9 tips for those looking to make a good renovation

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It doesn't matter if you do the repair yourself or with the help of invited specialists. These rules will come in handy in any case, forcing you to gather your strength and save a little.

Despite the flaring crisis, building materials in stores are scattered better than hot cakes. Renovation is not the worst investment. In addition, the optimized space makes it possible to optimize your life better than many life hacks. How to make renovation a pleasure and not be disappointed with the result?

1. Fully thought-out idea

Any renovation starts with an idea. It is necessary to clearly understand the goals and purpose of the premises long before the start of work. It may be too late to implement any successful solution during work, since behind many seemingly simple things lies a rather complex implementation.

For example, although it is recommended to start renovations with a bathroom, this is not applicable for apartments with a single wall between the kitchen and the bathroom. The reason is simple: by covering this wall with tiles on one side, it will not be possible to lay electrical wiring in it, since there is a risk that when the walls are slashed, the tiles will crumble.

2. Selection of color solutions

When choosing a color, you need to take into account the lighting conditions. When purchasing paint, wallpaper, or other coatings, ask for a sample so that you can carefully examine it in a different light. You should definitely try the diffused electric light from a conventional incandescent lamp, LED backlighting, halogen or modern economical lamp options. Don't forget about the sunshine.

The ideal option would be to bring the sample home and apply it to the desired surface at different times of the day.

This approach will, on occasion, supplement the lighting in the room or improve it by replacing it with more modern sources. Otherwise, there is a risk that certain sources (different light or different color) may not be suitable.

3. Choice of materials

It is necessary to clearly understand in advance what materials will be on each of the surfaces. Even wallpaper and plaster need reinforcing elements at the corners, which can be made of both plastic and metal (or polymer film). For floor and wall coverings, surface preparation is essential.

It should be understood that each of the coatings has a certain thickness and some options, for example tiles, significantly reduce the usable space due to the need for an absolutely flat work surface. In the case of a laminate, if it is not intended to install massive furniture on it (for example, in a nursery), you can either use a traditional self-leveling screed or simplify the preparation process using a combined crate or GVL sheets.

4. Detailed design project

It is advisable to go to the designer before starting the repair or draw the future room in a 3D package. This will allow you to avoid unnecessary purchases that will not fit the new interior, or to use elements of existing furniture.

In addition, the development of a detailed three-dimensional layout will simplify the task of laying communications. If you have a clear idea of where what equipment and furniture will stand, you can save a lot on cable channels, plinths with hidden channels, a variety of sockets, and so on. If we go even further, then the surface treatment behind furniture can only be cosmetic, and this is already a serious saving.

5. Fallback design

Useful in case of resizing. It is quite difficult to immediately measure the deviations of walls, ceilings and floors from a flat surface - both in level and in quality. Therefore, the change in living space can be unpredictable and significant. In the bathroom of an ordinary panel house, the dimensions of a separate wall can be reduced to 5 or even 7 centimeters. When installing furniture elements end-to-end, confusion can occur. Therefore, it is worth developing a certain backup option, and it is better to find a replacement from the same seller - thus, if the repair is delayed (and it is always delayed), it will be easier to agree on a replacement.

6. Calling specialists for consultation

Even if it seems that the measurements were made correctly, it is worthwhile to decide in advance with the master to perform certain works and ask him to re-measure. A detailed measurement by a professional will most likely give you slightly different numbers and allow you to adjust your plans in advance (which is extremely important).

Even if all the materials have already been selected and counted, it is worth inviting the master from whom you plan to order repairs, and consult about the advisability of using certain materials in this particular case. It is possible that certain of their properties will make you change your mind and choose something else.

For example, floor tiles are the most durable material of all floor coverings. However, it beats well and in living quarters (and kitchens) requires insulation in the form of carpets (or even internal electric heating).

In addition, an accurate measurement made by the master will help to adjust the plans for materials: the master will advise the optimal size of the floor and wall covering, tiles and other things.

7. Pre-agreed amount, cost and types of work

In fact, during the repair, a large amount of work is imperceptible to the eye of an ordinary tenant. They may be really necessary, or they may be imposed by the masters. Everything that is done well will have to be paid for. But is it really necessary? It's worth deciding on your own. Therefore, it is necessary to talk through all the work from and to, draw up a detailed price list. After that, it will be seen whether all of this is needed. You may be able to save money by doing something yourself, for example, installing blinds, skirting boards. Although it may seem like a trifle, significant sums of money are winding up on such jobs.

8. Step-by-step control

All work must be controlled. It is especially important to do this at the stage of surface preparation, because all the flaws will surely come out. Even uneven priming and different shades of putty can change the tone of the wallpaper or paint. Not to mention the fact that incorrectly executed corners or insufficiently flat surface will affect the installation of furniture or laying tiles. The horizontal level is even more important: a difference of a couple of centimeters in the area of a small hallway in a one-room apartment can lead to skewing of the cabinet doors. As a result, they may even stop opening normally.

9. Payment upon completion

Prepayment is good, even very good. But in this case, you will have to pay for damaged materials and incorrect installation. It is worthwhile to stipulate in advance a certain percentage that will be deducted from the total cost for poorly performed work.

It is worth remembering that installation is also repair. Incorrect installation is a marriage. Don't pay. At least until the result is corrected.

When completing and reworking, it may happen that unobstructed holes, scratches and so on appear. The penalty for such oversights should be negotiated in advance. True, it is worth considering that the price will increase slightly. But the pleasure from the result obtained without drawbacks will be much greater.