Stages of renovation in a new building from scratch step by step

Buying a new apartment is an extremely joyful event for any person. It is a freshly built apartment, usually without any repairs, in which no one has ever lived before. Newcomers are faced with a somewhat depressing view of bare walls without finishing, electrical wiring, simple plumbing and the question arises: where to start renovation in a new building?

At first it may seem that to create in this place comfortable and cozy conditions will have to spend an unrealistic amount of their own efforts, nerves and time. However, if you adhere to certain recommendations and observe a number of important stages in the process of work, then the whole repair is able to leave only pleasant positive impressions.

Is it worth it to make repairs at once?

If the house is new and only put into operation, then you need to check whether everything is realized, as the builder should have done under the contract, whether all the identified defects are eliminated. Communications should be connected, windows should be installed.

The very first thing you need to be aware of before the work is the general shrinkage of the house, which takes an average of one to two years. The most cautious and prudent experts recommend to make rough repairs in a new building before moving in, and to postpone major finishing until a couple of years later. The shrinkage period depends on the height of the building, the type of soil, and the type of house

New walls and screed in apartments necessarily increase the weight of the entire building, after which it will again “sit down”. In connection with these circumstances, rough repair will be the most rational option, especially for brick and panel houses. If you do not want to wait so long or your house is monolithic – in this case, repairs can be carried out immediately after settlement. But then it is necessary to use a set of preventive measures for “walking” buildings – damping tapes, expansion joints, reinforcement and other “floating” technologies.

In addition, in a new house, usually many tenants start finishing their apartments almost immediately – leaky pipes, dust from the ventilation ducts, vibrations from the perforator – all these consequences of the activities of your neighbors in a short period of time can spoil the finishing.

Where to start the repair in a new building?

In fact, some universal and specific plan of action is quite difficult to make, but still there are rules and building regulations, as well as a general sequence of works, controversial points and assumptions that should be taken into account. If we talk in general, then the stages of repair work in a new building from scratch do not have too many differences from the secondary living space.

Before the start of the work you need to prepare a project, make an estimate, where the budget will be fixed and the amount of necessary materials. For more details on the content and cost of repairs in a new building.

1. Finalizing the layout of the premises

In the event that the new apartment is supposed to any redevelopment, then agree on these points must be agreed in advance, because in the process of repairing it can become a real problem, which will require a lot of effort and time to solve. First of all, it is worth starting with hints in the general plan of works. Here we are talking not only about engineering systems, which include air conditioning and ventilation, plumbing and electrical wiring, etc., but also about the form of flooring or tile layouts.

If an apartment with a “free layout” has been bought, it is subject to the same restrictions on the distribution of space as anywhere else. The procedure is regulated by the law “On the procedure for the rearrangement of premises in residential buildings on the territory of the city of Moscow”. The advantages will be the possibility to distribute the space of the living area according to your wishes, conveniently locate doorways. Other changes require the preparation of technical documentation and approval.

Despite the absence of standard walls, it is important to take into account existing building codes to ensure safety and compliance with the residential code. Additional requirements from local building authorities should also be clarified to avoid unforeseen complications during the remodeling process.

2. Design or Planning

A design should be prepared in advance to document all planned changes – remodeling, placement of furniture and appliances, types of flooring to be used, and placement of outlets. Present and compare all the changes, their combination without the participation of a designer and the creation of 3D visualization is often quite problematic. Having a detailed project simplifies the planning and control of work, allows you to formalize the goals and get a predictable result.

If you decide to do the repair yourself, also do not skip this stage – make a work plan, think about what materials and tools you need, be sure to check the size of all rooms.

3. Procurement of materials

The most correct answer to this question “When?” will be – “on time”. This means that the purchase of necessary materials for repair with their own hands should be made in accordance with the approved schedule of work. Some brigades deal with this issue independently, notifying the client only about prices and providing him with a detailed purchase estimate and checks from the store. The total budget depends, among other things, on the prices of materials, but the purchase in dubious places can double the cost. Therefore, give preference to large hypermarkets, where there will be no problems with the range and the possibility of delivery, will be able to replace or return unclaimed building materials.

One of the best options is to buy as work progresses, except for materials that are difficult to find or need to be pre-ordered.
It is possible to order everything at once and save on wholesale prices and delivery, but it is easy to lose valuable time – instead of working, the builders have to move all the materials from place to place. It is not uncommon for something to break, wood to get damp, etc.
However, it is better to buy sanitary ware and ceramic tiles in advance. Problems often arise with the latter – when additional purchases are made, it can suddenly turn out that the new batch is half a tone different. Sometimes builders are aware of such details and start wallpapering or tiling from the most inconspicuous areas, so as not to spoil the overall aesthetic of the room.
In addition to building materials, the list of purchases also includes consumables (masking film, rubbish bags).

4. Preparatory work

At the stage of preparation for the repair of an apartment with a free layout, it is important to pay attention not only to the removal of unnecessary partitions, but also to the issue of heat and waterproofing. These measures ensure not only comfort, but also the durability of the repair result. Thermal insulation helps to maintain an optimal room temperature, which is important for saving energy and increasing overall comfort. Waterproofing, on the other hand, protects against potential leaks and moisture, preventing the destruction of materials and providing additional protection against mould and mildew.

It is of particular importance to consider the implementation of effective soundproofing measures. In free-plan apartments, where a number of walls are absent, soundproofing is an effective method of creating a comfortable space, minimising noise and providing privacy.
It is crucial to ensure the provision of an adequate power supply to facilitate the completion of the work. The installation of a temporary power line or carrier provides a reliable source of energy for power tools and lighting, ensuring uninterrupted power during the entire renovation process. This approach prevents delays and ensures an uninterrupted power supply throughout the entire renovation process.

5. Demolition work

Given that the dwelling is new, the amount of demolition work is minimal. If required, walls and partitions are removed and doorways are relocated. If the condition of coatings or engineering systems necessitates it, they are dismantled. Balconies are prepared for glazing.
In the event that the plan is to replace the front door, windows, or install built-in furniture, it is advisable to select companies that will supply these items. Given the time required for the production process, it is prudent to engage surveyors in advance to agree on the delivery and installation schedule.

In some instances, the developer may have committed errors. These may have included the incorrect installation of building elements and engineering communications, or the placement of these elements in a less than optimal location.

6. this preliminary stage

the plumbing system is constructed, comprising the piping, its purchase, the coordination of connection points and the drainage system. It is advisable to install temporary plumbing (faucet, toilet, sink) during the repair period, as this will be rendered unnecessary once the repair is complete.