In the conversations of apartment owners at various construction forums, one can often come across such a concept as "European-quality repair". However, it is not always clear what exactly is meant by this word. What is European-quality repair and how does it differ from other types of repair work in an apartment?
The term renovation began to be used in the 90s of the last century. Before that, all Soviet apartments, with rare exceptions, looked alike like twin brothers. Suffice it to recall everyone's favorite film "The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!". The same layout, the same type of furniture, similar finishes. The paucity of choice of building materials reduced all repair work in the apartment, as a rule, to whitewashing the ceilings, wallpapering the walls and painting pipes, radiators and window frames.
With the advent of the latest Western technologies for the repair of apartments and materials, the situation has changed dramatically. Now the degree of complexity and the nature of the ongoing repair work was limited only by the financial capabilities of the customer. People, tired of the stereotyped uniformity, began to strive to give their apartment their own individual style. Then the concept of "European-quality repair" appeared in everyday life.
What was originally meant by the term "European-quality repair"?
Initially, European-style renovation meant carrying out work in an apartment according to some vague European standards, which differed significantly from repair work in the Soviet era both in terms of the materials and technologies used, and in terms of the total amount of transformations:
- It was supposed to replace plumbing, communications.
- wooden window frames were replaced with plastic windows with double-glazed windows;
- suspended ceilings were installed;
- instead of the usual wallpaper, the walls more often began to be painted or covered decorative plaster;
- various floor coverings have been widely used, replacing the usual linoleum.
Striving for the individual appearance of the apartment, they began to redevelop it more often, which practically did not occur in Soviet times.
At the same time, a wide selection of finishing materials, available technologies for their use began to make it possible to give the apartment a unique look even when carrying out cosmetic repairs, not to mention major ones. What is European-style renovation at the present time and what are its characteristic features?
Design project
Renovation is simply impossible without contacting a professional designer to create a project for a future apartment. As a rule, it should be designed in a single style, which is determined by the individual tastes of customers. The designer must take into account everything: interior decoration of rooms, plumbing, lighting, electrical wiring, ventilation. Even the furniture is selected by him in accordance with the chosen style.
Modern computer modeling allows the owner to evaluate the interior of the apartment even before the start of repair work. This makes it possible to make the necessary adjustments even at the planning stage of the renovation, which seriously saves time, money and nerves.
The designer also determines the materials used in the repair. If it is planned to redevelop the apartment, then work begins no earlier than all the necessary permits are received from the relevant authorities.
Unauthorized redevelopment of an apartment during renovation is fraught with many negative consequences. In the best case, the owner will face problems when selling an apartment with unauthorized redevelopment. At worst, an ill-conceived demolition of partitions, the construction of some new structures can lead to a weakening of the entire building. The consequences in this case can be the most catastrophic.
European-quality repair cost
After the approval of the project, the total cost of renovation is calculated. And we must be prepared for the fact that the amount will not be small.
Another characteristic feature of these works: renovation in the apartment is almost impossible to do with your own hands.
Design solutions and materials used may require not only specific skills, but also the availability of special equipment and tools. It will be too expensive and irrational to buy them for the sake of a single use, and it is unlikely that you will be able to find them with friends. In addition, the slightest incompetence can result in large financial losses. Therefore, to carry out European-quality repairs in an apartment, it is recommended to use the services of large construction companies that have the necessary equipment and qualified specialists.
List of works typical for renovation
As a rule, during the renovation, the following work is also carried out:
- All electrical wiring in the apartment is completely changed. Installed new outlets and switches. All wires are hidden in the walls, floor or ceiling.
- Engineering communications are also being completely replaced. Metal pipes are replaced with more reliable and durable plastic counterparts. If possible, they are also removed to the floor or walls of the apartment.
- Ordinary wooden windows in the apartment are being replaced with modern designs with double-glazed windows. Profile material and model is determined by the operating conditions, the overall design of the premises and the wishes of the customer. When renovating top-class PVC windows, windows with a profile made of wood are often preferred. Interior doors are also being replaced.
- Laying modern flooring laminate, parquet board, tile. Often use the technology of "warm floors". They provide the maximum level of comfort in the room.
- Perfectly aligned walls and ceilings. Materials and technologies here can be very diverse, it all depends on the designer's idea. But we can say for sure: with a well-conducted European-quality repair in an apartment, there simply cannot be curved or littered surfaces.
After the completion of all work, the contractor also conducts a "European cleaning" of the premises. Thus, the customer receives a room that is completely ready for operation. No need to spend a lot of time and effort on cleaning up dust and debris, which will be a lot during the redevelopment of the apartment. This will be done by professionals equipped with special equipment. It also eliminates the problem of waste disposal.
Thus, renovation of an apartment implies only the highest quality of the work carried out. After its completion, the premises should be ideally adapted to the people living in it, take into account their individual characteristics and tastes, and provide them with comfort for many years.
