What Mistakes Can Ruin a Renovation in Old Housing: Real Case

Renovating in old housing can hide unexpected surprises that lead to additional expenses and delays. Using a real example of a Stalin-era apartment from 1958, we analyze the most common mistakes, what to check before starting work, and where you absolutely cannot cut costs.

As part of the «Repair Movement» project, we are working with Yandex Market on a three-bedroom apartment with an area of 78 m². In this five-part mini-series, you can observe the analysis based on a real example!

A house with good sound insulation and solid floors, but there are nuances: old utilities, partitions, hidden defects in the bathroom, and a specific gas system. We explore which mistakes can lead to problems and how to avoid them.

Video (26 minutes)

Incorrect Solution with Radiator on External Wall

In some apartments, unauthorized modifications occur. For example, a radiator may be connected directly to a towel warmer to provide additional heating.

• This solution disrupts the operation of the heating system and creates a risk of pressure fluctuations.
• If the pipes are not rated for such load, airlocks and leaks may occur.
• In case of capital repair or riser replacement, such a connection will have to be removed.

Conclusion: it is important to follow the project plan and coordinate any changes in heating, otherwise you may face unpleasant consequences.

On Yandex Market, you can find certified radiators and fittings, and thanks to Split payments, large purchases become more convenient.

How Does Split Work?

Split allows you to divide the payment into several parts without extra fees. It's ideal for cases where you need to buy a lot of construction materials at once but don't want to spend the full amount at once.

It takes only a few minutes to set up:

1. Select the desired items — for example, pipes, fittings, or radiators.
2. In the cart, choose the payment method «Pay in Parts».
3. Confirm the payment — the system automatically splits the amount into equal installments.
4. Receive your goods and pay according to the schedule without hidden fees.

Please note:

Gypsum Board Knauf, Buy

Plaster Ceresit ST29 for Renovation, Buy

Axton Concrete Sand Mix M300, Buy

Mayak Profile 10 mm Galvanized (3 m), Buy

Mistake During Old Wiring Replacement

In Stalin-era buildings, electrical wiring is outdated and not designed for modern loads. The mistake is trying to keep the old wiring or replace it partially:

• Aluminum wires become brittle over time and can overheat.
• In most old buildings, there are no separate lines for powerful appliances, which causes network overloads.
• Keeping old circuit breakers and distribution boxes increases the risk of short circuits.

Conclusion: electrical work is one of the major expenses; you shouldn't cut costs here. It's better to plan a budget for full replacement upfront.

Mistake with Gypsum Board

In our apartment, previous tenants covered all walls with gypsum board. The mistake is to consider this a complete solution for leveling:

• Gypsum board takes up space, which is critical in small rooms.
• In some cases, it hides cracks and wall defects that may appear over time.
• It is harder to mount heavy items on gypsum board without a reinforced frame.

Conclusion: if walls are uneven, it's better to level them with plaster rather than cover with gypsum board without preparation.

Underestimating Floor Condition

Old parquet may look solid, but it's not always worth preserving. The mistake is trying to restore the surface without checking the base:

• Under old parquet, unevenness, creaking joists, and damaged boards may be hidden.
• In a capital renovation, it is easier to replace the flooring than invest in sanding, planing, and replacing individual elements.
• New coverings (laminate, quartz vinyl) make floors more resistant to moisture and mechanical stress.

Conclusion: restoring old parquet is not always justified. If the base is damaged, it's better to replace the covering.

Proper installation is crucial for quality floor coverings. On Yandex Market, you can choose tiles and Ceresit adhesive. There are also over 8 million products for renovation and construction — from tools to finishing materials. It's convenient to compare prices, read reviews, and order with different delivery options.

For some items, click-and-collect delivery is available — orders can be received the same day if the product is in stock nearby.

Wrong Approach to Windows and Radiators

Sometimes during capital repairs, windows and radiators are replaced even when it's not necessary. The mistake is removing them without a real check of their condition:

• In our apartment, the windows were replaced during capital repair by residents and are in good condition.
• If the glass units are intact, there's no need to replace them — it's sufficient to fix the sills and seals.
• The same applies to radiators: if they are modern and provide proper heating, they can be left as is.

Conclusion: before replacing windows and radiators, it's important to objectively assess their condition rather than replace them «just in case».

Renovating in old housing is more than just changing wallpapers. It's crucial to plan all stages in advance, choose quality materials, and not cut costs on critical aspects. Follow updates to the «Repair Movement» project, where we continue analyzing how to make an old apartment modern and comfortable.