On What You Should Never Cut Corners During Renovation

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Don't know how to distribute a limited budget? Use professionals' recommendations

Any hidden work and engineering systems (floor installation, electrical wiring and plumbing, ventilation, underfloor heating, gas manipulation) — these are the areas where you should never cut corners. Designer Mila Kolpakova advises setting priorities before starting the renovation.

Mila Kolpakova, designer, director, lead designer at Mila Kolpakova Interiors. In the design team

First and foremost, it's crucial to have a well-planned layout and engineering systems (electricity, lighting, switches). You might live with ugly wallpaper or a suspended ceiling, which you can either ignore or barely notice. However, insufficient lighting, inconvenient outlets and switches, or lack of the appliances you need will be immediately felt.

What to do? If you don't have the funds (or just can't spare them) for a full project, at least order a layout solution. Most designers offer this option and it costs only 20–30% of the total project cost. Complex engineering systems should be left to professionals.

In Legal Matters

Don't skimp on approval for re-planning and don't do anything that can't be approved. Otherwise, you may face fines of up to 200 thousand rubles and court orders to restore everything to its original state. Unapproved re-planning can cost 700–800 thousand rubles. Do you really need that?

What to do? Forget about 'what if' and do it properly. These rules weren't invented by fools, and we're not the smartest people on Earth to create chaos in living spaces. Or buy a house, where it's easier.

On the Construction Site

Inexperienced builders will never help you save money. At best, they won't damage anything that's properly secured.

Any hidden work and engineering systems (floor installation, electrical wiring and plumbing, ventilation, underfloor heating, gas manipulation) — these are the areas where you should never cut corners. Poor ventilation causes bad smells, mold, and noise. Poor wiring presents a safety hazard. Gas should never be touched by anyone.

Subfloor materials should also be of good quality — they form the foundation. Flooring materials — the floor itself — are also essential, as you and your family, cats, and dogs walk on it every day. Choose reliable and eco-friendly materials; a quality floor lasts decades.

What to do? Allocate budget for the foundation right away and accept this fact with courage. It costs a lot, yes. Without a solid and healthy skeleton, there can be no healthy human. The same applies to apartments. In a poor-quality flat, you won't be either healthy or happy.

Furniture, Appliances, and Equipment

For me, this is primarily the kitchen and built-in cabinetry (cabinets, shelves). However, there are some tricks (ordering later or paying only for the frame and adding fronts and handles afterward; choosing a simpler frame but better fronts; buying quality handles, which visually improve appearance).

Second is plumbing fixtures. You shouldn't buy cheap taps or radiators that burst and flood your apartment and neighbors. Third is windows. Poor-quality windows cause drafts, colds, freezing, and mold.

What to do? Buy quality mixers right away. Even the cheapest ones from a reputable brand (Grohe, Hansgrohe). Check radiators and windows provided by the developer (a thermal camera helps). If they're bad, replace them immediately. Check furniture manufacturers' recommendations. Mistakes can cost millions.

How to Save Money?

Direct financial flows primarily toward what matters most to you. Prioritize, identify what is essential — like air — and what you can live without for another six months to a year. Everyone has their own priorities: some love a comfortable sofa, others prioritize mattresses, and some cook like professionals and need quality appliances. You set the priorities yourself.

Especially sensitive: expensive, you can do whatever you want and live however you wish. It's your right to ruin your own interior and life exactly as you want it to be.

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