How to beautifully and cheaply make repairs with your own hands with photos

A beautiful renovation is a competent implementation of an interior design project, a high level of quality of finishing materials and repair work.

All photos of the project Beautiful apartment renovation. Art Deco kitchen

All photos of the project Beautiful living room renovation

True masters of their craft produce beautiful, premium-class designer renovations as well as inexpensive budget renovations. Read our article about how to beautifully renovate an apartment with the help of experienced professionals.

All photos of the project Designer renovation of a kitchen-living room in Art Deco style

How to make a beautiful renovation? Step by step plan

Have you decided to take the first step towards making your dream of a beautiful renovation come true, but don’t know where to start? Are you afraid of the scale of the upcoming transformations and possible difficulties? In fact, it's not that difficult! Use a simple and understandable algorithm developed (Moscow).

Calculate the cost of a design project

Calculate the cost of the project using a calculator by selecting the total area of ​​the room in m². Keep in mind that the minimum cost of a design project is 230,000 rubles.

Sketch design only

Complete design project

Cost of a complete design project

According to statistics:

• About 4% of the total cost of repairs is spent on design;
• Design time is 30-50 days.

Interior design as a gift!

For more than 25 years we have been creating unique interiors for successful people. We are ready to create such an interior for you for free if you do the renovation with us.

At Vira-ArtStroy, you can receive a design project completely free of charge when you sign up for a repair contract.

In order to plan the budget for the project, we recommend that you use the calculator below. To find out the estimated cost of repairs, you just need to indicate the area of ​​the property and select the repair class (Comfort, Business or Premium).

Calculate the cost of repairs with materials

Finish options

Before you make renovations to your cottage on a budget, you need to decide on the materials for finishing. For example, marmoleum is a good choice for flooring – it’s a fairly economical option. It should not be placed in the bathroom or toilet, since tiles will be most optimal for such rooms. The walls of the remaining rooms can be finished with laminate.

Decorating the living room in a cottage renovation

Also take care in advance about purchasing windows and doors. For example, at the beginning of spring there are usually sales where window frames and doors can be purchased very cheaply.

You can install the windows yourself, since the technology is not too complicated. But it is better to entrust the installation of doors to someone who has at least some experience in this.

Select area

Design project development

What is a design project and why is it necessary for quality repairs? More details

— ₽ per m²

Rough cycle

All work + materials + delivery and unloading. Walls, plaster, basic communications, screed. Preliminary cost estimate.

— ₽ per m²

Finishing cycle

Work + materials + plumbing + light + built-in furniture + doors, etc. Preliminary cost estimate

— ₽ per m²

Author's and technical supervision

Author's supervision for the entire period of repair. Technical supervision and quality control are included in the cost of work.

— ₽ per m²

Repair cost

By ordering repairs from us, you will reduce your costs by ₽

Studio head advice

An accurate calculation of the cost of your repair can only be made on the basis of a design project.

If you don’t have a project, then we are ready to make it.

When ordering a project from us, you receive individual service, high-quality service and a unique interior. You will be satisfied. And don’t forget, the cost of the design project will be returned to you with a discount when you order repairs from us!

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Galina - manager

Choose the style of your future interior

Beautiful interiors from our portfolio in classic, art deco, chalet, Provence, neoclassical and modern styles

• Go to the Popular Interior Styles page.
• Get to know the information about each and choose the solution you like.

You can give preference to modern classics, minimalism, art deco, eco-style and so on. But you don’t have to stop at one direction! Mixing styles is popular now. Your designer will be able to create a very interesting original mix of them.

All photos of the project Combination of loft and neoclassical in the living room interior

All photos of the project Combination of loft and neoclassical in the interior of the kitchen-dining room

When choosing a design direction, focus on the budget allocated for repairs. After all, to bring to life an interior project in a classic or art deco style, you will need much more money than to create a minimalist interior.

Collect an album of your favorite interiors

All photos of the project Beautiful dining room in loft style

Search the Internet for beautiful interiors and save those that best match the image of your dream home. This selection will help you explain your preferences to the designer. A large collection of projects is presented in our portfolio.

• Photos of apartments
• Photos of houses

Formulate your wishes for the layout

All photos of the project Working drawings are an important part of any interior design project

• What is the composition of your family?
• How many rooms should there be in a house or apartment?
• Prepare a scan of the BTI plan for your home.

In accordance with the initial data, the architect of your project will offer several options for planning solutions with furniture arrangement that will allow all household members to be accommodated comfortably.

Explore the market for repair and construction companies

• When looking for a contractor, pay attention to the organization's portfolio, experience and reputation.
• Choose the company whose work impresses you the most.
• And don’t forget that a reliable contractor always provides insurance and guarantees repairs. For example, upon completion of repairs, it issues a Warranty Certificate for up to 5 years.

Order design and renovation from professionals

Major renovation from

A call to the contractor's office or filling out a feedback form will be your first step into a new life.

Laminate

No plywood can compare with laminate in terms of strength. To make sure of this, let’s consider all types of floor coverings:

1. Solid wood boards. The service life is approaching fifty years, suitable for any interior. Disadvantages include dependence on room temperature and humidity. If you want to make cheap repairs in a one-room apartment, then this option is not for you, because a square meter of such coverage costs from 3 thousand rubles.
2. Parquet. Sold individually, allowing you to make any design. Used for at least fifty years, but provided that the subfloor is perfectly leveled. A square meter costs 3-5 thousand rubles.
3. Parquet boards are distinguished by the fact that they are already varnished and sanded. It lasts up to twenty years and costs accordingly - from 1200 rubles. per square meter.
4. Cork covering. It is pleasant and useful to walk on it: it is elastic and warm. The disadvantage is that it is easily damaged. Price - from a thousand rubles per square meter.
5. Laminate. It is a wear-resistant coating and is easy to install. Although laminate flooring lasts for twenty years, it is afraid of water, so it cannot be installed in wet rooms. A square meter costs from 300 rubles.
6. Natural linoleum. Easy to install, eco-friendly and warm. The service life is thirty years, but the coating is resistant to alkalis. The coating costs 700 rubles per square meter.
7. PVC linoleum. Can be with any pattern and any color. The coating is inexpensive, but can cause an allergic reaction due to the chemicals in the composition. The price starts from 200 rubles per square meter.
8. Carpet. A soft material for which you do not need to prepare a subfloor. The coating requires constant thorough cleaning because it attracts dust. Service life is five years. The price starts from 130 rubles per square meter.

Of everything available, it is better to buy laminate, because it is suitable in price and quality for the average budget. Its use allows you to renovate your apartment cheaply and beautifully.

What to get inspired by? 20 ideas for beautiful home and apartment renovations

All photos of the project Beautiful renovation of a living room in neoclassical style in a private house from our portfolio

To fulfill the 4th point of our plan, namely to collect a collection of interiors you like that you show to the designer, you will need to do some work to find suitable options. We decided to make things easier for you and have prepared a selection of interesting design and renovation ideas.

All photos of the project Design and renovation of a kitchen with elements of Provence in a private house from our portfolio

The beautiful interior of an apartment or a private house is a real symphony, performed by an orchestra of weightless curtains, original paintings, paints, numerous touches and lines, charming poufs, sofas and designer armchairs.

All photos of the project Design and renovation of an olive bedroom in neoclassical style

The secret to a beautiful renovation of an apartment or house is high-quality materials, harmonious color combinations, high-quality and stylish furniture and unusual details (lamps, paintings, decor).

In addition, fashion trends change every decade in the world of interior design, and the market for finishing materials and furniture delights with new products every year.

All photos of the project Design project for a greenhouse in a private house

How much did the materials cost me?

Save money when moving: promotions from IKEA, Lenta and other stores for new residents

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Designer renovation of the living room

Our selection opens with inspiring living room interiors. Scandinavian-style, refreshing and French-style, elegant, leaving a cinematic aftertaste and enveloping with the spicy aromas of Provençal herbs and flowers... Beautiful living rooms are very different, but all of them are unforgettable.

Nordic character

All photos of the project Laconic design of a living room in an apartment in the Oasis Park residential complex

The concept of a budget renovation in the Scandinavian style will not require huge investments in implementation. The interior of this living room with its gray and white tones, greenery and pine cones in the decor has a strong Nordic character.

All photos of the project Budget apartment renovation project

There are no nods to palace luxury here. But there is respect for nature with its characteristic natural colors, calmness and wisdom.

Flower and strawberry assortment

All photos of the project Living room in Provence style in a house in the Mishino residential complex

A print in the form of a scattering of bright flowers on the sofa, lime pouf and pillows, strawberry armchairs - it seems that we found ourselves in a sunny meadow in a summer garden, and not in a room. The Provence style living room has everything you need to become the most favorite place in the house.

All photos of the project Photograph of a country house made of timber with a fireplace

The fireplace will serve as a center of attraction on chilly autumn and frosty winter evenings. Cozy window sills and benches are the best place for reading and daydreaming. And the table, which makes up the company of upholstered furniture, is ideal for tea parties with fragrant juniper branches and raspberry jam.

Moonlight

All photos of the project Photograph of the interior of the apartment in the Donskoy Olympus residential complex (Moscow)

All photos of the project View of the fireplace area of ​​the living room

The pearl blue walls of this luxurious Art Deco living room are designed to catch the moonlight shining through the windows and evoke dreams of atmospheric walks through evening Paris. As in any social hall, there is a laconic fireplace portal, which serves as a stand for cute trinkets brought from different parts of the world.

All photos of the project Design project of a living room with a Chesterfield sofa

The turquoise surface of the coffee table, placed next to the respectable Chesterfield sofa, seems to still retain the image of a charming mademoiselle, who here enjoyed reading the latest book and a cup of velvety hot chocolate.

First steps

How to quickly make repairs in an apartment? If you manage your time correctly, then the repair will take less time. It is better to proceed according to the following plan:

1. First, a room plan is drawn up. On paper you need to sketch all the furniture, communications, including sockets, radiators. On the plan, you can divide the room into zones and think about the location of all the furniture and decor.
2. Removing old coatings from all surfaces. The ceiling, walls, floor are cleared of the old coating, windows and doors too, if they are not planned to be replaced. To remove old materials, you will need a spatula, solvents, and a hammer drill. To prevent mold, the walls are impregnated with an antiseptic solution. Then a primer is applied for better adhesion of the finishing material to the wall.
3. A new concrete screed is poured. If this is not done, the floor will not be level, which means walls and partitions will suffer.
4. If you are thinking about how to quickly make repairs in your apartment, then most likely you have forgotten about communications. Electrical wiring should be hidden in the walls not only for aesthetics, but also for safety. Cartridges and sockets must come to the surface. This also includes the installation of plastic sewer and water pipes and heating systems. The plan may indicate plasterboard partitions, then at this stage the frames for them are installed.

The rough finishing is now complete. The room has not yet taken its final form, but is ready for further renovation. It is best to move somewhere during the renovations, but if this is not possible, then make sure that dust and dirt do not get into other rooms.

Beautiful kitchen and dining room renovation

All photos of the project Beautiful white and yellow kitchen in Provence style. Photo after renovation

All photos of the project Photo of a dining room in Provence style after renovation

The modern kitchen in the house and apartment takes on almost sacred significance. Lunch with family, Saturday dinners with friends and even quick breakfasts are becoming familiar rituals that need the appropriate attributes. To furnish a kitchen-dining room, you will need a dining group, a designer chandelier and a stylish kitchen set with an island or bar counter.

Aristocratic grunge

All photos of the project Designer renovation of a dining room in a Moscow apartment

The French grunge dining room is charming. Archaic and modern coexist at the same time in the room. Caissons and columns, more typical of the classics, are adjacent to loft brickwork.

All photos of the project Beautiful dining room after renovation

Against the background of deliberate scuffs of the floor, accent wall and door slope, decor in the form of expensive lamps and mirrors creates a kind of counterpoint.

All photos of the project Kitchen design with brickwork and mustard bar stools

In the selection of interior details, one can feel the graceful negligence that so accurately characterizes the French way of life.

Noble Nest

All project photos Photograph of the interior of a beautiful dining room in the house

All photos of the project Design of a kitchen-dining room for a house in Provence and classic style

The whisper of pine trees outside the window, a good-quality sideboard storing antique porcelain and family silver, curtains whose rough simplicity hides true comfort, soft chairs with armrests conducive to long conversations - here is a simple recipe for arranging a dining room for a real noble nest.

Queen's Majesty

All photos of the project Creamy yellow and smoky blue shades in the kitchen interior

And this kitchen could easily be mistaken for a reception hall in a palace. It's all because of the large oval table and eight classic yellow and blue-gray chairs. The horn chandelier, which seemed to be carved out of ice, was placed directly above the dining group.

All photos of the project Interior design of a kitchen with soft window sills in an apartment in the Sreda residential complex

You want to spend as much time as possible in such a kitchen-dining room. After all, everything here is not only beautiful, but also convenient. And even the window sills have been turned into soft benches, on which, wrapped in a blanket, you can enjoy your favorite book, aromatic coffee or mulled wine.

Modern history

All photos of the project Design of a kitchen-living room for an apartment in the Albatross residential complex

All photos of the project Minimalistic kitchen interior with a bar counter

A monochrome interior with its simple palette can be no less presentable and attractive than a space saturated with colors. Just as black and white photographs have their own aesthetics, the author’s hand is felt in the design of this minimalist kitchen combined with a living room.

Key points

It is quite difficult to save on electrical wiring, especially if it is outdated or very weak. There is no way to do this without the help of an experienced technician, since saving on electrical communications is completely impractical. The only thing you can do yourself is to install sockets in the apartment. However, here too you need to be extremely careful.

Exquisite renovation in a cottage with high ceilings

To inexpensively repair a cottage, it is not necessary to purchase expensive tools, because you can simply rent them - it is much cheaper. You should also decide in advance on the repair period. The optimal time to start work is early or mid-autumn.

This is explained by the fact that at this time of year the weather is moderately warm, thanks to which, if the need arises, you can open the windows or doors of a country cottage. It should also be noted that there is a discount season before the onset of winter; at this time, many building materials can be purchased for almost nothing.

Renovation of a two-story cottage

Also, very often there are sales at construction markets due to the fact that the material has reached the end of its shelf life. You will have time to buy and quickly use this or that product before the expiration date expires. It turns out that it is beneficial for both you and the seller.

Beautiful bedroom renovation

All photos of the project Beautiful bedroom with a wooden slab headboard

Modern bedroom renovations involve endless experimentation with the accent wall behind the head of the bed. Today there are so many design options for this area that any customer will find it difficult to choose. Fortunately, there are professionals who can tell you what is trending now and offer original ideas that fit into the chosen interior style.

Wood and stone

All photos of the project The bedroom design combines the textures of wood and wild stone

This modern bedroom looks like it was carved right into the rock. The texture of wild stone on the wall behind the headboard, thanks to the backlighting, acquires volume. Lamps on cords, like lanterns suspended in the air, create a magical atmosphere. The wooden slab from which the headboard is made contrasts well with the stone.

Industrial luxury

All photos of the project Interior of a minimalist bedroom with a dressing room

The decoration of this bedroom was an accent wall with a concrete texture. Tall windows make the industrial landscape outside the window part of the interior composition. A built-in dressing room with slatted partitions helps maintain order in the room.

All photos of the project: Bedroom design with decorative textured panels in the decoration of an accent wall

Spring mood

All photos of the project Interior of a bedroom in a private house in the forest rapsody-2 community center

The presence of the Beautiful Lady is felt everywhere in the interior of this bedroom: in the floral pattern on the wall behind the headboard, in the lush bouquets carefully placed around the room, and in the abundance of delicate cream and pistachio textiles. In the bay window area, the designers placed a pair of classic bergere armchairs. Such a slight reference to the era of Louis XV brings with it a touch of French aristocracy.

All photos of the project Bedroom design with a floral print on the wall behind the head of the bed

Thanks to a scattering of flowers, as well as a fresh natural palette, a joyful spring mood dominates the room.

Creamy Fantasy

All photos of the project Textile wallpaper from ProSpero is used to decorate the bedroom with a Fabiano bed

The bedroom with a round mirror and a damask pattern on the wallpaper, thanks to its dessert cream tones and the loose texture of the bed and textiles, turned out to be cute and homely. Like whipped cream, the interior looks quite lush and appetizing.

All photos of the project Fragment of a beautiful bedroom interior on the third floor of a private house

A soft blue bergere chair with a screed in the backrest is accompanied by a miniature coffee table.

Decorative plaster

How to renovate a room on a budget if you don’t want to put up wallpaper? Use decorative plaster instead. It is especially suitable for families with pets or children. The plaster can withstand scratching and you can draw on it or glue plasticine on it. It removes any dirt without affecting the appearance.

Plaster is sold on different bases. For example, a mineral-based coating will last thirty years, a silicone-based coating will last sixty years, and polymer plaster can last a century. Even the best wallpaper cannot last that long; its maximum is twenty years.

For all its advantages, plaster is expensive, but among different compositions you can find inexpensive ones. Most often, textured coatings with different effects are chosen:

1. "Lamb." This is the name for a coating with small and large stone grains.
2. "Fur coat". The wall appears fleecy due to slight roughness.
3. "Bark beetle." The effect resembles corroded wood.

The price of plaster starts from 250 rubles per square meter.

Designer renovation of a children's room

All photos of the project Shades of pink powder in the interior of a nursery in the Yauza Park residential complex

A children's room is perhaps the only room in a house or apartment where imagination can be allowed to run wild. There is no need to adhere to any conventions here. The main thing is that the room is safe and comfortable for the child himself.

Butterflies and seashells

All photos of the project Interior design for a children's room with upholstered furniture in the shape of shells

Furniture designers often look to nature for inspiration when searching for new forms. For example, armchairs and sofas appear that resemble sea shells. It was this kind of light cocktail furniture that was decided to furnish the sitting area in the pink nursery in the photo. A zebra-patterned rug visually separates this area from the rest of the space. For the same purpose, a partition is also used, behind which a dressing table-console is hidden, where butterflies “flutter” among the painted flowers.

Visiting Umka

All photos of the project Children's room with mint accents

Mint bergere chairs, reminiscent of a ballet tutu sconce with figures of white doves, flowers and mother-of-pearl bed linen - the interior of the nursery for the twin sisters turned out to be so touching that you just want to perform the famous “Umka’s Lullaby”. Fortunately, the polar bear cub himself had already managed to “settle” in the room.

All photos of the project Spacious room for girls in the house in the forest rapsody-2 community center

Traveler's nursery

All photos of the project Interior of a children's room in a house in the forest rapsody-2 community center

The theme of travel is one of the favorites in nursery designs for boys. Here is the interior of this room with a typical white wardrobe in the colonial style, an ornate pattern on the wall reminiscent of monograms on an old letter, sconces in the form of ship lanterns refer to the sea cruises of the past.

All project photos Yellow accents and tartan textiles blend harmoniously with the gray palette of the room

Turquoise and coral

All photos of the project Design idea for a children's room in a modern apartment

A spacious children's room for a girl with white parquet and mint-turquoise wall decoration is filled with invigorating coolness and subtle silvery light. The chandelier and ceiling sconces are made in the same style and look like tubes with a cascade of sparkling pendants.

All photos of the project Children's room with emerald accents in an apartment in the Donskoy Olympus residential complex

The wall behind the TV, thanks to the effect of an aged mirror, adds radiance to the space, and warm coral accents in the interior textiles harmoniously balance the mint color.

Artificial aging of existing items

Country style is considered quite popular, and making such a design in residential areas is quite simple. To do this, you can find various old things that are artificially aged. With their help, any room can be decorated.

Additionally, you can use different aging techniques for old floor or wall coverings. In this case, housing that was not renovated due to lack of financial resources will be updated. It will create the feeling that high-quality repair work has been carried out.

Beautiful bathroom renovation

All photos of the project Bathroom design with large concrete-effect tiles in the finishing

Modern bathrooms sometimes look like real spa areas where you can carry out all the necessary beauty treatments. Of course, as before, tiles continue to play a big role in the decoration of bathrooms.

Solar geometry

All project photos Italian tiles with geometric patterns add abstractness to the space

Tiles with geometric patterns add unique features to a bathroom with concrete textures. Thanks to the mirror and lighting, the yellow accents on the walls turn into sunny ones.

Neon blue forest

All photos of the project The bathroom bowl is decorated with a slab of calacata marble

All photos of the project The painting on glass with backlight became the main touch in the interior composition

In the design of a marble bathroom, it is impossible not to notice the neon blue painting of a forest. The thicket, shrouded in a fairy-tale haze, as if a scene from a detective film or fantasy film, immerses you in an atmosphere of mystery and mysticism.

Space landscapes

All photos of the project Bathroom interior with Butan Bone and Calacata Silver tiles

There is something cosmic in the interior of a modern bathroom. This is largely due to the dark tiles with white veins, whose pattern is reminiscent of lunar landscapes. White pebbles in the area of ​​the bathroom bowl, like wood in the decoration, create the effect of being close to nature.

Expert advice

How to make repairs without money? To do this, it is advisable to use expert advice:

• all work will have to be done with your own hands, even if you do not have the necessary skills;
• you need to choose only inexpensive but high-quality materials;
• You should not throw away old things, as they can be used to decorate the premises;
• Wallpaper can be easily replaced with plaster or paint.

Instructions for installing certain coatings can be easily found on the Internet, so it will not be difficult to understand the rules of this work.

How to renovate an old house with your own hands: interior work

The fast pace of life forces people to often spend time on the road or constantly work, but even the busiest person spends a third of his life at home, not to mention children, housewives and retirees. Therefore, it is very important to create a favorable atmosphere, and this applies not only to decoration, but also to lighting, heat, ventilation and other important aspects. The psychological and physical health of the household will depend on them.

Daylight

It is important that there is natural light in the house, and the more of it, the better. Windows should occupy no more than 10% of the total area of ​​the house. Just imagine how much discomfort a person who regularly stays in a shaded room will feel - it will ruin his eyesight, it is impossible to fully clean, ventilate and grow indoor plants in this room. In addition, the lack or absence of windows will lead to high energy costs, and now even wealthy homeowners are trying to save on electricity.

Attention! Previously, small doorways and small windows were made in wooden houses in order to minimize heat loss. In those days, they used simple glass, which did not protect against the cold very well.

However, no one will allow you to just cut a beach window in the wall. There are certain regulations for expanding, moving or replacing windows. Please note that separate standards are provided for all regions of the country, since the coefficient of natural illumination is different.

The loss of illumination is affected not only by the size of the window, but also by the type of glass you use. It's no secret that double-glazed windows or ordinary glass do not transmit UV radiation, which means it will not be possible to create a luxurious greenhouse or solarium. Quartz glasses are used for this, but they are expensive, so they are purchased for specific needs.

How to arrange windows in the house:

• The windows in the bedroom and kitchen should face the southeast side, so that in the evening the sunset does not blind the household, and in the morning there is natural light.

• The windows of the living room are usually located to the west, so that you can turn on the lights during the evening rest for as long as possible and admire the sunset.

• The windows of the utility rooms must be oriented to the north, since they usually contain equipment, tools, materials and products that do not need bright natural light.

• If the room has several windows on different sides, then the small ones should be oriented to the north, and the large ones to the south.

• Windows facing south and west should be shaded naturally through structural elements of the building (protruding roof or balconies), cornices or shutters, or trees growing nearby.

Insulation of the house

A comfortable microclimate in a house largely depends on humidity and air temperature. In turn, these factors are ensured by proper steam and heat insulation and ventilation of the space.

The temperature in the house consists of two components - the temperature of surfaces (ceiling, walls and floor) and air. The optimal surface temperature is +17°C, air temperature is +20°C. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the residents. For example, for older people, housing should be made warmer, so it is better to install a heating regulator in each room so that everyone can set the desired temperature.

As a rule, in old-type houses there is insufficient thermal insulation of the walls, or it is simply missing. For this reason, a difference arises between the temperature inside and outside the building, as a result of which condensation forms, humidity increases and households feel unwell due to constant stuffiness. If the wall cannot be disassembled, we recommend making high-quality thermal insulation of the walls from the inside or outside.

Ventilation in the house

Due to disruption of natural air exchange, the structures of the floor, walls and ceiling deteriorate over time, which can also cause respiratory tract diseases. Previously, rarely did anyone think about creating ventilation in the roof and walls, and the reason for this was often not just the carelessness of the builders, but also the lack of well-thought-out projects.

At that time, the methods of ventilating foundations, facades and roofs that are used in construction today were not yet known.

Ventilation of rooms with excessive air humidity - bathrooms, kitchens, basements - deserves special attention. If in multi-storey buildings exhaust ventilation is used, which works due to pressure differences between cold and warm air, then this method is unacceptable for private houses.

In a house with two or three floors, the air pressure is very weak, so air exchange is carried out through the walls. To ensure this, it is worth laying a vapor barrier and insulating it with “breathable” materials. These include mineral wool boards, expanded polystyrene (extruded and regular), penoflex, etc.

Additional ventilation should pass through windows and vents, but in winter this method causes inconvenience. As a result, in cottage construction an exhaust ventilation system is always provided, which operates on fans - they take in warm air and remove it outside, supplying fresh air from the street. The photo below shows the principle of operation of exhaust ventilation.

To improve the microclimate, it is recommended to use natural building materials - wood, clay, bricks, gypsum and well-known plasters. They absorb unpleasant odors and moisture.

Electricity in the house

Unfortunately, the power supply in old houses almost always leaves much to be desired. If the previous residents did not take care of improving the system, then such work will fall on your shoulders. The main problem in these cases is not rotten wiring and old sockets, but insufficient power.

Previously, people did not consume much electricity because there was not an abundance of electrical appliances. As for entertainment, there was only radio, TV, but now there are game consoles, computers, stereo systems, etc.

If you have planned to install a “warm floor” system, do not want to turn off the computer to turn on the washing machine, or simply risk the performance of expensive equipment, you will have to contact the regional energy supply organization and ask to increase the quota for your home.

Unfortunately, for most old houses this cannot be done, so the only correct solution is to install your own substation. This event is quite expensive, but can pay for itself in the first few years and, as a result, will save money and control energy supply.

In the event that everything is fine with the power, and you only need to replace the wiring, you need to draw up a diagram of the finished system. It is necessary not only for quick and coordinated replacement, but also for subsequent repairs in the house. So, if you are planning to demolish a wall or doorway, then there is a high probability of cutting off power to absolutely the entire house.

Mostly open wiring in old houses (the wires are on the outside of the wall, running in the corners near the floor or under the ceiling), so it will be easy to draw up a diagram. If you use closed-type wiring, we recommend calling a specialist.

Attention! When drawing up an electrical wiring diagram, we recommend indicating not just the location of the outlets, but also the power of the devices that you are going to connect to them. It would be a good idea to make a small supply of sockets if you plan to install additional equipment in the future.

High-quality heating in the house

The most common problem with old houses is the high energy consumption for heating the premises. This is primarily due to poor thermal insulation of the floor, walls and ceiling and an outdated heating system. To reduce costs, in addition to thermal insulation, it is worth replacing old radiators (usually cast iron). The thermal insulation of the roof deserves special attention, since most of the heat escapes through it.

Attention! If you paint the batteries black, and lay foil material between the wall and them (the reflective side should be outward), then the house will be much warmer. The black color helps the battery heat up faster, and the foil will reflect heat into the room, whereas previously it escaped through the wall.

It is especially important to decide on the right choice of heating equipment. Thus, modern boilers operating on solid fuel are able to maintain the optimal temperature at the outlet of the boiler in automatic mode; a capacitive heat accumulator can be connected to them, which will accumulate excess heat during the day and release it at night. This is convenient if there are no residents during the day and there is simply no one to warm up.

Recently, gas generator boilers have become extremely popular. Their efficiency reaches 90%, since it burns not just wood, but also wood gas. They produce a small amount of zone, significantly save fuel and do not produce soot.

As for pyrolysis boilers, they are perfect for houses with a centralized gas supply, while electric boilers are recommended to be used as a backup option if your boiler suddenly fails.
They are not profitable financially and consume a lot of electricity. However, even a high-quality boiler cannot avoid heat loss, especially if it is installed in an old house. There are several ways to help minimize heat loss:

• seal or replace windows and doors;

• install thresholds and sealing gaskets between the floor and doors;

• if there is only one glass installed in the windows, provide it with a second frame or install a second one;

• hang thick, heavy curtains in the living room, bedroom and nursery, but so that they do not cover the radiators;

• You can ensure floor insulation in a room located above the basement using cork or felt backing, linoleum, thick carpet, heat-insulating boards; to enhance the effect, insulate the basement ceiling;

• We recommend covering the outer surface of the heating boiler with non-combustible insulation; by the excessively warm air you can determine that the heating equipment is losing a lot of useful energy;

• In summer, special solar collectors that heat water will help you save on electricity;

• In those places where the heat pipe passes through an unheated room, insulate it with foam or mineral wool.

Interior decoration

When the replacement of electrical wiring, plumbing, vapor barrier and insulation of surfaces is completed, you can begin the interesting part of renovating an old house with your own hands - interior decoration. The specifics and scope of work directly depend on the selected wall material.

For example, plasterboard partitions can be covered with wallpaper, while brick walls require priming and leveling, unless, of course, you plan to finish with PVC panels.

Interior wall decoration is necessary not only for external attractiveness. Its main task is to protect the heat and vapor barrier layer and the material itself from premature damage and deterioration. Therefore, you should choose finishing materials only taking into account the specifics of the room. Washable paints or putties are suitable for the kitchen and nursery; for the bedroom it is better to give preference to something more comfortable, for example, vinyl wallpaper; for the study, wooden panels are perfect.

Before finishing wooden walls, it is worth treating them with fire-retardant compounds, which protect the wood from fire. In this regard, paint is the best option, as it performs both decorative and protective functions.

However, it should be chosen carefully. Like other finishing materials, paints can be used for interior and exterior use. The main difference between “internal” paints is that they are not so resistant to negative external influences, temperature changes and UV radiation, but have greater coverage and aesthetics.

The environmental friendliness of the material also plays a huge role. In old houses you can still find surfaces that are covered with heavy paints (they contain lead). It is also better to avoid inexpensive oil-based alkyd paints, as they release harmful chemicals.

As for water-dispersion paints, they are perfect for finishing rooms. They are safe for health and do not interfere with natural ventilation, that is, they allow the walls to “breathe”.

Floor in the house

As a rule, the floors in old houses are covered with either planks, creaky parquet, or worn linoleum. Let's consider each of the options in more detail.

The nature of the repair work directly depends on the floor covering of the house:

1. Wooden covering.

The most common type of flooring is a plank floor, since the floorboard provides aesthetics and comfort to the room and is inexpensive. It is durable and environmentally friendly, for this reason, if you get such a floor, do not rush to tear out the boards - if it is properly repaired, then no modern coating can compare with it in quality and beauty.

Over time, the boards dry out, begin to spring, creak and wobble, and in some places holes appear from wood-boring beetles. In this case, severely damaged boards should be replaced. If you decide to replace part of the board, then the patch must rest on two joists, otherwise it will be unstable. To ensure that the floor does not creak and is level, the floorboards are held together.

To do this, the floor is dismantled, marking the location of the boards so as not to disturb their order later. Then you need to check the condition, replace or lay the substrate if it has deteriorated due to humidity or time.

If the floorboards are sagging, this may mean that there are not enough joists underneath and not enough quality support. Therefore, you just need to remove the boards and add joists in the places of deflection. If you suddenly find holes, chips and cracks in the floorboards, they can be repaired using wood putty.

1. Parquet flooring.

Parquet flooring is especially common in homes that were built in the 60s and 70s. last century. One of the most common parquet problems of those times was the creaking and swelling of floorboards. Such elements will have to be replaced with new ones, unless, of course, the parquet is swollen along the entire perimeter, since then it will need to be completely replaced.

Often the cause of squeaking is dry boards or an uneven base. Previously, parquet was laid directly on bitumen mastic, and there was no talk of any cork or plywood underlays. To find the cause of the squeak, you need to remove the floorboard and carefully inspect the base. It is best to re-lay creaking parquet on a substrate.

Old parquet floors have cracks in which debris regularly gets clogged. They definitely need to be sealed. To do this, you need to clean the gap and fill it with a special putty. If it is large, then to eliminate it, use a wooden patch, which is mounted on epoxy glue.

If you are faced with worn, scratched and darkened parquet, there is only one way out - sanding. The sanding machine removes the top layer of parquet and removes the varnish coating, after which you can begin to seal the cracks and recoat the floor with fresh varnish.

1. Linoleum.

If there is old linoleum on the floor, it is easier to replace it than to repair it. This is one of the budget coating options, so you do not lose out financially. In addition, modern linoleums are produced with dense noise- and heat-insulating substrates, so they will be better than the previous coating.

If the linoleum is in good condition, but there are small holes or dents where the furniture used to be, apply patches. Place a new piece of linoleum on the damaged area with a small allowance, cut out the patch, grabbing the old linoleum from below.

So, you will have both a patch and a suitable notch for it. Carefully coat the edges of the holes in the old linoleum and the bottom of the patch with glue, and for better fixation, place a weight on top until the glue dries. Moreover, with the help of such patches you can create an original floor covering if you have pieces of linoleum with different patterns.

Walls

Often cracks run along the surface of the entire wall, both inside and outside. Dampness causes concrete to peel off and plaster to crumble.

Such problems indicate errors in design, destruction of waterproofing and poor thermal insulation.

We carry out work or order

Next, the repair proceeds according to a certain sequence, → the repair sequence is described here in more detail, I recommend reading it. There are also links to various types of work.

In general, this article can be completed here, because everything else comes down to either hiring a master (team, company), or independent work, which makes no sense to describe here, since these are topics for other articles, and there are a great many articles on the site, start from the sequence (link above).
Good luck! Please contact us with questions below and I’ll try to help! Leave your tips and comments below. Subscribe to our newsletter. Good luck to you and good luck to your family!

Heating system

The heating system must be checked with special care. If the old stove has fallen apart, you will need to get rid of it. It is possible that the heating system will have to be completely changed.

To connect to gas, you need an adapter with certain dimensions, the width of the chimneys should not be very large, cast iron batteries should be replaced with modern radiators.

Heating regulators must be installed in the heating system.

Note!

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