“I purchased a 45 sq. m. apartment. I would like to furnish it simply, economically, without any luxury. How much would it cost?” This is a question that home decoration masters often receive. According to them, the estimate for home decoration consists of more than 50 lines, which consist of two components, namely the cost of work and materials, and a more specific price can be provided after familiarizing yourself with the housing project and inspecting the object itself.
How much can finishing work cost? What are the prices for materials? How to stay within the budget? Maija Nikitina, “Finishing format” Finishes project manager.
Include partial finishing work
Housing finishing experts point out that the estimate of the work should be calculated after considering additional partial finishing works, i.e. concreting the floor of the sanitary unit, installing partitions and an electrical panel, laying electrical wires and ventilation ducts. For a standard apartment, the amount of the above-mentioned works can reach 3,000–4,000 EUR (depending on the size of the apartment or premises, the number of partitions).
“New homeowners should also evaluate and discuss the rules for finishing with the interior designer. Finishers cannot perform work that is not permitted by the house developer, even though it is provided for in the interior design. This may include plumbing-related work, such as installing concealed faucets. In this case, the estimate has to be increased from 300 to 1,000 euros, because in order to leave the solution, it will be necessary to additionally install a plaster partition in which the equipment will be hidden,” says M. Nikitina.
New fashion trends – higher price
The decoration expert advises not to blindly follow the latest and most popular interior trends, which can significantly increase the cost of home decoration. “At first glance, the proposed option looks perfect, but even one elementary solution can increase the price in several budget lines. For example, if you choose a flush-mounted lamp, its price, compared to a standard one, will be 30–50 percent higher, and the installation work of the lamp will increase by another 35–40 percent. Thus, the total cost of installing one lamp will increase by 30–50 percent, which can be about 36–45 EUR, and there are about 20–30 lamps in the apartment,” calculates M. Nikitina.
Another recently fashionable, but budget-increasing item is invisible doors. Although there is almost no price difference between regular or invisible hinges, the estimate is significantly increased by preparing the object for the installation of these doors. Installing a traditional door costs about 100–115 EUR, and an invisible one costs more than 400 EUR including VAT. Since two doors are installed, the price increases to 800 EUR.
How to choose tiles, flooring and ceilings?
Nikitina makes several observations about why the cost of finishing a home can increase. “If new residents hear that it is possible to finish an apartment for 500 EUR/sq m, this is not untrue. This is a smartly prepared and designed interior, which will probably not include the most innovative solutions. But it will be a rational option, adapted to a person who likes to live in a modern way,” says “Finishing format“representative.
When choosing tiles, she advises not to create impossible things and to consider that the size of the tiles has a great influence on the price of the work, so it is worth choosing standard sizes (60×60, 30×60). There are the most tiles of this size and choice. In order to fit into the rational price of installing an apartment, the expert advises choosing tiles whose price does not exceed 25 Eur/sq m. Of course, the choice also depends on the amount to be covered.
When choosing a floor covering, it is suggested to refute the myth that laminate is a poor-quality material or that vinyl flooring is also plastic and harmful to health. “When choosing a floor covering for 5 EUR/sq m, do not expect it to be durable. However, when buying laminate for 20–30 EUR/sq m, you will definitely get a high-quality and long-lasting material. On the other hand, you can choose a cheaper vinyl flooring option, but you should consider that its installation costs more,” says M. Nikitina.
The most popular ceiling options are plasterboard with a pull-out or stretch ceilings, which cost 40–50 percent, or about 500–600 euros, cheaper. “It is worth noting that stretch ceilings are quite capricious and not so easy to work with, so before choosing, consider how you will maintain them,” advises the home decoration expert.
Tips on plumbing, doors and lighting
When choosing plumbing, the most important thing is not to buy “a name, because a friend bought it.” According to M. Nikitina, plumbing is not replaced every day, so it is important to choose a high-quality and easy-to-use option.
“Avoid corners, large curves and other non-standard shapes, where rust, dust can accumulate or you simply won’t be able to clean them. A standard bathroom package should cost up to 2,200 EUR, and if you follow the discounts, you can find one even 300–400 EUR cheaper. Don’t invest in mirrors with lights or other fancy features, choose practical ones, this way you will save even more,” recommends the finishing project manager.
The price of a quality door is about 600 euros, and you can find it in various colors. It is also possible to match the skirting boards to the door. According to the home decoration expert, some people like high ones, others low ones, some with a slope, and others with a steep angle. There are many options, but their price does not change drastically, so it is recommended not to pay much attention to them. “As when choosing a plumber, try to avoid various angles, large or hard-to-reach angles. Dust accumulates everywhere, and you will not be able to reach and clean everywhere,” M. Nikitina points out.
The choice of lighting depends on the needs and individual preferences of the new owner. Lamps can be part of the interior, the main accent, or they can be a completely invisible element of the apartment. “Of course, everyone has their own perception of beauty, but in order to fit into the intended boundaries, it is advisable to think about an inconspicuous option. All bulbs shine the same, and in many cases, only you will know whether a white lamp costs 15 or 100 euros. The most important thing is that these are conveniently accessible lamps, used for their intended purpose and not interfere with everyday work,” advises the home decoration expert.