Apartment renovation with pre-finishing: where to start and what is included

Apartment renovations can be both exhilarating and intimidating. It’s critical to comprehend the pre-finishing process and know where to start when working with it. Prefinishing ensures that everything is ready for the finishing touches and gives your renovation a strong foundation.

Prior to starting work, a clear plan must be created. This plan should specify the required actions and resources so that you can stay clear of any unneeded complications. Understanding what to anticipate during the pre-finishing stage will help you save time and money, regardless of whether you’re working with a contractor or handling the project yourself.

You will be guided through the essential elements of renovating an apartment with pre-finishing by this article. We’ll go over everything you need to get started right away, from wall preparation to material selection.

What is included in pre-finishing repairs

It is crucial to comprehend what is included in the pre-finishing repairs for which the developer is accountable in order to comprehend what pre-finishing entails additional repairs. Installing the systems required for a comfortable living environment and priming surfaces for the application of decorative coatings and base preparation come first.

A strict inventory of finished projects in the pre-finishing complex is provided by certain developers. These include installing heating systems with devices and electrical wiring, leveling wall and ceiling surfaces with putty and plaster, preparing water pipes, and floor screeding, which is rough leveling without a finishing layer. The required minimum of pre-finishing operations also includes clearing the area of construction dust and debris.

In this instance, the apartment needs to be renovated with pre-finishing before occupants move in because the housing is not yet ready for occupancy. Before moving furniture, suitcases, and family members, at the very least install plumbing fixtures and finish floor arrangement. Another choice provides a more sophisticated, advanced form of pre-finishing. After making a purchase, buyers can move into such a home right away and finish the arrangement, having already become new tenants.

Therefore, if an apartment has pre-finishing, it will be comfortable to move into:

• a full set of plumbing fixtures installed (a kitchen sink with a mixer, a bathtub, a sink and a toilet in the bathroom);
• window and interior doorways are equipped with insert elements (this refers not only to the windows and doors themselves, but also to related parts – fittings, ebbs, window sills, slopes);
• outlets to the surface of the electrical wiring are equipped with external components – switches and sockets.

Before making a purchase, inquire in advance with the developer about the layout that will be found within the chosen housing. You can determine the value of buying a specific apartment by comparing the amount and cost of the remaining work using this information.

It wouldn’t hurt to find out how much front-end work the owners still need to do if the developer’s pre-finishing repairs are too expensive or unjustified and they still decided on an apartment at a competitive price, but without finishing.

Floor and ceiling

Leveling the floor with a screed, cement, or concrete, for example, is the pre-finishing step of preparing the surface to apply the floor covering. A freshly constructed building’s floor most likely has minimal height variations, so screeding won’t require much time or effort. Although self-leveling mixtures for final coatings are more commonly associated with finishing, you are free to complete these steps in any order if you are doing them by hand. Just remember to let every layer that is poured completely dry.

Because the ceiling in a pre-finished apartment has already been plastered or whitewashed, repairs don’t always require additional ceiling work. While some would rather keep it unaltered, others would rather cover it with a tension or suspended structure. The owner will have to putty and plaster the surface during the pre-finishing if the ceiling is still in its rough state. It is also advised to apply a specific water-repellent agent to the walls and ceiling in areas with high humidity, like the kitchen and bathroom.

Plaster

Plaster will be required, as mentioned in the previous section, to prepare the walls and the ceiling. Additionally, this material will be used with the new tenants at later stages of the renovation if decorative plaster is selected as the surface finishing coat (different types are used for pre-finishing and applying decor). Prior to making a purchase, verify the dry plaster mix’s expiration date on the package and make a note of it to avoid using material that has past its expiration by accident.

There are respectable goods made by both Russian and international producers; when making your decision, consider the company’s standing, your taste in design, and your financial constraints. Purchasing material with a finer fraction is recommended for pre-finishing as coarse-grained plaster intended for rough work will not be helpful.

Prior to plastering, prime the wall surface. If the features of the room demand it, take care of a high-quality waterproofing or heat-resistant layer. The proper installation of beacons and guidelines determines the smoothness of the plaster layer that is applied. Over the plaster base, putty or a particular leveling mixture is applied.

We consider the impending shrinkage of the house because we are discussing a new structure. In order to mitigate the detrimental impact of shrinkage on the plaster’s condition, a mesh consisting of twenty-millimeter cells is incorporated into the layer. The coating is made elastic by the mesh. A complete drying process ensures the strength of the layer, so allow the walls seven days to fully harden.

One of the top-selling products is a safe, plastic gypsum plaster that offers several benefits over plaster mixtures with different ingredients. However, using such a material in brick homes requires a particular installation. In this instance, you will have to prime the surface, install beacons, plaster the area, and allow it to dry. Next, give the walls another coat of primer, putty, and reinforce them with mesh before letting them dry once more. Next, apply two more putty layers, and when they are dry, top with a final layer of plaster with fine grains.

When you tap the applied and dried plaster layer, a ringing sound should be heard, which is a sign of good plastering. If not, there are cavities.

Drywall

Pre-finishing walls can also be done by sheathing them with drywall. This method offers several benefits, but it is less popular because of its higher cost. Installation is quick and doesn’t require any specialized training or expertise. An additional "in favor" argument: the lack of dirt and dust.

The plasterboard is nailed to a frame that has already been assembled. The sheet can be aligned by applying pressure at the joints. Arrange the slabs in a checkerboard pattern to enhance the outcome.

Electrical wiring

Prefinishing an apartment involves not only installing the heating system but also installing the wiring. This is one of those stages that you shouldn’t attempt on your own without enough experience. There is a chance of unintentionally breaking the Housing Code, even if you are able to install a functional electrical network without the help of a professional electrician and avoid getting hurt, which is unlikely. Such wiring is hazardous when in use and is subject to fines. The owner will also be required to repair the electrical wiring and remove any infractions.

It’s crucial to concentrate on planning and comprehending the scope of work when beginning an apartment renovation with pre-finishing. Basic tasks like plumbing, electrical, and wall leveling are usually included in pre-finishing. This lays the groundwork for your final details, which include fixtures installation, painting, and tiling. You can better arrange your budget and schedule and guarantee a more seamless renovation process by being aware of what has already been completed and what needs to be finished.

Pre-finishing an apartment can seem like a big undertaking when you first start, but with the right strategy, it becomes doable. The secret is to tackle the project piece by piece, paying attention to what must be done first and comprehending the extent of the work required.

Although prefinishing offers a strong base, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the space’s state and determine what needs to be improved. These fundamental components, which include wall preparation, plumbing, and electrical wiring, set the stage for a seamless remodeling process.

The exciting part is choosing the materials, colors, and finishes that will make your vision a reality once the fundamentals are in place. Keep in mind that every choice you make today will affect your home’s appearance and comfort for years to come.

Your renovation will not only meet your expectations but also stay within your budget and timeline if you take the time to carefully plan and carry out each step. With a little forethought, your apartment can quickly become a cozy, fashionable area that showcases your unique aesthetic.

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