Renovating the apartment: where to start, the sequence, tips

It is often difficult to start repairing an apartment, because not everyone knows what to do and in what sequence. Especially if there is no experience in this. To dispel fears, you need to learn more about this process, ask for advice from professionals. We have already done this. Let's consider how to prepare for the repair of the apartment, determine the general sequence of work.

Determine the type of repair

The repair of the apartment can be of two types:

• Cosmetic - change the decorative finish of the premises, without remodeling the structures and communications;
• Major repairs - redevelopment, replacement of pipes, plumbing and electrical wiring, and then perform the finishing.

It often happens that the basic communications are normal, and do not need to create or demolish walls, rearrange the doors. In this case, it is sufficient to redo the interior design, decoration of the premises. When significant changes in the apartment are required, create a technical plan, re-planning coordinated with the authorities and other responsible services.

Choose a design

On what will be the new interior design of the apartment, depends on what materials to buy and what work to carry out. You can order a design project from a professional designer. He will help you find a suitable option for the layout of the room, the needs of the occupants and their preferences. Independently you can find information about the design of apartments on the Internet. On the Internet you can also find ready-made apartment plans.

Create a sketch of the rooms:

• where the furniture will stand;
• How to place lighting, whether to change the wiring;
• Where will stand appliances, whether you need extra outlets.

This will help to take into account the rough work and then do not redo. You can also avoid unnecessary efforts. For example, you do not need to make a complex finish on the wall, along which the closet will stand.

Calculate costs

According to the work plan and the chosen design, make an estimate. Write down all the materials and tools that need to be purchased. If it will be necessary to hire a brigade to repair apartments, ask them for the cost of each type of work. This helps to formulate a more accurate budget and to calculate the costs. It is desirable to keep a reserve of money in case the rise in price of materials and other unforeseen expenses.

Sequence of repair work

You can stick to the following instructions:

• Work from the far room to the exit. Take out furniture, cover the floor with polyethylene film (if its coating does not need to change).
• During the overhaul carry out the dismantling of structures.
• Replace wiring, pipes, plumbing.
• Install new windows and doors.
• Level the ceiling (except when installing a stretch ceiling), then the walls.
• If necessary, do screed floor, then it is covered with linoleum, tile, laminate or other coating.
• In the bathroom, first install the tub, then put the tiles to get even joints.
• Take out the trash left after the "rough" work.
• Install heating radiators, if necessary replacement.
• Perform a decorative finish. Start with the ceiling, then the walls.  If the provided stretch ceilings, first decorate the walls.
• Putting plinths.
• Install sockets, switches.
• Carry out a general cleaning, arrange furniture and decor items.

Do the repair in the apartment yourself or hire masters? Of course, if a team of professionals will work, the repair of the apartment will be of high quality and without unnecessary efforts. When you want to save money, have repair skills or opportunities to learn, you can take on the job yourself. Particularly complex work can be entrusted to professionals.