How to save on repairs in a new building?

Determining the amount 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 is removed, the wiring for the taps must be made. If the builders made mistakes (crooked walls, low-quality windows), then the developer must fix them free of charge, as stated in the contract and inspection sheet. If the finish is "fine", there will be less work: sometimes it is enough just to make cosmetic repairs or replace inexpensive plumbing fixtures.

Are workers needed?

Before repairing, you should consider what work you can do with your own hands, and which you can entrust to specialists. If dismantling is required, it is easy to do it yourself. With the proper skill, you can cope with putty walls, laying floors, wallpapering and painting. Some apartment owners are able to lay tiles and install new doors, however, in this case, you have to spend money on tools. But when wiring an electrician and replacing plumbing, you should hire professionals, since mistakes in this area can be costly for everyone, including neighbors.

To stay calm about the result of the repair, it is recommended to contact firms that have been providing their services for at least 5 years. Private traders will be cheaper, but they must also be trusted people, otherwise all the risks for quality will fall on the owner's shoulders. Workers are required to provide a detailed estimate for all types of work. It is most economical to renovate during the winter months when builders' rates are lower.

Checking prices

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

Save on flooring

If the screed on the floor is uneven, additional leveling can be made by mixing cement with sand. Once completely dry, you can lay the floor covering. We refuse from expensive parquet in favor of a budget laminate: it often looks no worse than its counterpart. Linoleum costs about the same, but it is he who is preferable in a new building, since the laminate can absorb moisture, which will give the building, and the boards will lead.

When choosing tiles, you should pay attention to cheaper products from Russian manufacturers. In terms of quality, it is almost as good as expensive tiles, but it will save money.

How to decorate 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 canvas is plastic. And if the neighbors flood from above, the ceiling will keep the water. Installation of the ceiling will not take much time and will hide all communications. It is easy to care for and cheaper than putty, primer and paint. If you want to whitewash the ceiling, you can use a budget water emulsion.

How to save on wallpaper

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

Do you like the expensive wallpaper in the salon? It is worth looking for analogs on the network that will look no worse. We also advise you not to glue the entire room with canvases with an active pattern: one wall is enough. This method, eliminating unnecessary expenses, is often used in designer interiors - while the room looks stylish and unobtrusive.

Do you want uniqueness? To create an original accent, you can buy leftover wallpaper at various online trading platforms, in hardware stores, and also ask your friends for a couple of unnecessary rolls. From the materials obtained, it is easy to combine an impressive patchwork composition.

Budget wall decoration methods

Covering walls with paint in a new building is not as profitable as using wallpaper: over time, it can crack. Before painting, the wall must be reinforced with a serpyanka and only then plaster and putty. If paint is the only desired option, you should choose an acrylic water-based paint. If the cracks are small, you can save on putty by buying paint with a latex filler that 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 mirrored wall will come out cheaper than tiles and will expand the space.

For wall decor, you can use inexpensive and environmentally friendly lining.

We save on furniture

Before buying new furniture, it is worth looking at the existing furniture with a new look. 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 commission shop or find what you need on trading floors. Sometimes owners even sell solid wood furniture at bargain prices. Some self-restored finds can become the soul of the interior.

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

Choosing an inexpensive style

High-tech, art-deco, classics and neoclassicism are difficult directions to implement, and it will not be possible to save money on them. Imitating these styles will look either cheap or gross. The most budgetary, but no less attractive, are the Scandinavian style, eco-style, minimalism and, of course, the loft. Contemporary is also appropriate: it is also functional and does not require special styling. The listed areas do not require expensive furniture and jewelry.

Life for connoisseurs of brutality

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

You can also save money on the walls if the natural texture is pleasing to the eye and does not cause internal dissonance. The surface only needs to be coated with a primer. To maintain an 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 is justified here not only by economy, but also by common sense.It is recommended to postpone major repairs for a couple of years.