5 Things in Your Home Where You Absolutely Cannot Cut Costs

If you can find affordable alternatives to branded furniture and decor, some stages of renovation should not be compromised.

We asked interior designer Nadezhda Lisyshina to explain in more detail which areas you should never cut costs on.

Nadezhda Lisyshina, Expert at Arhitektor Letto Interior

On Utilities

You must not skimp on pipes, connections, electrical wiring, and distribution boards. These engineering systems are partially built into walls or hidden under floors, so even the smallest malfunction will require dismantling finishes and redoing the renovation. Also, faulty wiring or plumbing can lead to a fire or pipe burst.

To avoid such problems, start with preparing engineering plans, purchasing reliable materials, and hiring qualified workers for water supply, electricity, heating, and ventilation systems.

Design: Ekaterina Trukhanova. View the full project

On Electrical Installation Equipment

This includes outlets, switches, floor heating regulators, and more. Even a small malfunction in these devices can lead to inconvenience or inability to turn on lights or charge your phone.

It could even cause a short circuit in the entire wiring system, requiring walls to be opened and new cables installed.

Design: Nikolay Bannikov. View the full project

On Faucets, Taps, and Towel Racks

In short, everything that comes into contact with water. A low-quality towel rack with unreliable mounting may not withstand pipe testing and leak. If it's local, that’s okay, but worse if flooding affects neighbors.

Spray from an open tap or a faulty thermostat — saving money on taps can quickly cause inconvenience. Taps are not something to compromise on. Choose reliable manufacturers and don't try to buy a tap with all modern features for a low price. Simpler is better, but of higher quality.

Design: Anna Zueva. View the full project

On Construction Crew Services

Even if you really want to save money on renovation, it's definitely not worth cutting costs on the construction crew. Unskilled workers can ruin expensive materials and make your life in the apartment a daily struggle.

Lower-than-market pricing, lack of clear estimates, and availability for 'tomorrow' are first warning signs that should concern you. A quality crew costs money, and usually, you have to wait for one.

Design: Elena Erashevich. View the full project

On Screed and Plastering

Screed and plastering form the foundation of a good renovation. Poor screed quality leads to problems with finishing.

Low-quality plastering may result in uneven walls, or worse, mold and the need to redo the entire renovation.

Design: Design-story. View the full project

Featured: Interior Design Project by Zhenya Semenova