Frequently asked questions about apartment and bathroom renovation. Frequently asked questions about apartment renovation Questions about apartment renovation
During our work, we are constantly faced with the fact that many of our customers, before ordering an apartment renovation from us, usually ask the same questions. To save your and our time, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the heading "Question answer", in which we tried to tell you about everything that may interest you in the first place.
If we have not touched on a topic of interest to you, then you can always ask a question of interest online.
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How does apartment renovation begin, questions and problems that arise in the first place?
Initially, it is necessary to decide on the upcoming types of work and their volumes. You don't need to do this yourself. At your first request, our specialist (Estimator) will go to the site, who will remove all the necessary dimensions and together with you will draw up a complete list of the upcoming work.
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Is it possible to independently calculate the approximate cost of repairs?
You claim that your prices are the best, but there are offers with lower repair costs.
Ordering our apartment renovation, customers do not have questions related to the unsatisfactory quality of the work performed. But after all, a professional repair cannot cost a penny. At the same time, we are not chasing fabulous profits, but only doing our job conscientiously, therefore Our prices have an optimal price / quality ratio.
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You do only renovation of the apartment, and the issues related to the purchase and delivery of material should I decide on my own?
Not necessary at all. At your request, we ourselves will acquire all the necessary Construction Materials and deliver them to the site. At the same time, you save a lot, since we work with regular suppliers who provide us with significant discounts that apply to you as well.
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How can I know that the building materials you have purchased are of high quality and durability?
We provide a guarantee for all work performed. As a rule, apartment renovation puts quite difficult questions requiring a responsible approach. When using low-quality materials, very soon the entire finish will begin to deteriorate. We are not interested in carrying out repeated repairs in six months at the expense of our financial resources, therefore we very carefully select both the suppliers and the building materials they offer, and we also bear full responsibility for their quality. But this only applies to those materials that we purchase ourselves.
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I know that some firms refuse to carry out repairs in old buildings, what should I do if my apartment is located in such a building?
Don't worry. We carry out apartment renovations in any house with the same high quality, questions may arise only if the living space is cluttered with various pieces of furniture, but they are quite solvable.
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What exactly should I do with the furniture if I cannot remove it on my own?
We ourselves will take the furniture out of the apartment for the duration of the renovation, and we will bring it back after the completion of the work. Everything that cannot be taken out will be carefully covered with a durable film to protect it from contamination. Such services are also included in the scope of our activities.
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I have nowhere to move while the apartment is being renovated, how are you solving the issues of the stage-by-stage performance of the work?
We are always ready to meet you, so we can carry out repair work in turn in each room. But you should be prepared for some inconveniences in the form of noise, dust and various odors that are inherent in building materials.
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And if I need to renovate one room, and not the whole apartment, can I contact you?
Of course. We carry out both complex repairs and repairs of a single room, for example, a bath, kitchen, corridor, etc.
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Do you carry out certain types of work, such as painting, tiling, wallpapering and others?
Yes, we do. But carrying out such apartment renovation, the issues related to the preparation of the surface completely fall on you. That is, we are not responsible for cracked base under wallpaper, paint or tiles after carrying out finishing works... Therefore, it is still better to order a comprehensive repair.
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How long will it take for your specialists to complete the final estimate?
As a rule, after the departure of a specialist, it takes 1-2 days to analyze the data obtained and carry out all calculations. Then you will be notified to agree on the cost and sign the contract.
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And where can you familiarize yourself with the clauses of the agreement?
I want to order a renovation, but I would like to see examples of your work "live", is it possible?
Of course, when ordering an apartment renovation from us, questions of this kind sometimes arise, so we provide this opportunity as well. To do this, you need to contact our consultants in any way convenient for you.
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How is the quality control of the repair work carried out?
The superintendent is constantly present at the facility. He is a general practitioner who controls the process and is also fully responsible for the quality of the repairs performed.
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Can the cost of work change during the repair?
Maybe, but only at your request. That is, when repairing an apartment, we solve the issues of increasing or decreasing its cost based on your additional requirements that arise directly in the process. You can refuse any work or, on the contrary, order the execution of additional volumes. In any case, the slightest change in value is previously agreed with you.
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How to avoid changing the cost of repairs after the start of work?
To do this, we recommend that when carrying out apartment renovations, the questions that are related to this should be entrusted to our highly qualified specialists. We are ready to work with you, from the development of the design of the future interior to the complete completion of the work. In this case, we will be able to fully take into account all your wishes and calculate the cost of repairs as accurately as possible.
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What does a design project include?
Everything that you would like to see at the end of the work. Everything is taken into account here, down to the smallest detail, from the number and location of outlets to the overall aesthetic appearance of the renovated home. In addition, the design project makes it possible to thoroughly calculate the material consumption, which means that you can find out in full the entire amount that will be required for repairs.
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Does your repair team have all the necessary tools to carry out repair and finishing work?
We understand perfectly well that without a professional tool it is impossible to carry out renovation at the appropriate level. That is why our team is equipped with the most modern tools and equipment that allow us to perform any kind of work.
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What is a European-style renovation?
Renovation is an exceptionally high-quality apartment renovation, the issues of which are resolved at a high professional level. Only the most modern building materials are used here and are performed by real masters of their craft. Our specialists carry out repairs of any complexity, regardless of the volume.
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Can you order the repair of a small apartment?
Of course you can. We do not have any restrictions on the area of the premises being repaired.
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How long after making the estimate can you start working?
As soon as we sign the contract. In addition, the beginning and the end of the work is fixed in the contract.
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How is the payment for the work carried out?
We divide the types of work into three distinct stages. The first stage is “Dismantling”. An advance payment of 30 percent of the provided estimate and only after signing all required documents... The second stage is “ Rough finish". Payment in the amount of 40 percent of the total amount, payment is made after the completion of all rough work in the apartment. The third stage is “Finishing works”. Payment only after all the renovation work of the apartment has been completed, and all issues of acceptance of the object have been agreed, you settle with us finally.
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I myself have started to renovate the apartment, but I can not finish it in any way, can you help me?
Of course we can! Carrying out such apartment renovation, the issues are resolved by us in two ways. You can order from us home master services who will professionally help you complete the work. Otherwise, we completely take over the process of completing the repair.
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Are payments for repairs made in national currency?
How many people will work for my facility?
With a standard set of services, as a rule, up to five finishing specialists work. In the case of plumbing or electrical work, specialists of narrow qualifications are involved.
Repair is an important stage for which it is worth thoroughly preparing. Together with us, we will tell you what you need to ask the construction team you hired in order to be calm about the result.
How many objects have already been completed by the team?
The success of your repair depends to a large extent on the professionalism of the repair team. But, no matter how experienced the masters who are involved in the repair of your living space are, it does not hurt to find out what guarantees they provide after the end of the work.
In some cases, the qualifications of workers are of great importance: ask if there are highly specialized specialists in the brigade or all generalists. Are there plumbers, electricians, tilers on the team?
How long will it take to repair?
Needless to say, the answer to it is important: sometimes situations occur when the repair team promises the customer a deadline that cannot be met technologically.
How will the work be paid?
It is desirable to clarify this question in detail. It is most advisable to pay for repairs in stages.
Sometimes, due to unforeseen events, the repair budget for work and materials can increase, so before starting work it is worth finding out if it is possible to fix the cost of repairs for square meter.
Is there an opportunity to see the team in action?
When choosing a repair team, it is important to see the result of their work live - preferably at the final stage. This is the only way you can objectively assess whether these specialists and the quality of their services are suitable for you.
Plus, it is always clear from the process how careful the builders are when carrying out work, whether they smoke at the facility, whether they are neat with electrical appliances.
What rough materials will you need?
And also - who will buy them. If a team is buying them, find out how the reporting on the purchased materials will be organized.
Price renovation works and materials strongly depend on the area of the object and the complexity of the project. Estimated prices can be found on the price description page or in the price list.
How to estimate the cost of repairs before concluding a contract for a design project?
For a preliminary estimate, you can use the repair calculator or fill out a questionnaire for the repair of the premises and send it to managers for analysis and preliminary calculation.
How much does a measurer visit to make an estimate?
We do not go to the facility to draw up an estimate, because The estimator will not be able to describe in detail all the work in 1-2 hours at the facility, as a result of which additional work usually appears during the repair process, the repair period and cost increase. We draw up a detailed estimate for all work and materials only for a detailed design project.
Is it possible to order repairs on credit or by installments?
We are not a financial institution and we cannot issue consumer loans, but you can take out a loan at any bank convenient for you.
Also, when ordering repairs, you can use an interest-free installment plan, because when concluding a repair contract, we do not take prepayment for work. This means that at the initial stage of the repair, you do not need to immediately have a large amount of money. Money, payment is made gradually, upon completion and accepted work, during the entire period of repair. That. the amount for work can be paid gradually, for a period of up to 6 months without any bank interest.
What are the terms of the repair work?
The timing also depends on the area of the object and the complexity of the design project. Usually, the entire renovation of an apartment is 100-150 sq. M. performed in 5-7 months. Apartments 40-60 sq.m. - 4-5 months.
How long is the estimate calculated?
A full estimate for all work and materials is usually drawn up in 2-5 working days, depending on the complexity of the project.
How many people will work at the facility?
Several teams work at the facility: these are workers of general construction specialties, and highly specialized workers: tilers, painters, electricians, plumbers, parquet flooring, etc.
In addition to the workers, a foreman (work supervisor) is present at the facility and manages the repair, as well as a technical supervision engineer checks the work performed.
Do you have technical supervision?
Yes, the technical supervision engineer accepts the work performed and supervises the work of the foremen.
How often does the foreman appear on site?
Usually, the foreman supervises the work directly on the object every other day, but closer to the delivery of the object - every day.
What are the payment methods?
We accept payment different ways: in cash at the office, by bank transfer or by credit card through the terminal at the office or via the Internet.
What is the payment procedure?
When concluding a repair contract, an advance payment of 150,000 - 200,000 rubles is made. for the initial purchase of rough material and the organization of the process. The works are paid in stages upon their completion and after their acceptance by the Customer, usually 1-2 times a month.
What discount is possible with a phased and 100% payment?
Discount for a phased payment is discussed individually and depends on the volume and cost of the contract. With full prepayment, we provide a guaranteed 10% discount.
What kind of work do you do or do not do?
We carry out all the work that is necessary for the implementation of the project.
What is the warranty for repairs?
We provide a full 5-year warranty for all work, materials and equipment purchased through our company.
Do you have an SRO and insurance?
Oh sure.
Do you provide certificates of hidden works?
Yes, we do it without fail.
Can some work be changed during the renovation process?
Yes, you can change the scope of work. In this case, the estimate is recalculated and an additional agreement to the repair contract is signed.
Is the lifting of materials and garbage collection included in the repair contract?
Yes, they are included.
Will the cost change during the renovation process?
After the conclusion of the contract, the value indicated in it cannot change. An increase or decrease in cost is possible only if the Customer wishes to change part of the work or materials.
What engineering projects are needed for renovation?
It depends on the complexity of the project and the requirements of the Management Company.
Can some of the repairs be done through your contractors?
Yes, this is discussed when concluding a repair contract, but in this case you will lose a comprehensive guarantee for "everything", i.e. some of the responsibility will lie with other contractors. This is usually not beneficial for Customers, incl. and cost.
Are your finishing materials and furniture cheaper than others?
It is cheaper to purchase materials and furniture in our company, because we work directly with manufacturers, without dealers and other stores. But at the same time, we do not limit you to the purchase of materials and furniture through our company, you can purchase as independently, if you have such a desire and free time.
Can I conclude a repair contract with my design project?
Yes, you can provide us with your design project and we will draw up a detailed estimate and perform a high-quality repair based on it.
Is it possible to order repairs without a design project?
Is it possible to conclude a contract separately for rough or fine finishing?
Yes, this is discussed when concluding a repair contract, but it is necessary to understand that the cost of the contract only for rough work plus the cost of the contract only for finishing work will be higher than the cost of a comprehensive turnkey repair, i.e. it is more profitable to order everything at once.
Do you install kitchen and kitchen appliances?
If you ordered a kitchen in our company, then everything related to it: delivery, lifting, assembly and connection of equipment is carried out by our specialists with a comprehensive 3-year warranty.
You can order from us both the kitchen of any Italian factory, and the kitchen of our own production by the Group of Companies "Fundament".
Where can I see the kitchens of our own production by the Group of Companies "Fundament"?
You can see several samples (about 8) of kitchens in our showroom in Moscow, on st. Mytnaya 7 (at the address where the office is located).
Do you repair and insulate balconies?
Yes, but only as part of a complete renovation of the entire apartment. We do not repair individual rooms.
Is it possible to make repairs to the house or townhouse?
Yes, of course, we carry out repairs both in city apartments and in country houses.
What houses do you work with?
We work with any houses in Moscow and the Moscow region: panel, monolithic, block, brick. And also with houses with wooden floors, which are often found in the historical center of Moscow.
Is it possible to make repairs in only one room - for example, in the bathroom or in the kitchen?
No. We carry out only complex repairs of the whole apartment or the whole country house entirely.
Why do other companies call the price of repairs lower than yours?
In practice, prices are roughly the same in all companies. Many, for the sake of competition, initially report a very low cost, so that during the renovation they constantly issue additional work and additional invoices. Upon completion of the repair, in these cases, the total cost of the repair increases several times.
It can be even more difficult to remodel a large private house. Changing the wall design requires professional knowledge, even if it is a simple combination of a balcony and a kitchen or a balcony and a living room. Most likely, you can save both time and money if you prepare a redevelopment project in advance with a professional designer or using a special program (today there are such online services).
2. What familiar things are important to you? What do you need to do in your new apartment to keep them?
Often a person gets used to waking up in a room that is illuminated by the sun in the morning, having breakfast while watching the sunrise, or going out to breathe on an open balcony. Such little things are important, often the absence of familiar and pleasant things does not make you feel at home, so we recommend asking yourself about this before starting the renovation and redevelopment, in particular, take into account the location of the windows.
3. How many separate rooms does your family need?
Today, when people have begun to get used to spaciousness and free spaces, it is worth thinking carefully about how many separate rooms your family needs and whether you can combine, for example, a kitchen with a living room, creating a spacious room for receiving guests and family gatherings.
If it is possible to organize a pantry, or, it is better to do this, since the problem of storing things is always relevant in a family and cluttering up the space with tall cabinets is not always a good solution.
You should not try to do all this in an apartment with an area of 50 m 2, you should objectively consider the possibilities and then make a decision.
Design: Christine Sheldon Design
4. What time delays are you willing to tolerate?
It is often delayed. This is unpleasant, but almost inevitable, since many circumstances often arise in the process, ranging from human factors to a banal lack of a budget.
To roughly understand how long the repair will take, use a simple formula:
T = 10 + S (if the apartment is up to 35 sq. M)
T = 10 + 0.9S (if the apartment is more than 35 sq.m.),
where T is time, 10 is days, and S is area.
Of course, the calculation is conditional, since the duration of the rework is influenced not only by the area of the apartment, but also by the layout feature, the initial state of the apartment, the number of toilets, windows, doors and much more. But you can roughly determine the time spent.
5. How do you plan to live in 5 years?
No, this is not a philosophical question, but quite a practical one. Renovation is an investment in the future. Of course, we cannot know exactly what will happen to us even in a year, but if a young family is planning a child or an adult married couple is going to invite elderly parents to live, additional space and furniture will be required. You need to think over these nuances now, since repairs are not done for a short time.
Design: Vanessa Antonelli Designs
6. How much will you disturb the neighbors?
Again, this is not an idle question. It’s not even a matter of politeness, although it’s too. There is such a thing as a schedule of noisy work, and non-observance can lead you to the office of the district police officer. Why are problems needed?
Such charts differ for different cities. In Moscow, work is allowed from 9 to 19 hours from Monday to Saturday, in the Moscow region - from 8 to 21 hours from Monday to Friday and from 10 to 22 hours on weekends. By the way, prohibitions may not apply to new buildings for 1.5 years from the date the house was put into operation. It is better to study this issue in your city, for example, by calling the management company.
7. Is everything ready to start?
The well-known saying about "measure seven times - cut once" is very relevant in the repair business. After the start, any adjustments will lengthen the process. Of course, you can't avoid this, but try to keep it to a minimum with a mini-recheck before starting work.
Design: Jo Cowen Architects
Questions to ask the construction crew
1. How many projects have the construction team already completed?
It's no secret that success depends on the experience and professionalism of the repairmen, as well as on what guarantees they provide. The qualifications of the team are no less important, whether there are specialists of different profiles among them: tilers, plumbers, electricians.
2. How will the work be paid?
Find out this question in detail. It is beneficial for the customer to pay for the repair in stages or split the payment: 60-65% of the amount before the repair and 40-35% after the acceptance of the work. Not the end, but the acceptance, since after the full payment, the team is unlikely to redo something.
The budget can increase, it happens and you need to be ready for this, but it is worth fixing the cost of work per square meter, then it will be more difficult to deceive you.
3. Who will buy the rough materials for the renovation?
If a team will be engaged in the purchase (and more often it happens, because they have more experience in choosing a finish or), determine how they will report to you.
4. Who is responsible for the safety of finished materials?
It is important to clarify this point, since cases of damage or theft, alas, are not uncommon. Find out who will calculate the amount of finishing materials and how they should be purchased in case of a shortage.
5. Is it possible to see another project of the brigade at the final stage of renovation?
Nothing says better about the team and the quality of its work than actual results. Ask if you can see the result of their actions live, so you can objectively assess the abilities of the masters.
Photo: CAPITAL BUILDING Apartment - Renovations
6. Will the employees live in the apartment?
Whether they need to live in an apartment that is being renovated, and how this will affect the term of work, is important for you and your neighbors, because you will not be able to control every action of the builders. However, the team that lives in the renovated premises often gets the job done faster.
Design: RES4
I want to save money on repairs. What to choose - a construction company or a brigade of shabashniki?
My favorite question. It is asked to me by clients, friends, acquaintances. Their most frequent argument: in firms, repairs are more expensive due to the fact that you need to maintain a manager, a website, employees, etc. And you can negotiate with shabashniki cheaply.
Let's compare a grocery market and a large hypermarket. There are private traders on the market, with an incomprehensible product, with prices that are formed unclear how, without a guarantee of quality. Arriving tomorrow at the same place, you may not see yesterday's seller. Are they cheaper? No. They are more expensive, because the assortment is small and you need to make a profit due to it. In a large hypermarket, everything is transparent: there is a contract, there is someone to ask. There are clear prices, which are usually below market prices, due to sales volumes. The same is in the repair. If I have 14 properties in work now, I can afford to give you a good price ...
Renovation in a new building. Should I do it right away?
Our clients often have a question whether it is worth doing repairs in a newly rented house or it is better to wait until it settles. Indeed, in the first few years after construction, the house experiences some deformation vibrations. This is due to insignificant subsidence of the soil, temperature expansion and contraction of materials, an increase in the mass of the house due to the incoming residents with their furniture, etc. How can this deformation affect your repair and is it worth the wait? There are several risks. First, the tiled masonry. There are cases when, due to the movement of the house, the seams cracked in the corners or in the places where the boxes were adjacent. This is solved by clearing the seams and a new grout. Elimination time and costs are minimal. The second weak point is the joint seams of plasterboard ceilings. If not correct installation crack in 100% of cases. With correct installation in 20% of cases. Here, everything is somewhat more complicated. If your ceiling is made of plasterboard and painted, there is a risk that with significant deformations (for example, when the seasons change and sudden temperature fluctuations), the seams of the joints of the drywall sheets will burst. It is solved either by installation stretch ceilings or gluing the entire surface of the ceiling with a masking fiberglass before painting, for additional surface reinforcement. The craftsmen performing the work must take this into account. Apart from that, house draft does not critically affect your renovation in any way.
I am planning to make renovations. How can the finishers trick me?
1. Understatement of the original price. You call the ad and ask for the approximate price of finishing work in the apartment. I’ll say right away, if you are right off the bat, to the question "How much will it cost to repair in a two-room apartment?" call a specific amount, be wary. Good master will never give an assessment without looking. The renovation consists of several dozen technological processes that are individual for each apartment. What layer of plaster will need to be applied? How many meters of cable should you stretch? Is there a blockage of the horizon along the screed? Everything needs to be looked at in place. They call you an attractive amount from the ceiling, hoping to attract and stop your choice on them. And then the second method comes into play.
2. Additional work. So, you have discussed the details and are ready to accept the proposed conditions. Be sure to ask for an estimate. Be sure to conclude a contract. The estimate must contain all types of work with actual volumes and prices for each item. The final price must be specified in the contract. Otherwise, you will simply begin to count every hammered nail. The renovation will turn into a bottomless barrel, a nightmare in which the foremen will call you every day and demand money for newly arisen unforeseen works. And, believe me, you can think of a lot of them. And to justify so that you can not find fault. For example, you can count each primer layer while preparing a wall, separately, rather than at one time. And it will result in cosmic sums. By the way, about the amounts, the third way.
3. Advance payment. This is a classic. Before starting work, the team asks you for an advance payment, that is, money for the work that has not yet been completed. Usually 20-30% of the total amount. You are assured that they have been working like this all their lives and that everything will be all right. You pay money. And problems begin. Of course, not always and not at all. But a banal human factor is at work here. The master can go into a binge, get sick, but you never know situations. Of course, your money has already been spent. And who will work them out? And there is a choice, either to enter the situation and wait, breaking the deadlines, or again look for a team, pay again, etc. An adequate foreman takes money upon completion of the amount of work that can be checked and accepted. So comfortable for you and him.
4. Materials. You are in luck and you did not face the problems mentioned above. But it's too early to relax. Often, craftsmen take care of the purchase of rough materials. And this is a couple of hundred items for the entire repair. It is very difficult for an uninitiated person to figure out how much cable, plaster, drywall, etc. was spent. And an unscrupulous contractor does not need to buy more, with a margin, and then resell the rest. Here, of course, it will not be possible to check everything thoroughly. But in any case, a report on receipts is required, it is advisable to monitor purchases periodically. Having asked the master a couple of questions about where the funds are spent, you can have an idea if there is any concealment.
Of course, there are much more subtleties and nuances in the repair. You may come across masters who, after the start of work, begin to be rude to you, ignore your requests, "forget" to perform certain types of work, use substandard materials... How to protect yourself from such problems? Try not to work with one-day firms and private traders, collect reviews about good firms or craftsmen among their family and friends who have had a successful repair experience. In this age of information, word of mouth still plays a big role. If among friends a good option I could not find it, compare the proposals of construction companies with experience. In the city of Tambov, the average price for apartment renovation does not differ much, the market regulates itself. Be sure to conclude a contract. Do not expect to save money by calling the masters from the announcement at the entrance. I never tire of repeating this. You guess 90% of the time. Let me tell you a little secret on how to save on repair costs if you don't fit into your budget. Let's say you called a measurer from a construction company, they prepared an estimate for you and you see that the amount is slightly more than what you expected. Just ask for a discount. I guarantee that an adequate company will meet you halfway. Of course, this method should not be abused, the craftsmen also have their own families. Good luck in choosing a contractor!
When is the best time to renovate?
Many people think that it is better to renovate an apartment or cottage during the warm season. In practice, this is not the case. The only obstacle that can prevent repairs in winter is the lack of heating. But in our memory there have not yet been cases when a rented house in a new building was not heated, not to mention secondary housing. Other problems usually do not arise.
What is better to buy: a secondary property or a new building?
There is no definite answer to this question. It all depends on the quality of the building, operating conditions and many other factors. But we will outline the advantages of these types of housing, from the point of view of finishing professionals.
New building:
+ Zero deterioration of communications
+ No negative legal history of housing
+ "Blank slate" for creativity in terms of renovation. No deep dismantling required.
+ The cost of repairs is lower
+ The layouts of modern new buildings are more thoughtful and adapted
Secondary:
+ Ability to choose housing in the desired area of the city
+ Opportunity to reduce the price of housing during the negotiation process
+ The initial living condition of the apartment, which allows you to immediately enter it at the first stage
(Advice from personal experience... If you decide to buy an apartment on the secondary market and have already picked up an option, do not be lazy and get to know your neighbors before making a deal. I assure you, they will tell a lot more than a realtor and, moreover, a landlord. In our practice, there was a case when, after the deal, the new owners from the neighbors learned that apartment was in in the truest sense of the word, a bum with all the ensuing consequences. And we had to carry out a complete disinfection and pest control before starting the finishing work.)