisable to plan in advance the location of household appliances and other electrical appliances. At this stage, it is important to consider one more point - when purchasing sewerage and water supply pipes, give preference to plastic, which is not afraid of deformation when the house shrinks, moreover, this material is more durable than steel.
After this, you can proceed directly to the floor screed, dry or wet. In the first case, a sand-type backfill is used, on which gypsum fiber board sheets are then placed. In the second - cement-sand screed or self-leveling floor.
Installation of a suspended ceiling is the final stage of rough finishing.
Finishing work begins with the preparation of walls and ceilings. First, we apply a deep penetration primer to the walls, after which we glue a 2x2 mm painting mesh along with the first layer of putty. Next we apply a second layer, let it dry and sand the walls. Now you can glue wallpaper and lay tiles!
Then we move on to the floor. Having decided on the covering, we lay parquet, laminate or linoleum. In order not to damage the floor covering during subsequent work, it is advisable to cover it with a rag and hardboard.
Lastly, we install interior doors, sockets, switches, baseboards, and also install plumbing fixtures. After this, the repair can be considered complete.
What can you save on?
Alignment of walls. Plasterboard and suspended ceilings do not require preliminary leveling of the walls.
Plastering. If you cover the walls with plasterboard sheets or any panels that are attached to a frame structure, then you will not have to plaster them.
Putty for ceilings. It is not at all necessary to buy the most expensive material.
Ceiling paint. The middle price segment of a well-known manufacturer is ideal.
Grooving and laying electrical wiring in the walls. Wires can be hidden under a plasterboard ceiling.
Consumption of dry plaster mixtures. For concrete walls, a layer of no more than 2.5 cm is sufficient.
Material for leveling walls. Drywall will cost less than plaster. True, in this case you will have to sacrifice the space of the room.
Timely identification of mistakes made by builders. When assessing the quality of work performed, it is best to contact an independent expert. It’s better to pay a specialist once than to spend years eliminating defects and flaws.
Materials. Happy new residents should remember that within two years after the completion of construction work the house will shrink. As a result, cracks may appear on the walls, and leaks may appear in the water supply and heating systems. New residents cannot avoid swelling of the floor. Therefore, you should not decorate the premises with expensive materials. At the same time, it is better to choose goods from domestic manufacturers, which are much cheaper than imported ones, but are not inferior to them in quality.
Stages of work that you can do yourself. For example, dismantling unnecessary equipment and removing waste.
This time I decided not to write a long and clever text, but simply collected short but extremely useful tricks that will save owners money during the renovation process.
1. Wholesale is cheaper. You should not split the repair into several stages in the hope of finding the cheapest performers for each type of work. The smaller the amount of work, the more each performer will request, and this is justified, since the new master will need to go through the organizational stage again when starting work on site - purchase temporary equipment, consumables, tools, etc. In addition, foremen are deprived of the opportunity to “parallel” work and thereby optimize work on site. Accordingly, the total time increases, and in this case, in the literal sense, time is money, Andrey Lyamin-Borodin, general director of the online repair ordering service PriceRemont.ru, shares his experience.
2. Savings with reserve. According to the expert, it is better to purchase rough materials with a small reserve. Delivery of two or three missing bags or a simple team will cost more. The same can be said about clean materials - such as tiles, floor coverings, wallpaper - even if the planned volume was enough, it is better to have a small supply in case you have to replace a damaged element, since after some time your series may not be on sale .
4. Catch discounts. To save on finishing materials, it is worth keeping an eye on promotions and special offers from dealers and large construction networks, points out Lyamin-Borodin. Thus, warehouse balances can be purchased at a significant discount. You can also choose materials with economical consumption. For example, plain tiles require less trimming margin than patterned ones, and wallpaper with a small pattern will require less volume than wallpaper with a large print.
Although, on the other hand, wallpaper with a large pattern can hide small unevenness in the walls, adds Olga Karpinskaya, deputy director of marketing at Kashirsky Dvor. In this case, it will be possible to do without leveling the walls with plaster, that is, save on rough work.
5. Price list ahead. If you do not have a design project for an apartment, unplanned additional work will almost inevitably arise. Therefore, it is better to immediately ask the craftsmen for a price list for all types of work, so that the price is not formed spontaneously during the process, and so that it can be checked and calculated independently.
6. It is better to do repairs in winter. The market for repair services is seasonal; the peak number of orders and price levels is summer, says PriceRemont.ru expert. Accordingly, if it is possible to do repairs out of season, you can save money on this, since many, even good specialists, sit without orders and are ready to reduce prices for their services.
7. Insist on bonuses. When you have already reached an agreement with the repair team on a certain scope of work and the cost of this contract, ask to include small but necessary services as a bonus, for example, hanging curtain rods. “Most likely, having already “put in your pocket” a large order, the contractors will not refuse a small additional weight. By the way, the builders themselves use the same technique when the client has doubts and delays the decision,” notes the agency’s interlocutor.
Small jobs save a penny, agrees Karpinskaya. You need to buy or at least look after household appliances in advance so that during the repair process you can place sockets under them and cut holes in the tiles (for example, under the hose of a washing machine in the bathroom). In general, in places where tiling is being done, it is better to immediately ask the craftsmen to screw in all the hooks, shelves, and holders. The fact is that such work in a large volume can come with a discount or even free of charge, a bonus. But an independent attempt to drill a tile can lead to its cracking and, as a result, repeated work.
8. Repair with guarantee. Work with those contractors who guarantee their work. The guarantee must be enshrined in the contract and its duration must be, preferably, at least a year. Even if the work is carried out conscientiously, there is a possibility that something will go wrong, and the problem will “come out” during operation. This is especially true for what is not obvious at first glance - engineering systems.
Karpinskaya agrees with this. She notes that, for example, under no circumstances should heated floors in an apartment be connected to central heating. “This is an administrative violation, you will have to pay a considerable fine. If workers offer to do this, do not contact this team,” insists the agency’s interlocutor.
Having a guarantee for the repairs performed, you will be freed from unplanned additional expenses, adds Lyamin-Borodin.
9. Features are more important than brand. In some cases, the popularity and high cost of a brand does not always mean that there is no better and cheaper alternative. So, when installing batteries, an expert from the Kashirsky Dvor company advises paying attention to their technical characteristics, and not to the origin of the brand. “Some domestic manufacturers present an excellent product much cheaper than their foreign counterparts. Metal radiators, by the way, have higher heat transfer, so it is better to give preference to them,” points out Karpinskaya.
Do it yourself: how to avoid mistakes when renovating an apartmentRepairing on your own is probably what most Russians choose in the current economic situation, when the budget has been cut due to rising prices for building materials. However, in the process of self-repair, various defects, defects and errors often arise, and I decided to remind the RIA Real Estate website how to avoid them.“Also, if you don’t plan to redo the renovation in a year or two, think about the colors used in the interior. First of all, it all depends on your temperament, but more often than not, bright colors quickly become boring, unlike calm pastel colors,” he says Karpinskaya.
Leave samples of wallpaper and tiles after repairs in case you need to patch something up, for example, after your apartment is flooded. “As a rule, the collection in stores changes once a quarter; moreover, the same shades of wallpaper or tiles from different batches can differ significantly, therefore, without samples, you will not be able to select the product you need. This can lead to that we will have to completely change the design of the apartment again,” explains the Kashirsky Dvor expert.
The floor, walls and ceiling are the first things we pay attention to when entering a house. And they should look decent, but it’s quite possible to save money. Experts call marmoleum the optimal quality and price among floor coverings. Most often, it does not require any floor preparation, but is not suitable for a bathroom. Here it is better to fork out for proven tiles or poured flooring. Of course, laminate and parquet boards look respectable and aesthetically pleasing, but the floor underneath them must be flat, which will also cost you money. Durable and reliable laminate starts from class 32.
The walls in the bathroom, instead of expensive tiles, can be decorated with laminated hardboard - hygroscopic and does not require surface preparation. If you don’t want to spend time and money on leveling the walls, you can add curvature to them.
It is most economical to whitewash or paint ceilings, but at the same time they must be smooth without any communications or wires passing through them. If this condition is not met, then choose suspended, suspended or plasterboard ceilings. However, the first type is more moisture resistant and can protect you from a serious flood.
Some tips on how to save on repairs and what you shouldn’t save on.
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On the picture:
At first glance, the renovation may look “inexpensive,” but in fact, the architects worked hard to create such an illusion.
What is a traditional “economy renovation”? It doesn't have to be cheap or laminate. In fact, you can make it quite budget-friendly and even fashionable. If you manage to rationally distribute three main expense items - wall decoration, flooring repairs and the purchase of new furniture. We will tell you how to make the “correct” economical repair.
Walls
There is no need to perfectly set all corners to 90 degrees and make the walls strictly vertical. Exception: space for built-in furniture, such as kitchen cabinets, or a corner bathtub: here you will have to try hard.
“Remove” the surfaces not completely, but only at the baseboard: the baseboards will not adhere tightly to uneven walls (this is sloppy). Same with ceiling moldings.
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On the picture:
Architects often “expose” brick walls. Use the idea!
The best option to save on coverage is to refuse it altogether. Concrete or brick walls can look very expressive: look at examples from the best architectural projects.
It is not at all necessary to correct all unevenness and roughness - you can choose a material that is not sensitive to them.
For example, the simplest plaster, which can be applied with deliberately uneven strokes and then painted.
If the surface of the wall has flaws and you want to stick wallpaper on it, opt for non-woven or vinyl. They are thick enough to hide small imperfections. Vinyl is usually cheaper. When choosing wallpaper, keep in mind: a large pattern requires adjustment, which means more wallpaper will be needed. Thus, a small drawing is more economical. And it’s better if it’s abstract (the compromise is vertical stripes).
Do not try to make curved partitions and multi-level ceilings - they are by definition more expensive than straight ones, and are very rarely justified. This also applies to openings: a rectangular one is cheaper than an arched one, and is almost always more appropriate.
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On the picture:
Designer wallpaper does not necessarily have an intricate pattern.
Board is our option. A good alternative to parquet is parquet board. Firstly, it is cheaper, and secondly, it is easier to install. An even more economical option is laminate. Among its advantages is wear resistance. If you are looking for a compromise, purchase an untreated solid board or even an economical option: a floor board. You just need to properly treat the floor so that the coating looks “exclusive”.
In the photo: Oak model from the Bolefloor factory.
Floors
Even if your renovation is “economy class”, do not bother with replacing parquet flooring if you don’t have the money. Even if you manage to choose inexpensive material, the work of a qualified craftsman will still cost you a pretty penny. It’s better not to mess with unqualified people - there’s every chance they’ll ruin the material.
If the floor is to be replaced, you should not skimp on preparing the subfloor - screeds; all defects will then “float” to the surface: a floor of different heights may squeak. And for noise (in the absence of properly carried out soundproofing), neighbors can hold you administratively liable.
Another available material is linoleum. You can choose synthetic or (more expensive) natural: it is made from environmentally friendly components. In addition, linoleum does not require a perfectly flat base. This allows you to save on preparing the floor for covering. For the same reason, carpet is very comfortable.
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On the picture:
If you want to save on the cost of work, choose linoleum: laying it is as easy as shelling pears, even on your own.
Down with unnecessary furniture. Before buying furniture, analyze your lifestyle - how often do you eat at home, how many guests do you invite - this will save you from buying unnecessary folding chairs, folding chairs and other non-essential items.
In the photo: a project by the Malina design studio.
Furniture
Don’t buy random things: think through the entire furnishings at once and buy furniture already having an established image of the interior. Let it be gradually.
Pay attention to the furniture you inherited. Maybe it’s not just old stuff, but what is now called “vintage”: a leather sofa or a massive wardrobe may well be valuable in our age of synthetic upholstery and chipboard panels.
Don't get carried away with headsets. Often one large sofa or a pair of armchairs is enough, rather than a “full set”. Fewer seats, lower price of furniture - more savings.
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Different chairs, as if left over from past interiors, are a very fashionable technique. Sometimes designers specially assemble furniture in different styles around one table.
Images used in this article
360.ru, interiorexplorer.ru, forbo.com
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Renovating can be a shocking experience or a rewarding creative process. The simplest and most effective solution is cooperation with designers and builders. They know their stuff and can create modern and practical interiors. The only negative is the need to pay for their work, and sometimes this can cost a lot of money.
If you decide to rely on your own strength, then some tricks will help you not only successfully renovate an apartment in a new building, but also save a lot of money. The main thing to remember is that economical renovation is not about cheap materials, but about a conscious distribution of funds and priorities.
Inspection of the premises and a clear work plan
Imagine the future design of the apartment, think about the arrangement of furniture. You can determine for yourself:
- Changes in floor and ceiling heights.
- Deviations of walls and partitions from the vertical.
- Condition of plumbing, electrical wiring, etc.
- Condition and quality of windows, entrance doors.
- If you are planning to purchase new household devices, then you need to know their connection features. Without this, it simply won’t be possible to make a perfect repair.
After this, it is quite justified to invite consultants with an hourly rate, namely:
- Professional construction consultation. They will tell you which walls can be demolished and which ones are best left untouched. After all, the house must be reliable.
- A meeting with a designer will help reduce the time spent searching for a style and harmonious placement of furniture.
You can do it on your own. Choose an acceptable style by studying its main features. Watch videos of builders and get practical advice from them on how and where best to place certain objects and communications.
Based on the information received, create a detailed project for your future apartment. Calculate the approximate cost of repairs, adding to the amount received a reserve of 15% for unforeseen situations.
Value your time
It is recommended to use hired labor to perform electrical and plumbing work. Firstly, everything will be done competently, in compliance with accepted standards, and secondly, quickly, without unnecessary dirt, taking into account the specifics of your project.
- Output of all necessary pipe connections in the right places and at a suitable height (for bidet, toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.).
- Number of sockets and switches, their location.
This also includes installing windows, radiators, filling floors, etc. When you contact a professional team of craftsmen, you will be able to receive a well-prepared base for further independent work.
- Do you want to save money without turning to professionals who work without guarantees? Look for qualified performers between winter and spring. There are usually fewer orders at this time, so you can count on discounts and the opportunity to negotiate the price.
- If you plan to carry out this work yourself, then rent the necessary equipment. This applies to various machines for welding and soldering pipes, wiring, etc.
Save on walls
- If you decide to paint the walls rather than wallpaper, be prepared to spend a lot of money on leveling the walls. You will need plaster, putty, sanding and primer. All these stages cost separate money, so in fact it will be more expensive. When wallpapering, you don’t have to sand the walls, and there will be fewer layers of putty.
- High-density textured wallpaper will help hide small cracks and defects.
- If the size of the room allows, then use drywall and panel materials attached to the frame structure. This solution is cheaper than plaster, but you will have to sacrifice the space of the room.
Engage the ceiling
How to save on renovating an apartment in a new building? Conduct the wiring along the ceiling in a corrugated manner, minimizing the gating of the walls for the wires.
- The wiring goes outside and is covered by a suspended ceiling. This can be a suspended ceiling or a plasterboard structure. Here you save your time and money on leveling and rubbing the ceiling, getting the highest quality results.
The most budget-friendly ceiling option is non-woven wallpaper. But the downside of this solution:
- Fragility, especially when flooded by neighbors.
- Wall chipping takes time, special tools and a lot of garbage. You can solve the issue by installing external wiring, but this cannot be called a budget solution.
Don't chase brands
When choosing materials, evaluate not the popularity of the brand, but the need for its use. You shouldn't skimp on things like:
- wires for electrical wiring;
- pipes and taps for water communications;
- sockets, switches and circuit breakers for the switchboard.
The following materials can be selected both in the mid-price category and from domestic manufacturers:
- Use interior doors made of MDF, not solid wood. They also come in a variety of designs while being practical and affordable. Another alternative is openings without doors, where possible.
- Use plastic panels instead of tiles in the bathroom. Not so aesthetically pleasing, but maximally accessible for quick cosmetic repairs.
- Take a closer look at the electric heated towel rail. It does not leak and does not require pre-laying of pipes.
- Consider the functionality of windows. Do you need a window with 3 opening sections?
- Take a closer look at linoleum. Firstly, this is the most budget option, and secondly, modern models can truly please with their appearance and quality.
Of course, any, even the simplest repair is a real test for the whole family. If you have no desire to delve into details or solve complex strategically important nuances, then simply trust the professionals.
