Ways to save money when renovating new buildings: tips and recommendations.

Determining the scope of work

Having bought an apartment in a new building, you should immediately study what needs to be replaced and what will last for a long time. If the house is delivered with a “rough” finish, then the floors and walls must be leveled, the batteries must be connected, the wiring must be brought out, the wiring for the taps must be done. If the builders made any mistakes (crooked walls, poor-quality windows), then the developer must correct them free of charge, as specified in the contract and inspection sheet. If the finishing is “finishing”, there will be less work: sometimes it is enough to just do cosmetic repairs or replace inexpensive plumbing.

Do you need workers?

Before the renovation, you should figure out what work you can do yourself and what you can entrust to specialists. If dismantling is required, it can be easily done yourself. With the proper skills, you can cope with puttying walls, laying floors, wallpapering and painting. Some apartment owners are able to lay tiles and install new doors, however, in this case you will have to spend money on tools. But when wiring and replacing plumbing, you should hire professionals, since mistakes in this area can be expensive for everyone, including neighbors.

To remain calm about the result of the repair, it is recommended to contact companies that have been providing their services for at least 5 years. Private contractors will be cheaper, but they must also be proven people, otherwise all the risks for quality will fall on the shoulders of the owner. Workers are required to provide a detailed estimate for all types of work. It is most economical to do repairs in the winter months, when builders’ rates are lower.

Checking prices

Before starting work, calculate the amount of materials needed. Then, armed with the Internet and patience, we analyze their cost, studying the catalogs of construction stores, reading reviews and advice on thematic sites. Having decided on the desired goods, we choose the cheapest ones, paying attention to promotions. This analysis will take less time than several trips to stores. Another option for saving is construction markets and fairs. If you make purchases in one place, you can save on delivery, and also get a discount. In specialized stores, materials are an order of magnitude more expensive.

Saving on flooring

If the screed on the floor is uneven, you can do additional leveling by mixing cement with sand. After complete drying, you can lay the flooring. We refuse expensive parquet in favor of budget laminate: it often looks no worse than its analogue. Linoleum costs about the same, but it is preferable in a new building, since laminate can absorb moisture that the building will give off, and the boards will warp.

When choosing tiles, it is worth paying attention to cheaper products from Russian manufacturers. In terms of quality, it is almost as good as expensive tiles, and will allow you to save money.

How to finish the ceiling

For owners of new buildings, the most successful finishing option is a stretch ceiling: when the house shrinks, it will not crack, since the fabric is flexible. And if the neighbors from above flood, the ceiling will hold the water. Installing the ceiling will not take much time and will hide all communications. It is easy to care for, and it will be cheaper than putty, primer and paint. If you want to whitewash the ceiling, you can use a budget water-based emulsion.

How to save on wallpaper

The most expensive option is wallpaper with a pattern. When gluing, it is necessary that the pattern matches, which means you will have to buy a couple more rolls. The best option is paintable wallpaper. You can leave it white, and if you want variety, just paint it.

Did you like the expensive wallpaper in the salon? It is worth looking for similar ones online that will look no worse. We also advise against pasting the entire room with canvases with an active pattern: one wall is enough. This method, which eliminates unnecessary expenses, is often used in designer interiors – the room looks stylish and unobtrusive.

Do you want something unique? To create an original accent, you can buy leftover wallpaper at various online retailers, in construction stores, or ask friends for a couple of unnecessary rolls. It is easy to combine the resulting materials into an impressive patchwork composition.

Budget ways to finish walls

Painting the walls in a new building is not as profitable as using wallpaper: over time, it can crack. Before painting, the wall must be reinforced with serpyanka and only then plastered and puttied. If paint is the only desired option, it is worth choosing acrylic water-based. If the cracks are small, you can save on putty by buying paint with a latex filler, which will hide microcracks. But for the kitchen, you should choose high-quality washable paint if you want to save on an apron.

For bathroom cladding, designers advise using… a mirror. A mirror wall will cost less than tiles and will expand the space.

You can use inexpensive and environmentally friendly paneling to decorate the walls.

Saving on furniture

Before buying new furniture, it is worth taking a fresh look at the one you already have. Is it high-quality and comfortable, but the color does not fit into the new design? After studying several master classes, you can easily repaint it in a new shade.

Saving on basic pieces of furniture is not always justified: sofas and a bed should be comfortable and reliable. But wardrobes, bedside tables, tables and chairs can be anything: you can go to a consignment store or find what you need on trading platforms. Sometimes owners sell even solid wood furniture at bargain prices. Some hand-restored finds can become the soul of the interior.

When choosing kitchen facades, options in veneer, plastic and varnish of basic colors are appropriate.

Choosing an inexpensive style

High-tech, art deco, classic and neoclassical are difficult to implement directions, on which you will not be able to save money. Imitation of these styles will look either cheap or vulgar. The most budgetary, but no less attractive, are the Scandinavian style, eco-style, minimalism and, of course, loft. Contemporary is also appropriate: it is also functional and does not require special styling. The listed trends do not require expensive furniture and jewelry finishing.

Life hack for connoisseurs of brutality

Concrete ceilings, exposed pipes and wires fit perfectly into the loft style, which is at the peak of popularity today. The ceiling can simply be varnished or covered with clapboard.

You can also save on the walls if the natural texture pleases the eye and does not cause internal dissonance. The surface only needs to be covered with a primer. To maintain the industrial style, use wooden furniture, metal elements and bright decor.

When renovating an apartment, do not forget about the shrinkage of the new house. Budget finishing here is justified not only by savings, but also by common sense. It is recommended to postpone major repairs for a couple of years.