How to make an estimate for apartment renovation in 2022

Even if you are not a professional, you can draw up or check the finished estimate yourself using the action plan we offer. We have collected all the necessary information on writing cost estimates, compiled a list of programs that will help you draw up and fill out the document, and analyzed the most common mistakes made when creating estimates.

What is an estimate

An estimate is a calculation of your expenses for the upcoming apartment renovation. It includes all expenses, starting with the purchase of building materials, including payment for work, and, if necessary, the purchase of furniture and accessories.

Estimates are used in various types of human activity, where it is necessary to carry out a preliminary calculation of costs. Home renovation is no exception.

What functions does the estimate perform:

• fixing the volume and cost of repairs;
• estimating material costs;
• accepted by the court as a basis when disagreements arise between the parties;
• allows the customer to control the progress of work.

Specialists are involved in drawing up professional estimates; this work is very expensive; we will teach you how to save money at this stage of repairs and carry out the calculations yourself.

Why do you need an estimate?

The estimate will allow you to determine whether you have enough money for repairs, will tell you where you can save money, what work can be excluded from the list, and in what order it is best to perform them.

A correctly drawn up estimate is especially important if you involve specialists in the work.

A self-drawn estimate will help in solving the following problems:

• Allows you to set approximate deadlines for completing work.
• You will be able to control and include in the estimate only the necessary types of work and will not pay for what was not required to be done.
• It will be easier for you to control the progress of the repair, what has already been done and what remains to be done.
• You will be able to use your budget rationally by distributing expenses step by step.

When to make an estimate

The estimate is the second step after deciding to renovate the apartment. First we determine the budget, i.e. how much money we are willing to spend, then we draw up a spending plan.

Please note that with every renovation there are unforeseen costs - they will become known, for example, after dismantling the finishing. Therefore, there must be the necessary financial reserve, at least +20% of the established amount of expenses.

Useful tips and nuances

If you have never renovated individual premises, much less an entire apartment or house, do not forget to take into account some of the nuances, without which the estimate can increase significantly. Moreover, in this case, the assigned tasks will change dramatically, and the drawn up plan will constantly require adjustments.

1. Dismantling the previous decoration may imply reconstruction of the entire room - this means replacing doors, door frames and windows. In addition, you may need to purchase components - locks, handles, etc.
2. When planning to paint or work with a primer, do not forget that in some cases it is necessary to apply a double layer and a larger amount of coating materials - regardless of the preliminary calculations made according to the instructions. For this reason, experts recommend immediately doubling all finishing costs. The remainder of unspent funds can always be spent on equipment, furniture, etc. to bring the renovation work to perfection.
3. When replacing various metering devices, you must take into account that you will need the services of third-party organizations or specialists. Some services, for example, replacing electric meters, are only possible by electrical network specialists, which means it’s worth considering the prices of your local organization right away.
4. If you need to turn to design services or contractors, it is worth remembering that specialists may quote inflated figures for materials and their services. This is natural, since professionals take inflation, rising prices and possible force majeure into account in advance. The main thing is that the person providing the services does not appropriate the saved surplus.
5. Experts also recommend turning to programs and specialized services (websites) for help when drawing up estimates. This will help not only to correctly draw up an estimate, but also to see all the calculations - the costs of materials, related services, etc. Such programs will help monitor prices, allocate deadlines, and correctly draw up a plan for all stages of repair work.
6. If it is advisable to turn to a contractor for help, be sure to enter into additional agreements for work that goes beyond the scope of the planned work.

An estimate is a document that shows the real amount of upcoming repair costs, helps to get rid of impulsive purchases and clearly plan all actions. This document will not speed up the repair or make it perfect, but it will put thoughts in order and outline all the realities of the upcoming process.

Types of estimates

You will need two main estimates: for work and for materials.

Estimate for work

The estimate for work must include a complete list of planned works with their full breakdown.

For example, wall decoration is a section of the estimate that summarizes the total amount of work for wall decoration, but specific types must be indicated:

• primer;
• plaster on beacons;
• putty;
• sanding;
• wallpapering.

This way you can control the budget and understand the cost of the work.

Usually, estimates do not specify the timing of work; this is indicated in the contract, however, if necessary, this item can also be included in the document.

Estimate for materials

The estimate for materials is prepared after the estimate for the work. You need to write down, in accordance with the action plan, what you need to buy and in what quantity.

What should be in the estimate:

• name of the material;
• unit of measurement;
• unit price;
• quantity;
• total amount.

You need to understand that the amount will be preliminary; the exact amount of costs is indicated in the invoice when purchasing the material.

Features of budgeting

The owner can make cosmetic or major repairs to the apartment. They differ in the types and volumes of work performed. The principle of drawing up an estimate will be the same, but it is necessary to take into account the features.

For major repairs

What may include a major renovation of an apartment:

• leveling ceilings and walls;
• floor replacement;
• replacement of water and sewerage internal communications;
• replacement of windows and doors;
• replacement of electrical wiring and metering devices;
• replacement of floor and wall tiles;
• replacement of plumbing;
• exhaust device;
• redevelopment.

The peculiarity is that not all work and necessary materials can be painted independently; the opinion of specialists will be required. Therefore, estimates for major repairs are drawn up jointly with the team that will carry out the repairs, or with the involvement of a specialized architectural company.

For cosmetic repairs

It differs from the capital one in that only the appearance of the structures changes.

What does a refurbishment of an apartment include:

• changing floor coverings;
• pasting or painting ceilings and walls;
• painting doors and windows;
• painting of water supply risers, radiators, heating pipes.

It’s quite possible to figure it out yourself, and you can do such repairs yourself and save your own finances.

Online estimate calculator

We have tried to make the calculations as easy as possible for our clients: they can calculate an estimate for apartment renovations and find out the estimated cost themselves using an online apartment renovation calculator. This makes the cost of our services transparent in terms of not only major repairs, but also cosmetic finishing. So, for example, you have the opportunity to calculate and compare how much wallpapering costs in Moscow when renovating a 3-room apartment.

The estimate is drawn up based on the condition of the apartment and the wishes of the customer. Our specialists will advise you and help you create an estimate based on the total area of ​​your apartment. Leave a request right now and receive an accurate estimate!

Methods for calculating estimates

There are several ways to calculate the estimate:

Chronologically . The estimate indicates the work in its planned sequence. This is convenient for monitoring the progress of work, and it is easier to plan payment to the team and the purchase of materials.

By stages . Such estimates are broken down separately for each stage of construction, for example, roughing and finishing. This will allow you to assess the condition of the object after each stage and, if necessary, adjust the estimate in a timely manner.

By room . It is convenient to make an estimate by room if you are going to make repairs only in certain rooms. Here it is important to correctly calculate the consumption of materials; take into account the remaining building materials after renovating one room when drawing up an estimate for another.

By type of work . Estimates are prepared separately: for plumbing, electrical, floor, ceiling, walls, etc.

How to choose the optimal method for calculating estimates

The most common method is calculation by type of work. This is convenient for the customer, but it may be difficult to control the remaining materials and the progress of work.

In general, the choice of method for calculating estimates depends on the task that is set:

• if you are going to make repairs in several rooms at once, so as not to get confused, make an estimate for each of them separately;
• if you collect money in parts, it is better to use phased estimates;
• If you want to clearly control everything and know exactly how much and in what volume remains to be done, make an estimate chronologically.

How is classification into groups carried out?

When solving problems, data is grouped into separate sections according to the following parameters:

• equipment and machinery;
• titles of works;
• structural components of the structure.

Grouping is carried out according to clear recommendations and technical requirements. Accountants follow standardization, taking into account the specifics of construction. The order in which classification is carried out is regulated by regulatory documentation. When compiling a local report, construction elements can be divided into above-ground and underground parts.

Rules for drawing up estimates

In order for the estimate to become an official document, to be able to be presented in court (if disagreements arise between the customer and the contractor), and to really help during the repair process, it must be drawn up according to the following rules:

• drawn up before the start of work;
• approved and signed by the customer and the contractor;
• it must include unforeseen expenses in the amount of more than 20% of the estimated cost;
• all changes to the estimate are made upon agreement of the parties;
• the estimate should contain work not for general sections, but for specific types.

Step-by-step instructions for drawing up an estimate

Drawing up an estimate consists of several stages. We will analyze them by type, present an example of their composition, and outline the main nuances of their formation.

Drawing up a preliminary list of works

The first step is to write down what kind of work you want to do with its detailed views.

For example, in the living room we plan to install a suspended ceiling, change the wallpaper and lay down new linoleum. The list must also contain the cost of work to determine the preliminary estimate amount.

Let's distribute all the work by type:

Removing old finishes:

New works:

Determining the required building materials

In determining the necessary materials, everything depends on your budget and imagination.

We have compiled a budget list of building materials that can be used to make repairs in a living room:

Compiling a list of furniture and equipment

In this section we write down what will be needed to complete the repair. If you are renovating a bathroom, you will need a toilet, shower, sink, etc.

When renovating a residential space, you will need to purchase a chandelier.

Separately, you can plan a budget for new furniture and appliances; here the estimate is compiled according to individual preferences, based on the financial capabilities of the apartment owners.

Measurements of premises and calculation of the amount of building materials

To obtain an accurate calculation, taking into account windows, doors and individual characteristics of the room, you must first measure the room.

What tools are needed

We will need a tape measure, calculator, pencil, notepad.

How to take measurements

Using a tape measure, we measure windows, doors, openings, niches and calculate the area of ​​the walls, ceiling and floor.

Drawing up a floor plan

Let's draw a rough plan of the room being repaired with windows and doors, openings and recesses.

It is better to draw up separate plans for each type of work:

• Finishes. We calculate the finishing area, separately for walls, ceiling and floor, taking into account the areas of window and door openings.
• Dismantling. Dismantling work is also calculated based on 1 sq. meters of area.
• Montage. The installation plan must contain what we want to get in the end.
• Furniture arrangement. Draw what and where you will have after the renovation, measure the dimensions of the furniture, think about how organically they will look in the room.
• Lighting groups. It is very important to think about this in advance so that there is enough light in the room.
• Electrical wiring groups. Calculate the required quantity and consider the space for sockets, ceiling and wall lamps, and air conditioning.
• Floor coverings. Choose the type of flooring or combine several types. The combination is often used in corridors and in the kitchen.
• Arrangements of doors and doorways. If you are planning a major renovation and change the location of window and door openings, you need to calculate this in advance.

Drawing up estimates and clarifying prices

We use our calculations when calculating the required amount of materials and amount of work.

Examples:

• to calculate the number of rolls of wallpaper, subtract the area of ​​door and horse openings from the area of ​​the walls;
• We calculate the amount of glue based on its consumption per 1 square meter. m;
• When calculating the amount of materials for a bathroom, to save money, you can subtract the area of ​​the shower stall when calculating, so as not to lay tiles behind it.

The final stage is to draw up an estimate and clarify the cost of materials and work.

Sample of a finished estimate

Below is a sample of a finished estimate made by type of work.

Please note how accurately and meticulously all types of necessary work must be described.

We take measurements to calculate the amount of materials

Accurate documentary measurements can be found in specialized drawings of the Bureau of Technical Documentation (BTI) and in the technical passport of the apartment. But to clarify, experts recommend additional manual measurements of each room.

In this case, be sure to take into account:

• built-in mezzanines and height differences, suspended ceilings and irregularly shaped rooms;
• loggias, fireplaces, niches;
• separate calculation of the area of ​​the ceiling, floor and walls (subtract all window and door openings).

We draw precise plans

An individual renovation plan for the premises is needed in order to coordinate the sequence of work and provide for unforeseen expenses in case of discrepancies in calculations. To create drawings, you can use special programs or construct a drawing manually (using precise measurements and a BTI plan).

1. It is necessary to accurately understand the height, width and length of each room, meaning the perimeter minus any partitions, setbacks, door openings or windows.
2. In the kitchen, be sure to take into account the apron and the approximate location of the bathrooms and gas appliances. During the renovation, you may have to place some kitchen appliances in accordance with the new plans - this is an additional cost.
3. Separately, we draw and calculate the perimeter of the hallway, balcony or loggia, bathroom and toilet.
4. We supplement the main drawing with a new one - taking into account the changes made as a result of dismantling and rebuilding.

Making a list of building materials

The estimate allows you not only to control the consistency of the work and the legal clarity of all actions, but also allows you to estimate the costs of materials. Essentially, this is a navigator for all upcoming purchases.

The list of building materials must correspond to the list of upcoming work, so it is important to follow the chronology.

It is impossible to predict prices for everything, so all calculations are preliminary. In this case, you can compensate for future costs, assuming an increase in price - conditionally add at least 10% to the costs of materials in advance.

The easiest way to create an accurate list of materials is with a contractor. As a rule, they primarily purchase finishing materials (wallpaper, paint, primer, putty, etc.) and components. In the bathroom and kitchen - tiles, rods, holders, faucets, pipes, accessories. In addition - sound insulation, cables, wiring, switches, lamps and more.

In addition to the above, you may want to change windows, doors, improve openings, and update wiring.

We monitor prices

The easiest way is to participate in the loyalty programs of large retail chains. Most often, this is where there are promotions for materials of decent quality.

To simplify the task, you need to go to the websites of the relevant stores, select products of a certain brand and series, and combine these indicators with each other.

It is worth considering that sometimes market prices can be advantageous due to a discount. But at the same time, it’s easy not to notice that the associated cost of delivery, loading, and small components may turn out to be much more expensive than that of competitors.

Experts recommend having a cumulative bonus card - this really allows you to save.

Programs for drawing up and filling out estimates

If it’s difficult for you to create an estimate on your own, use special programs that allow you to do this online quickly and without prior skills and knowledge.

Grand estimate

The GRAND-Estima software package is designed to automate the entire range of estimate calculations. Official website https://www.grandsmeta.ru/.

Possibilities:

• preparation of estimates;
• performing calculations;
• pricing guides.

The cost of the basic program is 27,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• easy to use;
• convenient calculation of estimates;
• colorful interface.

Estimate-ru

Software package for estimators and builders.

Official website: https://www.smeta.ru/.

Possibilities:

• creating estimates in multi-user mode;
• automatic verification of estimate documentation for compliance with regulatory data;
• creation of templates for standard settings for estimates and templates for limited costs.

Cost from 25,000 rub.

Advantages:

• convenience and ease of maintenance;
• data recovery after technical failures;
• Printing estimate documentation from Excel or from the program itself.

1C: Estimate

This is a program for drawing up, calculating, storing construction documentation, including for drawing up estimates.

Official website https://solutions.1c.ru/.

Possibilities:

• calculation of estimates and preparation of documentation confirming the completion of construction work;
• generating a report on the use of building materials;
• connecting external directories.

Cost from 5000 rub.

Advantages:

• significant reduction in time for budget preparation;
• the customer can at any time assess the scope of work and monitor compliance with the estimate;
• access to estimates from a mobile device.

Smetus-com

Special service for those planning renovations. On the site, designers, suppliers and developers post renovation cost estimates, including their own designs, both for public access and for demonstration to their customers.

Possibilities:

• you can see your apartment in different design options in VR format, you can scroll through them and look at the object from any angle;
• there are template and individual solutions;
• After concluding a contract, a complete package of documents is automatically generated, including a detailed work schedule, and an online communication channel is created, where every day the team sends reports on the work done, which are seen by both the customer and the company’s expert.

Payment by agreement with the designer.

Advantages:

• you can find out the cost of the upcoming renovation using ready-made designs, taking into account the layout;
• the user receives a detailed project with a list of all materials needed to implement the chosen design in his apartment;
• There is support where you can ask any question regarding the repair topic.

Flexible estimate

A system for ensuring transparency and optimizing the work process during renovation, finishing and landscaping.

Official website https://gibsmeta.ru/.

Possibilities:

• assistance in drawing up and changing estimates;
• monitoring of completed work;
• import and export of task projects.

The cost is set individually; there is free functionality for newly registered users.

Advantages:

• easily adapts to your processes;
• You can track expenses and the results of work performed.

What other programs can you use?

There are a lot of programs that help in drawing up estimates, and there are also shareware resources. They can be used for a set time and with limited functionality for free.

List of programs:

• Interior designer 3D.
• WinEstimate.
• Anansmeta.
• Smeta.Cloud.

The software is used to draw up plans for the use of resources, determine prices for materials, and determine the total cost of repairs. Users have access to ready-made document templates that will help speed up the workflow and customize solutions.

Renovation of a three-room apartment and approximate estimate

The estimate for the renovation of a 3-room apartment posted on this website will help in preparing for the renovation, in which you need to take into account:

• project design features;
• cost of work for a turnkey three-room apartment;
• possible finishing options;
• other important points.

In the examples of estimates we have given for 3-room apartments, the total area in sq. m. is indicated. This is done for the convenience of our clients, since the footage may vary significantly. Using a standard estimate, you can calculate the approximate cost of renovating a three-room apartment on a turnkey basis, taking into account the wishes of the customer and the condition of the housing.

Common mistakes when drawing up estimates

We have collected the TOP 6 most common mistakes that are often made when drawing up estimates.

Not all types of work are included in the estimate . Most often they forget to include the costs of lifting materials to the floor, but this is not the responsibility of the store’s delivery service and the costs will have to be paid additionally. Also, the cost of waste removal is not included in the estimate, and construction waste in large quantities will have to be specially removed; the service costs from 4,000 rubles. in Moscow and from 2000 rubles. in the regions.

An attempt to save on finishing materials . Place materials not in bulk, but in reserve. Otherwise you will have to pay additional shipping.

Entrance door costs . After renovation or purchasing an apartment on the secondary market, you need to immediately change the lock. Sometimes it is necessary to change the door trim, as it may be damaged by repairs. Don't forget to include this expense in your estimate.

Replacing meters . While the apartment is undergoing renovation, it will be convenient to change the metering devices if the deadline is already approaching.

Unexpected expenses . Often estimates are made back to back to minimize costs. You will never be able to determine exactly how much money you will need. Therefore, include an additional 30–40% in the estimate, then you will be calm that there will be enough money.

Decor . The estimate can be printed on a special form, written by hand, it doesn’t matter, the main thing is that it is signed by both parties, the customer and the contractor. If the contractor is a construction company, the document is signed by an authorized person and stamped.

Features of ordering estimates from specialized companies

You can order estimates from specialized estimate companies or private designers. This method has several advantages:

• the document will contain all types of work, since it is drawn up by a specialist;
• The estimate will include only the costs necessary for your repair;
• more accurate calculation of the amount of materials;
• proposals for design solutions.

You can quickly find out the cost of repairs online, insurance services are provided during repairs, delivery and purchase of leftover materials are possible.

Where to go for the service

You can find an estimator through specialized websites on the Internet or advertisements in the press. Before concluding a contract, check user reviews about the contractor and the functionality of the site.

Popular companies in Moscow are:

• Plan Remonta.
• SMETKIN.RU.
• Turnkey renovation.
• Antek consulting.

Service cost

The cost of the service depends on several factors:

• Private owners have lower prices, but there may be problems with the quality of workmanship;
• from the initial data on which an estimate will be drawn up, for the project, a statement of quantities, a photo of the object with a description of the work, etc.;
• how urgently the estimate is needed;
• Is consultation with an estimator required in the future, for example, if you have no knowledge of construction at all?

On average, the cost of the service is 1–2% of the estimate or 100–120 rubles. for the position. Minimum cost from 4000 rubles. when ordering from a company and from 500 rubles. when ordering from a private seller. There are repair companies that offer free estimates when you order repair services from them.

How to check a finished estimate

More than half of the estimates made by foremen or foremen are overestimated. This could be a deliberate “inflation” of the price of repairs or errors due to inattention and low qualifications.

When checking the estimate, you need to make sure of the following:

• it does not include unnecessary work and there is no unaccounted work that will then have to be paid additionally;
• there are no excess and (or) unaccounted materials;
• prices for work and materials are not overestimated or underestimated;
• there are no unreasonable expenses;
• the estimate is correct.

If you think the cost is too high, measure the area yourself, find out the prices for the work, or order two estimates from different companies and compare the results.

Is it permissible to exceed the figures indicated in the estimate?

Any discrepancies between actual costs and estimated costs are agreed upon by the parties. If the excess is justified, and both the customer and the contractor agree with this, you can change the estimate during the repair as many times as you like, both up and down.

How to make an estimate for an apartment renovation

Drawing up construction estimates is an integral stage in preparing the implementation of an apartment renovation project. The purpose of the event is to determine the total cost. We are talking about the amount that will be required to carry out construction work in accordance with the design documentation.

Why is it necessary to prepare estimates in construction?

The need for such a document arises regardless of the scale of the project and the volume of construction work:

• When it comes to new construction, costing is carried out in order to prepare sketches of the detailed design, as well as to organize a tender to select a contractor to carry out the work.
• If the borrower plans to take out a targeted loan for the construction or renovation of housing, an accurate estimate is required to provide information to the banking organization. Based on the data on the cost of work specified in the application, the bank decides whether to issue a loan for a certain amount.
• Drawing up an estimate is also necessary in preparation for repair and restoration work that is planned to be carried out in relation to buildings and structures. The estimate is prepared regardless of the volume of work (current or major repairs).
• The estimate is the basis for drawing up reports of work performed. In this case, documentation is necessary for making payments to contractors.
• Knowing the exact cost is necessary to control the distribution of financial resources allocated for the work. Errors in drawing up estimates lead to adverse consequences for the budget of the customer of the service, including unreasonable overpayments, delays in the implementation of the project due to a lack of funds for its timely completion.
• The detailed cost of performing the work, the calculation of which is the purpose of preparing the estimate, allows you to control the quality of the provision of services and, in the event of compelling reasons, in particular violations on the part of the selected contractor, to defend your legal rights in the courts.

In general, the preparation of estimate documentation precedes the start of any project, the implementation of which requires financing. A correctly drawn up cost calculation is equally important for both the contractor and the construction customer.

Thanks to estimate documentation, it is possible to determine in advance the exact costs of construction work, which will allow the customer to objectively compare their material capabilities and requirements.

Types of estimates in construction

Construction estimates are classified according to different parameters. Depending on the detail of the calculations, three types of construction estimates are distinguished:

• taking into account only the cost of work;
• estimate, which takes into account the cost of work and materials;
• affecting the entire totality of construction costs.

Preparation of documentation

What the estimate will be depends on the features and scale of the project and the scope of work. The most commonly used construction estimates are:

• Local

This estimate covers only one type of work. As a rule, local estimate documentation is drawn up before the final volumes of construction are determined or in the event that the repair customer only needs a specific service. The document includes a detailed list of materials indicating their costs and installation costs. For example, when drawing up an estimate for replacing the floor in an apartment, the document will reflect the costs of dismantling the old covering, purchasing new cladding and fittings, arranging the base, and laying a new covering.

• Object

Such an estimate is a set of local estimates for different types of work. For example, if a cosmetic renovation is planned for an apartment, local estimates are drawn up for replacing the floor, finishing the walls and ceiling, and then these estimates are combined into one whole.

• Summary

Such an estimate is documentation that combines the full range of work. In this case, only generalized and enlarged data are used without detail. When preparing estimates, calculations can be made with or without enlargement. An estimate without detailed details is an estimate. For example, when renovating an apartment with redevelopment, the calculation will include the costs of preparing and approving the project, obtaining a building permit, renting tools and equipment, dismantling work, purchasing finishing materials, and paying contractors.

How to make an estimate for apartment renovation yourself?

Home renovation is a complex undertaking that includes a large amount of work. In this case, you cannot do without a construction estimate, which will take into account the costs of materials and the work of builders. We will tell you how to perform the calculation yourself and avoid mistakes.

Where to begin? From measurements!

For an adequate calculation, it is necessary to know the exact scope of work. It can only be determined after measurements. When carrying out renovations in an apartment, you need to measure:

• floor and ceiling area (they may vary);
• wall covering area;
• length of cornices and baseboards;
• number of windows and doors.

You can take measurements yourself, having a tape measure and a calculator to calculate the surface area. You can enter data in a notepad, but it is most convenient to use a regular Excel file for these purposes.

How to determine prices?

To determine prices for repair work, it is worth studying the offers of different companies. It is advisable to avoid the cheapest or most expensive tariffs, and start from the average cost. There are piece works (replacing windows and doors, sockets and switches, plumbing), some work is priced per linear or square meter (plastering, ceiling installation, flooring laying).

How to correctly calculate the volume of building materials?

When carrying out work, it is extremely important to know the exact amount of materials that will be required for finishing. The owner of the premises must avoid two extremes: buying insufficient quantities or buying too much. In the first case, problems may arise with finding the missing roll of wallpaper or ceramic tiles. In the second, the remaining materials will remain unclaimed, although the money has been spent on them.

In this case, experts advise calculating the consumption of building materials for each type of finishing and adding 10-15% to the result obtained.

Preparation of local estimates for apartment renovation

Comprehensive home renovations are carried out in stages. The same principle should be followed when drawing up estimates. For each stage you will get a mini-estimate. As a rule, the list of home renovation work includes:

• Preparation;
• purchase of construction materials;
• rough finishing;
• finishing cladding;
• related works;
• removal of waste from the site.

Estimate for the preparatory stage

This stage includes the following work:

• dismantling of old floor coverings, baseboards, tiles, door blocks, built-in wardrobes and mezzanines, plumbing, heating and electrical equipment;
• cleaning walls from wallpaper and old plaster;
• cleaning the ceiling from whitewash (if necessary).

The owner of the premises can perform many of these works himself. The costs of the preparatory stage increase in the case of redevelopment. It involves the demolition of internal walls, which will require special equipment and permission to change the layout.

Mini-estimate for rough repairs

The purpose of the rough repair is to create a high-quality base for the installation of new coatings. This stage includes the following types of work:

• installation of floor screed and waterproofing of wet areas;
• leveling walls and ceilings using plaster and putty;
• electrical cable laying;
• installation of water and sewer pipes.

Estimate for related work

Related work is work that is carried out by specialized organizations. When renovating a home, they usually order:

• production and replacement of windows, interior and entrance doors;
• arrangement of door and window slopes, installation of window sills and sills;
• air conditioner installation;
• furniture manufacturing;
• installation of intercom, connection of digital TV and Internet.

Mini-estimate for finishing work

Finishing usually includes the most extensive list of works. Among them:

• wall tiling;
• painting or wallpapering, finishing walls with decorative plaster;
• installation of suspended or suspended ceilings;
• installation of heating radiators;
• installation of interior doors, arches and partitions;
• installation of electrical accessories, chandeliers and lamps;
• installation of cornices, baseboards, moldings;
• installation and connection of plumbing, washing machine, dishwasher, cooking equipment;
• assembly and installation of furniture.

Estimate for the purchase of materials

You can purchase materials yourself or entrust this task to a foreman. If you hire a person, you will need to pay for his work. The same applies to delivery. Many companies offer free delivery of building materials to the site when purchasing a certain volume. Such offers will help you save on car rental. If you have your own car and time to travel to the construction market, then only fuel costs can be included in the estimate.

Cleaning and garbage removal

Any repair leads to the need for cleaning. Sometimes there is so much garbage that separate transport is needed to remove it. Remember that construction waste cannot be stored on the landing and in the vestibule, or thrown into a regular container. You may be fined for this. Another nuance is carrying out cleaning work. As a rule, builders refuse to deal with the garbage themselves or demand a separate payment for this. You can collect the garbage in bags and load it into vehicles on your own, or you can hire employees of a cleaning company.

As a rule, for waste removal, a container and cargo transport are rented to deliver waste to the disposal site. If you have your own car with a cargo compartment, you can take out the bags of garbage yourself. The costs in this case are different, and this is reflected in the estimate.

What advice do experts give?

You need to understand that even with a detailed estimate, unexpected costs may arise. To overcome sudden difficulties, when planning renovations, make sure you have a financial cushion. Ideally, this amount is 20-30% of the total cost of the project. Another good option is to turn to professionals. When developing a design project, a specialist draws up an estimate for repairs taking into account all costs. The amount is specified in the contract, so overspending is excluded.

You are convinced that each option has its pros and cons. When planning a renovation, it is worth considering all the details and choosing the appropriate solution.

FAQ

How to prove that you are right in a disagreement with a contractor?

You need to try to provide facts that substantiate your claims, for example, the cost of materials, by type of work. If an agreement cannot be reached, you can file a lawsuit. An independent expert report can be provided as proof of correctness. She will make a full analysis of the estimate and other documents, and check the validity of the claims. The report will serve as evidence in court. The cost of the report is from 80 rubles. for checking one line of the estimate.

What should you consider when planning your expenses?

You need to think strategically, taking into account possible changes for the future. For example, now you don’t have the money for an air conditioner or a dishwasher, but you are planning to buy them. Include electrical and plumbing connections in the estimate.

Do not skimp on electrical wires; this will not significantly increase the cost of repairs, but will allow you to painlessly add elements with lighting and additional sockets in the future.

If you are planning a major renovation with moving doorways, make them standard, this will save on door panels.