Never Skimp on These Items When Planning a Renovation (Photos + Video)

Many people dream of an affordable yet high-quality renovation. Fortunately, such desires are partially achievable: apartment owners can confidently save money on spotlights, wallpapers for painting, and corner leveling. However, there are certain items where it's absolutely unacceptable to be stingy. It's easy to guess that these include plumbing fixtures, hydro-isolation, and floor coverings. Sergey Cherkasov from PLAN & DESIGN explained what else you shouldn't cut costs on.

Air Conditioning

The expert recommends laying the cable route, running wires, and installing a circuit breaker immediately. Doing this after the renovation is complete is not recommended: the apartment and textiles will get dusty. Also, keep in mind that cheap equipment may break down not on the first day after purchase, but at the most inconvenient time. Don't skimp on funds and choose quality systems installed by professionals.

Ventilation

It's important to set up a ventilation system in the house: when there's nothing to breathe in an apartment, it becomes a big problem. Make sure to install check valves for ventilation and ducted fans. Sergey does not recommend buying them from construction stores for a small price. It's better to purchase high-quality quiet fans that will last many years and provide comfortable living conditions.

Water Heater

Water is turned off annually, and for many, this period turns into a painful ordeal: heating water in pots, basins, and kettles is no longer considered domestic romance. To avoid two weeks of headaches, simply install a water heater: you can find affordable models on the market. You will definitely not regret this decision.

According to Sergey, on this point you absolutely cannot cut corners. You're investing in your own comfort: leak sensors ensure peace of mind for both your renovation and neighboring apartments. Usually, they are installed in the most 'dangerous' zones — at the bottom of bathrooms. In case of a leak, the device will automatically shut off the pipes, disconnect the washing machine if necessary, and even send you a notification to your smartphone.

Heating

If your apartment is in a new building, carefully examine the heating system layout. Did you notice any joints on the floor? The expert recommends replacing such layouts so that no joints appear in the screed. In this case, you won't have to worry about leaks in the future.

Paint

For wall finishing, choose a good washable paint that repels grease — it will please you for at least ten years. If you buy matte interior paint that doesn't wash off, one touch is enough to soil it, and you'll have to repaint the walls in half a year. For families with small children, these timeframes are much shorter: if kids often touch the walls, a new renovation will be needed in just a few months.

Electrical Work

For electrical project work, engage a certified organization. It's undesirable to save on the budget here: every field has its professionals, and you shouldn't trust a tile layer to assemble the electrical panel. If the organization's project is still assembled by your builders, arrange an audit of the electrical work after completion to have it checked. This will cost about 3,000 to 5,000 rubles. Initially, these costs might seem excessive, but it's much cheaper than having to redo the entire electrical system later.

More useful tips in a short video (18 minutes)

Photo cover: @ne_stalinka