Planning a Renovation: Budget, Stages, and Pro Tips for Apartment Finishing

Today we'll cover current questions about preparatory apartment renovation: where to start, what you can and cannot save on, and what to pay attention to. Our PLAN & DESIGN expert Sergei Cherkasov shares pro tips on how to avoid major mistakes when outfitting your apartment. Preparatory works In new constructions, apartments are often delivered with finish decoration. During the agreement stage, you can refuse mediocre 'cosmetic' work. However, final preparation may still be needed — floor leveling, wall alignment, and pipe installation. It's better to handle sound and heat insulation yourself, choosing quality materials. If you're doing demolition and reconfiguration in a secondary market property, it can be done roughly, but in new housing, you'll need to budget around 150 thousand rubles for a 65 sq. m apartment. An additional 50 thousand should be set aside for construction waste removal. The positive side is that you can carefully remove quality materials for reuse. First, focus on floor screed and wall priming, check the condition of existing engineering systems: water supply and sewage; heating and insulation; soundproofing; fire suppression; electrical wiring. If needed, lay or replace them. Don't skimp on these components — their functionality determines comfort and safety of apartment usage. Plan ventilation and air conditioning ducts in advance, install a check valve to prevent unpleasant odors from entering the apartment. Importance of Electrical Work Electrical wiring is an essential part of any room. You'll need quality materials, proper planning, and panel assembly. Therefore, entrust this task to a specialist with specific expertise. Don't hesitate to hire an auditor from a certified company to inspect the wiring plan and condition. When laying electrical networks, work with your designer to determine how many outlets and switches you'll need, and develop a smart lighting scheme for the apartment. For example, central chandeliers nowadays serve more decorative purposes. It's wiser to create contour lighting that covers all corners of the room, which can be used for zoning. To save on spot lights, you can buy separately: GU-10 bulb holders; universal fixtures for GK and suspended ceilings; lamps. Choose neutral, slightly warm white light — it will create a cozy atmosphere in the room suitable for work and relaxation. More useful tips in this video: Cover photo: Anastasia Zarkua