Contents
A clearly defined action plan and analysis of each repair stage will help you avoid mistakes and find the best solution for you. To understand where to start repairing an apartment, it is necessary to analyze its condition, sometimes only superficial changes are enough to make the apartment look cozy and fresh again. Explore each workflow in detail. It is especially important when it comes to do-it-yourself repair work. If you are not confident in your abilities and do not want to spend too much time, the best solution is to trust professionals such as interior designers. As a result, you will get a clear plan and quality work in a shorter time.
1. Cosmetic or capital
Cosmetic repairs of the apartment is considered a lightweight option. This is a replacement for the decorative finishes of some elements or several rooms at once. This implies the renovation of the premises without affecting the structural elements, namely: the removal and replacement of the old floor covering, the adjustment of the surface of the walls and ceiling. In this case, the work will not take too much time and will not require significant financial investments. However, the final cost will depend directly on the finishing materials you choose, for example, it will be wallpaper or paint, parquet or laminate.
The overhaul of an apartment implies a large-scale and labor-intensive process, which will require large financial costs. This type of repair involves a complete reconstruction of the apartment with the possibility of redevelopment. When performing work, all window and door structures, engineering communications, ceiling, wall and floor coverings are replaced. In another way, the overhaul of an apartment can be called a “repair from scratch”. Most often, this type of repair is carried out in new buildings and includes the following steps:
2. Repair with a contractor or do it yourself
Regardless of what type of repair you have planned, you can do it yourself or use the services of professionals. You can also attract specialists to perform only certain types of work.
If you are considering doing it yourself, then you should read the instructions and master classes in detail. They will help you to perform the work in the correct sequence and achieve the result no worse than an experienced master.
Repair with a contractor is considered a more reliable solution, but here you can stumble upon pitfalls. Be sure to draw up a contract before performing work. It should contain clear deadlines for the completion of work, the obligations of the parties, the procedure for acceptance, payment, and so on. Without drawing up a contract, but relying only on verbal agreements, you are at great risk. A good repair and construction company, as a rule, takes its reputation seriously and is responsible for the work performed, and also provides guarantees. Therefore, before making a decision on cooperation, do not be too lazy to visit the company’s office and view the portfolio.
3. Cost and budget
First of all, you must determine for yourself what level of finish you want to have after the repair. How much the selected work will cost and whether the budget is enough, what you can save on, and what is better not to be stingy – all these questions will become clear after choosing the type of repair: cosmetic or capital.
At the cost planning stage, you will need an estimate for the renovation of your apartment. If you rely only on your own strength, you can make an estimate using online calculators. For calculations, prepare the exact area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe premises, height, wall areas, taking into account the deduction of openings. If there is a difficulty in calculating complex wall surfaces, it is worth dividing them into simple geometric shapes: triangles, squares, rectangles, circles. First calculate the area of the figures, and then add or subtract.
If you decide to turn to contractors for services, the estimate is created by them. But before drawing it up, you need to have a measured plan and all the desired repairs and materials clearly formed on paper. Also, it is best to divide the total area of the apartment into rooms: entrance hall, kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc. All this must be prepared in order to avoid misunderstandings between you and the contractor.
The finished estimate should describe in detail the types of work, the scope of work, the technology for their implementation, the quality category, stages and terms, the type and quantity of building materials, the price of work and the payment schedule. The more detailed the estimate is disclosed by the contractor, the more guarantees that you are dealing with a real professional.
When carrying out repairs, the question of savings often arises. There is nothing shameful in this, but you need to save money without sacrificing quality and safety. In order not to pay twice, we will give some recommendations on what you absolutely should not save on:
Major repairs are always more expensive than cosmetic ones. The minimum tax for capital starts from 6 rubles per sq. meter, for cosmetic – from 000 rubles per sq. meter. In addition, there are also design repairs and turnkey repairs, which, in turn, are not regulated by regulations. Prices for these types of repairs start at an average of 3 rubles per sq. meter.
4. Interior design
Choosing a new apartment interior is a very responsible task that takes a lot of time and effort. Often, a modern interior is based on a mixture of styles, but at the same time, if everything is correctly combined, a cozy atmosphere and harmony are created. When choosing a design style, you must first of all start from what you do not want to see categorically. Using the method of elimination, you will quickly get to a comfortable solution.
So that your interior is not a random collection of objects and things, initially make a selection of photographs with analogues of interiors, furniture, fabrics and even dishes. With the ability to work in photo editors, you can create collages of the approximate appearance of the premises from the desired interior and decor elements. This will help pave a kind of key to finding the future style, color combination and palette of finishing materials. Here are some criteria that will help in the compilation:
Shape of objects
Combining two or three different styles is easier if you respect the unity of form. In one interior, you can use furniture and accessories from different styles, for example, combine modern with classics and add features of futurism to all this. In this case, a single form of furniture – soft textile seats and thin legs – create a comfortable, consistent atmosphere.
The right combination of colors
Competently combining different colors in the interior is very important, because the psychological health of a person also depends on it. The easiest way to choose the right shades is your preference for a particular color in clothes. On a subconscious level, we choose exactly those shades that increase the level of mood and confidence. Therefore, it is quite possible to take your favorite colors as a basis and include them in the interior.
The second option: pick up a dozen different interior solutions and build on their color palette. And, perhaps, the simplest solution is white, because all shades are combined with it and on its basis you can create an attractive eclectic interior.
It should be borne in mind that the use of many colors in one space can greatly overload the interior. It is best to choose a maximum of three shades and repeat them in different design elements.
Combination of different materials
Different interior styles are characterized by their distinctive textures and materials. For example, in a classic style, velvet, wood or yellow metal are most often used. In the loft – leather and stone.
In order to competently combine materials in different styles, you need to adhere to the basic rule of “contrast + harmony”, that is, a smooth surface goes well with the relief, solid wood with soft drapery or upholstery. If the space is divided into several zones, then it would be an ideal solution to use the finishes of different textures.
Unity of accents
The interior can play in a new way, if you bring one bold detail into it. For example, in a modern classic living room interior, add a futuristic sofa or carpet with oriental ornaments. Often the best ideas are built on some kind of extreme.
Apply interesting patterns and ornaments
If you decide to combine objects of different styles in one interior, then it looks very good along with decoration and furniture, where there are repetitive shades and patterns. Such a created connection by ornaments is considered a very successful modern design solution.
Plan of demolished and erected walls
By demolishing or adding partitions, you can completely change the interior layout of your apartment. All these transformations, respectively, entail a change in the BTI plan. In order to get a quality result and a well-planned apartment, it is necessary to resort to a plan for demolished and erected walls.
The demolition wall plan is an obligatory part of the project documentation. When it comes to redevelopment of an apartment, it is impossible to do without its creation. First of all, this plan is necessary for construction work in order to understand exactly which partitions are to be demolished or dismantled. If, according to the project, the wall does not require complete demolition, then the parameters of the future opening should be indicated in the plan, that is, its width and height. A plan of the demolished walls is formed in detail, based on the measured drawing of the apartment. At the same time, it should not contradict building codes and sanitary rules.
The plan of the walls being erected is the main drawing, on the basis of which the entire design project is subsequently formed. It reflects all new walls and partitions being erected, with the specified dimensions of their thicknesses and the existing reference to structures.
Outlets and lighting plan
Lighting plays an important role in the interior. The perception of interior items, comfort, mood and your well-being also depend on it. Therefore, it is worth choosing the right lighting fixtures and distributing them throughout the rooms.
The lighting plan is a detailed drawing that shows all possible types of lighting fixtures, their number, power and brightness. For each type of room, its own lighting device is selected. When drawing up such a plan, it is necessary to immediately decide where the lighting sources will be located, perhaps it will be one common in the center of the ceiling, or vice versa – combined, which illuminate only certain areas. In addition, when placing lighting fixtures, it is important to directly consider the ceiling plan, since both of them are closely related. The task of lighting fixtures is to correctly complement the design solution and create comfort.
The socket layout plan is also one of the important drawings when developing a design project. Since we use a fairly large number of electrical appliances in the modern world, it is necessary to provide for the exact number and location of sockets so that in the future we do not turn to extension cords for help. The plan details all types of sockets used and their binding with dimensions. This plan is closely related to the furniture layout plan and the lighting plan. It is important to create a comfortable and affordable connection to the set of equipment used in your apartment.
Selection of finishing materials
The selection of finishing materials can be confusing due to the huge number of different options on the construction market. But it is also an important part of a renovation plan or design project. Both options at once will save you from the agony of choice. When ordering a design project, your architect or designer will describe in detail all the materials, textures and colors. All you have to do is buy them.
If you want to save a little, then go to construction hypermarkets, because they offer most of the goods at the best prices. As for some specific manufacturers, it is best to be guided by well-known and proven brands. Otherwise, there is a big risk of running into low-quality products. Be sure to pay attention to expiration dates and the type of packaging – some products may well deteriorate from improper storage. When repairing a particular room, you need to understand its functional purpose, and only then purchase finishing materials for it. For example, for the kitchen it is better to choose moisture-resistant wallpaper, and for the bedroom, environmentally friendly paper. A natural wood floor can be completely replaced with a high-quality laminate. But it is worth laying it only in residential premises; ceramic tiles are suitable for the bathroom and toilet.
The best solution would be to purchase environmentally friendly materials that do not emit harmful substances. This rule is very appropriate when it comes to the bedroom or nursery. If you decide to purchase materials abroad, it is better to order them in advance, as they often take much longer to deliver.
Furniture layout plan
The overall functionality of all rooms, as well as the placement of equipment, including lamps and sockets, depends on the furniture layout plan. It is also part of the project documentation. It is aimed, first of all, at uniting all interior items and creating a full-fledged look from furniture and household appliances, in relation to a specific room: its area, shape and functional purpose. When arranging furniture, it is necessary to take into account the materials from which it is made, as well as its color, texture and shape. The furniture should correspond to the concept of the interior and be in harmony with everything else.
5. Plan the repair
The apartment renovation plan includes the development of a design project. This project should reflect all the drawings and the main nuances that you would like to see after the repair is completed. It includes the general layout of all the premises of the apartment, the location of lighting fixtures, switches, sockets, and the like. In order to correctly calculate finishing materials, appliances, furniture and decor, as well as construction and finishing work, you must have an apartment plan with you, which indicates all the areas of the premises, the location of window and door openings.
Room renovation schedule
It is best to start repairs from the room where the most garbage is expected. As a rule, they are a bathroom or a bathroom – by laying tiles. Then they go to the far room and move to the kitchen. If you also plan to live in an apartment that is to be renovated, then you will need to disassemble some things, pack and take them to other rooms.
Sequence of work
Now let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for repair and construction work in the apartment:
Detailed measurements. Measurements give a complete picture of the technical parameters of the space. Without taking measurements, it will not be possible to avoid mistakes in the implementation of the design project.
Dismantling work. This stage is relevant both for the secondary fund and for new buildings. For the secondary fund at this stage, it is necessary to remove all floor, ceiling, wall coverings, as well as windows, doors, switches, sockets, plumbing. If you have conceived redevelopment, then the demolition of the necessary partitions is carried out right now.
Construction of walls and partitions. Here, the necessary partitions and walls are erected according to the design project.
Hidden electrical installation. At this stage, you need to decide on the manufacturer and series of switches and sockets. Do not forget about laying cable for TV and the Internet.
Laying a route for air conditioning. The next step will be the laying of wires and freon pipelines (mains), as well as the installation of the outdoor unit. The indoor unit is not mounted at this stage.
Distribution of pipes for water supply, sewerage and heating. New communications are laid according to the layout plan: washing machine, plumbing and heated towel rail. Old radiators must be removed and temporary plugs installed, it is worth waiting a little while hanging new radiators at this stage.
Installation of window blocks. When installing window blocks, do not remove the protective film from them until the rough finish is completed, so as not to spoil their appearance ahead of time.
Entrance door installation. When installing the front door, do not install the interior trim on the side of the apartment until the repair is completed. It is also desirable to protect the door additionally.
Leveling walls and ceilings. First of all, the leveling process should start from the ceiling. Here, it is plaster work that is meant, but if a stretch or plasterboard ceiling is planned, then in this case it is installed at the very end. The second in the repair sequence are the walls, and then the slopes and openings.
Floor screed. A screed on a cement-sand mortar sets within a day, and a screed on a plaster mortar after 4 hours. At the same time, it is possible to lay subsequent coatings on a gypsum screed after 3 days, while on a cement-sand screed only after 2 weeks. The choice is yours.
Underfloor heating installation. It is laid only on a flat base. Moreover, the sequence of installation before or after the screed depends on the type of underfloor heating technology used.
Installation of boxes and ceilings made of plasterboard, embedded furniture, installation of inspection hatches.
Laying tiles. Tiles must be laid first on the walls and then on the floor. The bathtub should be installed before the tiles are laid in order to get a perfect joint.
Ceiling finish. Paint only flat surfaces.
Clean wall covering. If you decide to choose wallpaper for wall decoration, then you need to start gluing them from the window. Also, in order to avoid their deformation, after the sticker, do not open the windows for a week.
Installation of radiators. Radiators are installed after the walls are completed. Otherwise, it will not work to paint the space behind them.
Floor covering. It is necessary to lay the flooring only on a completely dried screed, otherwise it may peel off.
Stretch ceiling installation. When installing a stretch ceiling structure, do not forget about mortgages for lighting fixtures.
Plumbing installation. Installation of a shower, toilet, washbasin, faucet, washing machine (if you plan to place it in the bathroom).
Installation of interior doors and laying skirting boards. Laying skirting boards must be carried out after the interior doors are installed.
Arrangement of headset and household appliances. Furniture modules, a countertop, a stove, a dishwasher, an extractor hood, a sink and a washing machine are installed.
Installation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, cornices for curtains, installation of lighting fixtures, sockets and switches. Installation of external parts of switches and sockets, suspension of all necessary lamps and an electric bell.
General cleaning of premises. After the completed repair, a lot of construction debris remains, which should definitely be taken to a special landfill. In addition to debris, you will need to remove all contaminants that have arisen. Only in a clean apartment can you arrange furniture and invite guests to a housewarming party.
Arrangement of furniture and decor. The most pleasant moment after the completion of the repair, because the furniture and decor will finally give the final look to your planned interior.
6. Expert opinion
Pavel Pogrebnichenko, architect-designer of the design organization “Aqueduct”:
– If you are starting a repair, then contacting a specialist will not be superfluous at all. It will transform all your ideas into a general concept, and then help bring them to life. Choosing a designer is not an easy task, however, you should start your search with the advice of people you know. In every city there are popular designers or studios that have already earned a lot of positive feedback. It is necessary to carefully study the portfolio and make sure that the specialist works with the styles you like. Chat with a person personally, find out the cost of services. If everything suits you, then you can conclude a contract.
Work on the design project begins with a specialist visit to the site to make detailed measurements and discuss future changes. Try to describe to the designer all your thoughts and ideas. A good specialist will immediately understand what your interior should be like. Do not avoid talking about the budget for the upcoming renovation. A professional must understand in what price range goods should be pawned. If this is not done, then the implementation of ideas may not be affordable, and in this case, you will have to look for cheaper analogues and waste time inappropriately, which means that the result may suffer greatly from this. Some clients already at the first meeting know what materials or furniture they want to see in their interior – this approach will save time on the project. At the request of the client, it is possible to organize a trip with a designer to specialized stores.
The complete set of the design project is agreed upon at the stage of discussing its price and signing the contract. Now many designers offer packages of services from which you can choose the one that suits your wallet. It is also necessary to immediately discuss the issue of the designer’s visits to the object. No matter how well the project is thought out, questions may arise at the construction site that will require prompt answers. Therefore, if you do not have enough time, arrange with the designer for supervision so that the final result matches the intended project.
The standard set of design project drawings includes:
If you are thinking about redevelopment of an apartment, you should understand that not all design decisions can be made legally. As soon as there are questions about the demolition of walls, the transfer of wet rooms, the combination of the kitchen with other rooms, the glazing of the loggias and the removal of heating appliances to them, you need to contact the municipal authorities, with which they will be coordinated. In addition to the design project, in this case, you will need to order a redevelopment project, and only after its approval, you can start repair work, otherwise you will have to pay a large fine.
Everyone wants to organize the space around them as comfortably and stylishly as possible, so that it reflects the inner world of the owners. The interior is created for at least several years, and at the same time, a lot of money is invested in it, so contact a professional – he will help you properly allocate the budget and make repairs.